This project was a pleasant surprise as we take a return visit to the back streets of Oakland where denim guru Roy Slaper plys his trade. Cool Hunting have kindly put together this short film which provides somewhat of a summary of the work Roy undertakes in his studio, focusing in on the machinery he uses to create all the separate elements of his custom jeans, whilst reminding us all of the witty nature of Mr Slaper in the process. We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to speak with Roy back last october when we put together a short interview which has to have been one of our most successful to date, people really love the guy. It’s hard not to appreciate his dedication and passion for making denim, if you think about it it’s pretty crazy that Roy literally knew the bare bones of making a pair of jeans a few years ago, to get to the stage he’s at now must have taken a serious labour of love.
You see exactly this in the range of antique machines that Roy has amounted over time, many of which he’s had to restore and fix himself learning everything from scratch as he goes along. All this new found knowledge has led for a really well made yet individual jean, you certainly won’t find another pair with these elements crafted the Roy Slaper way, these are totally unique.
I sometimes wonder what the resulting jean would be if you got together William Kroll of Tender Co and Roy for a collaborative project, they both bring such individual elements to their work that I think you’d end up with something really special. Surely wishful thinking on my part? so whilst I ponder this lower your gaze below and enjoy.