Nigel Cabourn MAN / FIREMAN JACKET - HEMP COTTON

This season's OX'ed SILVER focuses on firemen, blacksmiths, engineers, masons, and architects. Sashiko is a technique in which thick threads are sewn all over the fabric to make it thick and sturdy. Sashiko weaving is a reproduction of this extremely primitive technique on a loom. The unique, firm yet natural thickness of this fabric is due to a triple weave of hemp and cotton blend yarns. It was constructed with reference to precious vintage cloth that existed from the late 1800s to the early 1930s. The thick fabric is extremely sturdy, and once it absorbs water, it functions as a fireproof suit. It is also known in Japan as a special fabric worn by firefighters. The design is based on a vintage jacket worn by the US fire brigade, and the buttons are a reproduction of the original jacket designed by a now-defunct French department store for its own fire brigade.