Editor’s Note: be sure to check out Part I, Part II, and Part III in this multi-part series.
One would think that in Italy, the land of Pitti Uomo and Neapolitan tailoring, American workwear would be a mere afterthought. Well one has clearly not yet met Antonio di Battista, the one-man founder and designer of Blue Blanket.
Antonio di Battista, founder and designer of Blue Blanket
Although Blue Blanket is only entering its sophomore year on the market, di Battista has already amassed an impressive collection of nearly a dozen jeans and chinos. The core to his line is a slim-straight five pocket in raw 13 Oz. Japanese selvedge with contrast yellow stitching.
While off a brief glance their wares might seem like standard stuff, di Battista goes deep on the details including laurel leaf buttons, super beefy pocket bags made from 10 Oz. Italian selvedge canvas, and every jean comes in deadstock fabric bag that di Battista himself hand dyed.
Also in the collection are more workwear inspired pieces like full fit carpenter jeans, pinstripe waist overalls, and selvedge cinchback chinos.
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A specialty canvas waistband on Blue Blanket’s collab with magazine Men’s File
di Battista is also at no loss for showmanship. He put his craftsmanship to the test by hosting a “Tug of Denim”, inviting anyone to play tug of war with a pair of Blue Blankets. If you could do any damage, you won free jeans. Dozens gave it their all but Blue Blanket gave away zero jeans.
Blue Blanket’s Tug of Denim
di Battista was still searching for Blue Blanket’s first US stockist during Inspiration, but it looks like he’s found one at San Francisco’s AB Fits, so congratulations, Antonio! We’re looking forward to watching Blue Blanket covering America soon.
Eat Dust
Also hailing from mainland Europe — Antwerp, Belgium to be specific — was Eat Dust, a brand forged on a shared love of motorcycles and denim between friends Keith and Rob.
Their label features a prominent use of the number “673”, a play on Keith and Rob’s birth years–1967 and 1973, respectively. Their display at Inspiration featured pieces from their Southwest inspired Autumn/Winter collection.
We were big fans of their subtle texture changes on their corduroy collar of their denim barn coat.
Rob admitted though that his favorite piece from the season was a shearling vest, which he happened to also be wearing.
Eat Dust’s full line will drop in a few months and will be available via their webstore.
Keep reading for our final Inspiration post on LA denim maker Railcar Fine Goods!
