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Evisu
Evisu
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Evisu Jeans (エヴィスジーンズ) is a Japanese designer clothing company that specializes in producing denim wear through traditional, labor-intensive methods. The brand was founded by Hidehiko Yamane in 1991 in Osaka originally as an homage to Levi's. Its current headquarters are in Ōtsu, Shiga.

Key Information

Production

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The iconic Evisu seagull logo
The Japanese folk god Ebisu (恵比寿) is the namesake of the brand

The initial production line allowed about 14 pairs of jeans a day to be produced, with each of them having a seagull (kamome) hand painted on them by Yamane himself. Ebisu is the name of the Japanese folk god of money who is usually portrayed with a fishing rod.

In the early 1990s Yamane introduced a tailoring line, followed by fishing and golf lines. In 1999, he introduced a ladies fashion line called Evisu Donna to complete the development of Evisu as a full-fashion range going far beyond a jeans brand. Evisu has 65 shops in Japan.[citation needed]

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In March 2006, the company and Yamane were reported to Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office with another firm on suspicion of tax evasion. Yamane and the two firms stood accused of concealing more than 500 million yen of income as well as evading some 160 million yen in taxes over three years.[1]

Personnel changes

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In 2009, Evisu was relaunched, and Scott Morrison, the co-founder of Paper Denim & Cloth and Earnest Sewn, was added to the Evisu team as CEO and creative director.[2][3][4] Yamane left the company in 2022, to launch his eponymous brand.[5]

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The brand has been mentioned in several songs, including Mase's Harlem Lullaby, Jay-Z's "Show You How" and "Jigga That Nigga", in Young Jeezy's track "Bury Me a G", The Game's "Down for My Niggaz", T.I.'s "ASAP", Lil Wayne's "Lock & Load," The Carters' "Apeshit", De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig's "Shenkie", Seedhe Maut's "Luka Chippi", Club Dogo's "Spacco tutto", and Gucci Mane's "Freaky Girl".

The brand can be seen in Season 2 Episode 4 of Gavin & Stacey, worn by Dave Coaches.

References

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See also

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Evisu is a Japanese premium denim brand founded in 1991 in by Hidehiko Yamane, renowned for introducing high-quality selvage denim to global markets through its signature adorned with hand-painted seagull logos. Named after Ebisu, the god of prosperity and fishermen, the brand began with custom modifications of vintage Levi's , evolving into original designs that emphasize craftsmanship and Japanese heritage. From its inception, Evisu gained popularity among Japan's detail-oriented fashion enthusiasts by opening its first store, "Old Hampshire Bond," in April 1991 and producing limited runs of hand-painted jeans that captured a streetwear essence. The brand's expansion in the 1990s and 2000s included international growth, collaborations with entities like Puma for football apparel, New Era for caps, and Moleskine for notebooks, alongside limited-edition lines with Pepsi, Swarovski, and Keith Haring. Notable campaigns, such as the 2012 appointment of Edison Chen as spokesperson and the 2014 Autumn/Winter rebranding photographed by Terry Richardson, reinforced its cultural impact in streetwear and luxury denim. Today, Evisu continues to produce a range of products including , outerwear, accessories, and under lines like EVISU SUN, maintaining its commitment to premium Japanese while partnering in events like the . The brand's influence extends to collaborations with BE@RBRICK and , solidifying its status as a pioneer in blending traditional artistry with contemporary .

Founding and History

Origins and Inspiration

Evisu was founded in 1991 in Osaka, Japan, by Hidehiko Yamane, a tailor whose passion for vintage American denim drove the brand's creation as a homage to classic Levi's jeans from the 1950s and 1960s. Born in Osaka in 1959, Yamane developed an early love for fashion and trained as a tailor before working at Lapine, a prominent Osaka store specializing in imported vintage Levi's, where he honed his skills in denim repair and reproduction. His experiences at Lapine inspired him to recreate the durability and aesthetic of mid-century American workwear using high-quality Japanese selvage fabrics, which offered superior texture and longevity compared to contemporary mass-produced denim. This focus on authenticity positioned Evisu as part of Japan's emerging "Osaka Five" collective of premium denim brands in the early 1990s. The brand's name derives from Ebisu, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune in , who is revered as the of prosperity, craftsmanship, and fishermen—elements that echoed denim's origins as rugged for laborers and . Yamane chose this nomenclature to symbolize good fortune in his endeavor to revive artisanal traditions, blending Japanese cultural reverence with Western heritage. This inspiration extended to the brand's ethos, emphasizing meticulous handcrafting over industrial efficiency to honor the functional beauty of vintage jeans. In its nascent phase, Evisu's production was highly limited and artisanal, with Yamane personally crafting just 14 pairs of per day on shuttle looms to ensure unparalleled quality. Each pair featured a distinctive hand-painted logo on the back pockets, inspired by the founder's fishing hobby and representing a (kamome in Japanese). This unique emblem, applied with traditional brush techniques, became a hallmark of Evisu's identity, underscoring the brand's commitment to individuality and heritage from its very first offerings.

Early Development and Expansion

In the mid-1990s, Evisu expanded beyond its core offerings by introducing specialized apparel lines, including tailoring, , and collections, which broadened the brand's appeal within Japan's fashion-conscious market. These additions reflected founder Hidehiko Yamane's vision to integrate premium Japanese craftsmanship into diverse lifestyle segments, building on the artisanal that had initially drawn niche enthusiasts. By 1999, Evisu further diversified with the launch of Evisu Donna, a dedicated women's line that extended the brand into full-spectrum apparel, moving beyond to encompass broader options. This development marked a pivotal step in establishing Evisu as a comprehensive , catering to female consumers and enhancing its domestic footprint. Domestically, the brand's popularity surged, leading to the opening of approximately 65 shops across by the late and early 2000s, capitalizing on the growing interest in high-quality, vintage-inspired denim among urban youth. Internationally, Evisu began outreach to and in the late , fueled by rising global demand for authentic premium Japanese denim, with early adoption in markets like where it gained traction among aficionados. To support this growth and improve production scalability, Evisu transitioned from hand-painted logos to machine-embroidered designs around 2000, allowing for increased output while preserving the brand's signature aesthetic.

Products and Manufacturing

Iconic Designs and Products

Evisu's products are its men's and women's , crafted from premium Japanese selvage denim typically weighing 12 to 14 ounces, which provides and a structured drape essential to the brand's heritage aesthetic. Available in diverse fits such as straight-leg, bootcut, taper, slim, regular, and relaxed, these cater to varied body types and style preferences, with straight-leg and taper options emphasizing a clean, elongated while bootcut styles offer a flared hem for a classic, structured look. The signature seagull on the back pockets defines Evisu's visual identity, originating as hand-painted designs in the brand's early years before evolving to intricate stitched versions for scalability and precision. This motif, often rendered in contrasting colors like gold, , or metallic threads, adds a luxurious, artisanal touch to the , with variations including 3D and distressed outlines that enhance texture and depth. Complementing the core denim lineup, Evisu's accessory lines include belts, wallets, T-shirts, jackets, and , many incorporating prints or brand motifs for cohesive styling. jackets feature embroidered details and jacquard patterns, while T-shirts showcase relaxed fits with stitched logo and for casual versatility. and socks integrate subtle branding, and belts often highlight leather patches with iconic elements, extending the brand's aesthetic beyond . Collaborations and limited editions further highlight Evisu's innovative edge, often featuring vintage-inspired washes and distressed finishes to evoke worn-in authenticity. Notable partnerships, such as with Icecream and GDC, blend seagull motifs with partner signatures like 8-point stars, resulting in exclusive jeans and outerwear with hand-distressed rips and splash-ink effects. As of 2025, Evisu's product range encompasses Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter collections emphasizing longevity through high-quality selvage denim, with recent introductions incorporating washed and distressed techniques that promote sustainable wear by mimicking natural aging and reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Production Techniques

Evisu employs vintage shuttle looms, many imported from the , to weave its fabric, resulting in authentic edges and narrow-width cloth that contributes to the material's durability and texture. These looms produce a looser weave compared to modern machinery, allowing for better over time while maintaining a rougher, more tactile surface. The brand's labor-intensive dyeing process utilizes natural indigo through rope dyeing, where yarns are twisted into ropes and dipped repeatedly—up to 30 times—to achieve deep, fade-resistant color penetration. This method ensures even coloration on the warp threads while leaving the weft undyed for contrast, a hallmark of premium Japanese . To create vintage aesthetics, Evisu incorporates stone-washing, where garments are tumbled with stones in industrial washers to soften the fabric and impart a worn appearance. Production began on a small artisanal scale, with founder Hidehiko Yamane hand-painting the iconic seagull logo on approximately 14 pairs of per day in the early 1990s. As demand grew, the process scaled to semi-automated for the seagull motifs and other details, preserving premium standards through multiple thread types and precise stitching while increasing output efficiency. As of 2025, Evisu sources its from mills in Japan's region, renowned for high-quality selvedge production, with for premium and lines and in select Asian facilities for broader production. The brand uses natural dyes as part of its traditional processes, which avoid synthetic chemicals compared to some conventional denim production. Key quality hallmarks include the distinctive red selvedge ID, which identifies authentic Okayama-woven fabric, and branded rivets that reinforce while bearing the Evisu . These elements underscore the brand's commitment to traditional craftsmanship amid modern adaptations.

Business Developments

Ownership Changes

In 2010, Hong Kong-based investor led a of Evisu through his Evisu Group, acquiring control of the brand's international operations outside at a time when the company was burdened by approximately $50 million in . restructured the by negotiating with major shareholders and raising capital from personal and family resources, which stabilized the financially struggling brand and enabled a strategic pivot toward Asian markets. This acquisition facilitated rapid global expansion, with Evisu opening international stores and growing to over 200 locations worldwide by 2022. In 2016, Evisu Group bought back the retailing and rights for its operations from partner New Elegant Trading () Co. for $40 million, enhancing direct control over its largest market and supporting further growth in . David Pun retained majority ownership following the transaction, allowing the brand to consolidate its presence in the region without dependencies. This move contributed to Evisu's estimated valuation reaching $500 million by 2022, reflecting its strengthened position as a premium . By 2022, original founder Hidehiko Yamane departed the company, marking the end of his direct involvement after three decades. Under the ongoing of Evisu Group, the has maintained stability, leveraging its expanded store network and Asian market dominance to sustain operations amid the founder's exit.

Key Personnel

Hidehiko Yamane founded Evisu in 1991 in , , serving as the brand's creative visionary by pioneering hand-painted seagull logos on and utilizing vintage shuttle looms to produce premium selvedge inspired by traditional craftsmanship. His innovative approach helped establish Evisu as a global denim icon, blending Japanese heritage with aesthetics during its early expansion in the and . Yamane retired from the company in 2022 after guiding it to over 200 stores worldwide and a valuation exceeding $500 million, amid challenges from the pandemic's impact on the Japanese fashion sector. In , Yamane staged a comeback by launching his new brand, Yamane & Co., in collaboration with longtime partner Peter Caplowe, emphasizing artisanal production with hand-painted details and a focus on unwashed, sustainable fabrics to revive classic techniques. The brand debuted with five stores in and a pop-up in London's district, where Yamane personally customized pieces to underscore his commitment to quality over mass production. David Pun assumed the role of Chairman and CEO of Evisu Group in 2010 through a , inheriting a on the brink of with approximately $50 million in debt accumulated from prior mismanagement. He spearheaded by negotiating with major shareholders and repositioned Evisu toward Asian markets while divesting underperforming European operations, facilitating a turnaround that restored profitability within a few years. Under Pun's through the 2010s, Evisu expanded globally, re-entering the U.S. and European markets in 2018 with refreshed collections and strategic retail partnerships to capitalize on renewed demand for premium . Scott Morrison, co-founder of the denim labels Paper Denim & Cloth and Earnest Sewn, joined Evisu in 2009 as CEO and creative director to orchestrate a comprehensive relaunch amid declining sales. His tenure focused on revitalizing the brand's heritage through updated vintage-inspired designs, limited-edition collaborations like the 2010 Common Projects capsule, and a streamlined product lineup that emphasized authentic Japanese manufacturing. Morrison departed around 2011 to found his next venture, 3x1, leaving behind a foundation that stabilized Evisu's creative direction during a pivotal recovery phase. Following Yamane's 2022 exit, Evisu Group's leadership is headed by Chairman and CEO David Pun, with key executives including Chief Operating Officer Vanessa Hui and Marketing Director Justin Korkidis.

Trademark Litigation

In the late 1990s, Evisu faced early trademark challenges from Levi Strauss & Co. over similarities in back-pocket designs, culminating in a 1999 settlement agreement. Under this accord, Evisu committed to refraining from using specific pocket configurations and any red tab device on the rear pocket, measures aimed at preventing confusion with Levi's iconic trademarks. This settlement influenced Evisu's branding evolution, prompting the adoption of its distinctive embroidery logo in the late 1990s as a hand-painted element on , which helped differentiate the brand while nodding to nautical themes tied to its name's origins. The motif, applied manually to each pair during the brand's initial production phase, became a hallmark that preempted further infringement claims by establishing a unique visual identity. Tensions resurfaced in 2010 when filed a lawsuit against Evisu International S.R.L. in the U.S. District for the Northern District of on 26. The complaint alleged that Evisu's "Private Stock" line replicated elements of Levi's historic 501 jeans, including arcuate stitching patterns and red tab placements, in violation of the 1999 settlement; Levi's sought an , a declaration of breach, and damages. The case was settled out of , though specific terms were not publicly disclosed, reinforcing Evisu's need for ongoing design adjustments to maintain distinctiveness. During Evisu's expansion in the , the brand encountered additional minor disputes in and . In , Evisu successfully pursued a (WIPO) against a registrant of evisu.com, securing transfer of the domain based on its prior registrations in since 1996, , and the . In , a 2010 copyright infringement suit in against a local company using a similar seagull mark on resulted in a loss for Evisu at the , highlighting challenges in enforcing design protections abroad. These cases underscored the complexities of global IP enforcement amid rapid market growth.

Tax Evasion Allegations

In March 2006, the Regional Taxation Bureau accused Evisu Japan, its founder Hidehiko Yamane, and an affiliated manufacturing firm of concealing more than ¥500 million in income and evading approximately ¥160 million in corporate and income taxes over the three years from 2003 to 2005. The allegations centered on unreported revenues from international licensing and sales contracts, which had fueled the brand's rapid global expansion during that period. Yamane, who served as president and lead designer, was directly implicated alongside the two companies—Evisu Japan and Ocean Trading—for failing to declare these earnings properly. The investigation by the taxation bureau prompted comprehensive audits of the firms' financial records, revealing discrepancies in how overseas income was accounted for. While the case was referred to the for potential criminal review, no indictments or prosecutions followed, with the matter resolving through civil proceedings. Evisu paid the outstanding along with substantial penalties, imposing significant financial strain on the company's operations at a time of aggressive international growth. This episode exacerbated Evisu's fiscal challenges, contributing to motivations for structural changes aimed at stabilization; the brand underwent relaunch in 2009 under new global leadership, including creative director , to refocus and recover momentum. The tax resolution highlighted vulnerabilities in the company's early under Yamane's direction, influencing subsequent strategies to prioritize financial compliance and sustainable expansion.

Cultural Significance

Influence in Fashion

Evisu played a pivotal role in pioneering premium selvage denim during the 1990s, introducing high-quality Japanese raw denim that emphasized artisanal craftsmanship and vintage-inspired techniques. The brand quickly gained traction among fashion enthusiasts by hand-painting its signature seagull logo on each pair, fostering a revival of interest in untreated, rigid denim that contrasted with mass-produced alternatives. As a key member of the influential Osaka Five—alongside brands such as Studio D'Artisan, Fullcount, Denime, and Warehouse & Co.—Evisu contributed to elevating Japanese denim standards, inspiring a collective shift toward reproduction of mid-20th-century American styles using shuttle looms and natural indigo dyes. This collaboration helped transform the local industry, positioning it as a global benchmark for authenticity and detail-oriented production. The brand's emphasis on durable, fade-over-time jeans embodied the ethos, promoting longevity and personal customization through wear rather than rapid turnover. Founder Hidehiko Yamane's obsession with sourcing vintage machinery ensured jeans that aged gracefully, inspiring the broader raw movement and encouraging consumers to view as an piece. This approach countered the disposability of , with Evisu's designs inherently supporting by reducing replacement frequency and aligning with circular principles where garments improve over decades of use. As a global trendsetter, Evisu elevated Japanese manufacturing within luxury streetwear, expanding from niche appeal in to international recognition and influencing the premium denim category worldwide. By the early , the brand had become a staple for urban scenes, with its handcrafted adopted across subcultures and high-end retailers. By 2025, Evisu operated over 200 points of sale and shipped to more than 170 countries, solidifying Japanese denim's prestige in the luxury market. Post-2020, Evisu's enduring focus on quality and durability has positioned it within eco-fashion trends, as the brand's long-lasting products minimize environmental impact compared to disposable alternatives, though broader industry assessments note room for enhanced material sourcing. This alignment reinforces its legacy in promoting mindful consumption in . Evisu gained prominence in hip-hop culture through numerous lyrical references that highlighted its status as a premium denim brand synonymous with success and street style. Jay-Z name-checked the brand in his 2002 track "Show You How" from The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse, rapping, "These ain't Diesel, nigga, these is Evisu," marking an early mainstream endorsement in rap music. Similarly, Mase referenced Evisu in "My Harlem Lullaby" (2004), describing his outfit as "Evisu down to my under close," emphasizing its full-ensemble appeal. Young Jeezy evoked the brand's luxury in "Bury Me a G" from The Inspiration (2006), with the line "Bury me in some Evisu jeans," underscoring its role in aspirational imagery. T.I. incorporated it into "ASAP" from Urban Legend (2004), noting "white tees and Evisu" as essential streetwear. Lil Wayne frequently boasted about Evisu throughout the mid-2000s, as in multiple tracks from mixtapes like Dedication 2 (2006), where he positioned the jeans as a staple of his opulent lifestyle. More recently, Drake and Lil Baby alluded to its high cost in "Yes Indeed" (2018), with Lil Baby's verse stating "hundred thousand in Evisu," reflecting ongoing relevance. The Carters (Beyoncé and Jay-Z) continued this tradition in "APESHIT" from Everything Is Love (2018), where Jay-Z rapped "I got M's like the back of Evisu," tying the brand to wealth and legacy. The brand also appeared on British television in the sitcom Gavin & Stacey, specifically in Season 2, Episode 4 (2008), where character Dave Coaches wore Evisu jeans, showcasing its crossover into mainstream UK pop culture. Evisu was adopted by prominent celebrities during the 2000s and 2010s, solidifying its place in urban luxury fashion. and were frequently spotted in Evisu pieces, contributing to its streetwear elevation through their influential styles. embraced the brand in his early career outfits, aligning it with the era's hip-hop aesthetic. featured Evisu in the 2021 music video for "Don't Go" alongside , wearing an all-over print denim set that blended the brand's heritage with contemporary pop visuals. In 2025, Evisu has seen renewed visibility among and influencers, particularly through collaborations like the Evisu x Icecream drop, which merges Japanese denim with ' streetwear vision and has been highlighted by Asian pop figures such as in promotional campaigns. Evisu emerged as a of luxury urban during the early 2000s era, where its hand-painted logo and raw denim quality symbolized status and authenticity in hip-hop circles, often paired with other Japanese like BAPE.

References

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