Denim is becoming increasingly valuable to collectors around the world.
A Levi’s jacket recently broke the Guinness World Record for being the most expensive used denim jacket.
A World War II Levi’s S506XXE jacket recently sold for 55 million yen in Japanese yen, or approximately $307,588.
This jacket is significant as it dates from a time when textiles were rationed. It features a unique backsplit, where two pieces of fabric are sewn together to create the back of the jacket. According to Guinness World Records, this was either due to efficient use of fabric or because the fabric coming off the loom was not wide enough.
World War II split-back models have become even more important as they demonstrate manufacturers’ efforts to minimize materials. Other methods include changing the donut button on jeans or the fabric on the pockets, according to Guinness World Records.
Also, the jacket is in near dead stock condition. Most leather patches on wartime denim jackets and pants are crushed or lost, but this jacket’s patch is intact. Lot number and size are legible.
The jacket was purchased from Five Star Co., Ltd., a beauty salon group. In an interview with Guinness World Records, CEO Masayuki Sasaki emphasized the beauty of denim.
“This is not about how expensive a purchase was. This is a gesture that shows that Japanese aesthetics have been cultivated to the extent that we have an eye for finding and appreciating world cultural heritage sites and passing them on to generations,” he said. “Beauty is not just about hair and cosmetics. Clothes, environment, movement, and time all contribute to beauty. I hope this event will serve as an opportunity to further elevate Japanese aesthetics to the world cultural stage.”
