Lee Is Bringing Out the Heavy Artillery

IMG 1856 628x471 Lee Is Bringing Out the Heavy Artillery

This report has been on it’s way for quite some time now. Actually, I first thought about doing it when I was in Berlin in January and didn’t meet my friends from Lee there. Well, if the mountain won’t go to the Muhammed, then Muhammed must come to the mountain, as the saying goes. So I went to visit the Scandinavian Lee headquarters to have a look at the fall/winter collection for 2012.

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In Hellebæk about an hours drive north of Copenhagen, the Lee “führerbunker” is located in these buildings that used to house Hellebæk Klædefabrik (an old clothing factory), which closed in 1977 after producing fabrics for almost a century.

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To get some evocative pictures of the highlights from Lee 101, sales representative of Northern Sealand, Mads Dahlgaard and I went down to the beach, which is just across the road of the old beautiful buildings.

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One of the most exiting news is this pair of 101Z jeans in a coarse 23 oz. fabric, which will be available in shops like Brund and Meadow.

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As you probably read before, the Storm Rider jacket was first introduced in 1933. This 2012 version of the classic jacket is made of the exclusive “100% Natural Indigo Dye – 5 dips” fabric that was launched this spring for the 101Rider jeans and the 101J jacket.

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Labels for the 101 collection are inspired by Lee labels from the 40s and 50s.

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IMG 1840 628x837 Lee Is Bringing Out the Heavy ArtilleryIf you for some reason you should feel like wearing anything other than blue jeans these 101S piece-dyed selvage twill jeans might be something of interest. The 101S was introduced in 1941 when Lee brought in rodeo star Turk Greenough and his girlfriend Sally Rand (who was an exotic dancer) to re-tailor the existing fit and make it tighter. Sally Rand used a stapler to make the thighs slimmer, however, kept the hems wide to give room for the boots. The “boot cut” quickly became the jean of choice across America.

IMG 1842 628x837 Lee Is Bringing Out the Heavy ArtilleryIMG 1845 628x471 Lee Is Bringing Out the Heavy ArtilleryReview by Thomas Bojer.

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Thomas Bojer

Founder and editor-in-chief at Denimhunters
Thomas got into denim through a keen interest in manufacturing and a love for the well-faded jean. He's based in Copenhagen, Denmark, but he travels as much as his job allows. Through Denimhunters he has found a way to share his passion with likeminded enthusiasts while learning more about the blue fabric. Thomas' favourite jean is the 1947 501XX and he has a soft spot for Red Wing Shoes.
734019 10152300210237195 839581040 n 2 Lee Is Bringing Out the Heavy Artillery
Published on 23 May 2012 9 Comments
  • http://patrikrunsfast.blogspot.com/ Patrikrunsfast

    Good looking collection. Those bulletproof 23oz bad boys are perfect for long and cold winters, that we are privileged to enjoy here in nordic.

  • Arie van den Berg

    Le is such an iconic piece of denim-cloth. I think to wear this Lee 101 23OZ is quite uncomfortable with those heavy denim, but will of course last a man´s life. I would like to try this one for how the fitting feels. The look is fabulous.

    • saintpolk

      Just got one 23oz… best denim ever
      cut is perfect and the thickness brings something new that gives a great look.
      Of course very uncomfortable at first but after a few days it’s already get softer.
      Let’s wait at least 6 month and see what happens after the first wash…

    • Arie van den Berg

      Bought this heavy Lee a month ago in the Lee-store Utrecht, the Netherlands. Quite heavy stuff to wear in, but really great fit. Going to love it when it´s been softer after many many months of wear.

  • http://www.meadowweb.com Christopher Åkesson

    Great coverage! Summer just got here and I’m already looking forward to the autumn and winter. That’s when us denim heads really can dress up!

  • Rasmus

    I agree Christopher. Wow this collection looks awesome! Lee is the best band around IMO!!

  • gerry

    nice, i could go for that storm rider…

  • http://veritydenim.wordpress.com Robert

    Looks really nice. Especially like the Hickory shirt. Made a great setting to go down to the beach!

  • Arie van den Berg

    Bought it last week at the Lee-store in Utrecht for a sale price, very thick and heavy to wear in the beginning. In April RawrDenim will start a contest with wearing heavy denims from 20oz and more and I will be part of the deal with my new Lee jeans.