THE STRIKE GOLD

The Strike Gold is a Japanese label founded by Tohru Hamamoto in Kojima, Okayama. It draws on classic Americana and the casual cool of the 1950s, looking to the era when American denim began to take on a life of its own. The brand's slogan quotes James Dean, which tells you where its head is at.

It goes beyond straight reproductions, though. The denim and apparel silhouettes are designed for today's wearer, and everything is designed with aging in mind, so the clothes stay with you for the long haul. A good fit if you like your denim rooted in the past but cut for now.