Project 27

27 is an entire wardrobe, made up of 27 essential basics. Our goal is to deliver a “minimal closet.” We are passionate about the design, manufacturing process, and branding. Our goal is to launch 3-4 pieces a year through the READYFOR crowdfunding platform. Each piece will be inscribed with a distinct production number; because every piece of clothing should be unique – just like us.
 

When 27 announced Vol. 01: The Grey T-Shirt on the READYFOR platform, shortly after its release we received interest from all over the world resulting in an oversubscription of our production goal. The following two volumes - Vol. 02: The Chino Trouser, and Vol.03: The Basque Shirt, have also concluded successfully. In November we were able to deliver our Vol.03 orders to all our customers, and we would like to thank you for your support.

https://readyfor.jp/projects/fashion27

Vol. 03 Launched and Completed

 

Introducing Vol. 04 -

For Vol. 04 of our capsule collection, we are launching ‘The White Shirt’. Thought to have originated in ancient Rome, the shirt was later used as an undergarment during the Medieval period. It was only around the 19^th-20^th century where the shirt became more widely used by the modern person. ‘The White Shirt’ is now associated with the business scene, and an integral part of formal wear.

Once again, we have reexamined the shirt while applying our own 27 twist to make and deliver the best possible basic-wear version of ‘The White Shirt’.

The White Shirt

 

For Vol. 04 of our capsule collection, we are launching ‘The White Shirt’. Thought to have originated in ancient Rome, the shirt was later used as an undergarment during the Medieval period. It was only around the 19^th-20^th century where the shirt became more widely used by the modern person. ‘The White Shirt’ is now associated with the business scene, and an integral part of formal wear.

Once again, we have reexamined the shirt while applying our own 27 twist to make and deliver the best possible basic-wear version of ‘The White Shirt’.

The Material

27 decided to make our White Shirt using a broadcloth made of 80 thread-count, 2 ply weave. When thinking of a white shirt, most of us recall a thin, silky material with a high thread count. For a more casual interpretation, we opted for a slightly thicker fabric that allows for durability, water absorbency, while maintaining the feel and texture of a sheen shirt. Owing to the simplicity of the shirt, it was imperative to find the finest fabric – much like how we Japanese would use the best grains for a plain bowl of rice. Today we see an abundance of inexpensive high-count textiles; however, the difference comes down to the quality of cotton itself. After a long search, we found a very special fabric - of quality that is rarely used in today’s market, and of versatility in style that spans luxury, casual, and basics.

Of all the globally available fabrics, we decided to partner with ALUMO – the finest textile manufacturer of Swiss cotton. They have over 100 years of experience, making fabrics with cotton grown under the country’s clear blue sky, in their clear waters. Famous for catering to luxury brand houses such as Hermes and BRIONI, ALUMO is a textile maker that creates the highest quality shirt fabrics for their clients. Throughout our partnership we were amazed by the company’s commitment to their craft. Every cotton ball is selected and handled by hand. Harvest is conducted multiple times if necessary, depending on a plant’s bloom. The fabric is then made from such cotton that was spared no time nor effort by the experts.

ALUMO is committed to a high level of sustainability and do not use any formalin agents during the cotton process. The company stands behind their ‘no room for compromise’ ethos from a hundred years ago: to provide not only the finest cotton fabrics but one that is also sustainable. With proof of their commitment reflected in their product, 27 decided to partner with ALUMO for Vol. 04

The Manufacturing

We partnered with Japanese clothing manufacturer, HITOYOSHI, who has worked tirelessly on making the finest dress shirts since its open in 1988. For a more casual twist to the classic shirt, we made adjustments to the tailoring and sewing. First, to make a beautiful collar line, we cut the outer fabric differently from the inner lining. By layering and sewing the two cuts together, we achieved a natural curve. Using a special curved pressor foot on the sewing machine, we were able to extend the outer layer by millimeters, adding to the collar’s dimensionality. We believe our customers will appreciate the attention to detail that has gone into the collar alone. The shape will remain after wash while allowing for a natural tracing around the neckline.

For versatility in wear, we have designed the collar so that it stands upright when the top button is left unbuttoned. The base collar is cut so it gradually curves upwards towards the ends. Sewing the curved collar onto the garment body requires a great deal of expertise. When the top button is fastened, the curvature will snap into place to hug the neckline of the wearer. The stitching also changes the impression of the shirt. The finer the stich, the more elegant the shirt feels. The most widely used gauge for a white shirt has about 16-18 stiches for every 3cm. For our 27 White Shirt, we will be using a much finer gauge at 21-24 stiches per 3cm. The finer stitching will elevate the shirt even further.

We will be lining the shirt with a gusset – an insert attached at the seam of a garment, for reinforcement of the fabric. Beyond its practicality, we have also considered the gusset from a design standpoint as well. As for the buttons, we selected a natural shell material. There are many different types of shells used for buttons but for our project we will be using Mother of Pearl. Natural shell buttons are cut out of the shell itself, crafted into shape and then processed. The Mother of Pearl buttons go through the same care and process as pearls do, and we believe it to be a work of art.

We have also considered how the shirt looks and feels on the inside. The sides are sown using a rolled hem method, in which the fabric is folded into a cylindrical shape and sewn together, resulting in a flat seam. By making the stitching as close to the edge as possible, not only is the silhouette made beautiful, but the garment also feels smooth without any uncomfortable bunching. The arms will be attached in the way jackets are to insure moveability. It will sit on the shoulders with a firm shape and ample space. Again, this tailoring and sewing method is highly skilled and we stress that there has been no time or effort spared for the sake of wearability and comfort.

Limited Production

Due to the limited production of this fabric we will only be making 70 shirts. This fabric has a uniqueness in that it is made of the best quality cotton, but manufactured as a wider weave, creating a less formal, more casual feel. Globally, there is less and less demand for such juxtaposing fabric. Instead, there is a divide in which high quality fabrics are used for high-end fashion, and lesser quality fabrics are made for fast fashion. We feel this trend will only result in the loss of choice in unique high-quality materials. We do not believe in promoting scarcity; however, we do believe in promoting long lasting quality wear. And we do wonder what will happen when we only cater to the demands of fashion’s two extremes - luxury and fast. At 27, it is our wish to bridge that gap, to use only the best materials to bring you sustainable and fashionable basic wear, and we are excited to offer the best White Shirt to our customers.

 

Size Chart

 

 

 

The Concept Book

We will be issuing a concept book with every launch - a total of 27 stories in which we “read” our clothes. The book will be written by Satoshi Tsuruta, book design by graphic designer Koji Miyazoe, and edited by Yosuke Fujiki. Together they hope to bring about an imaginative interpretation of the concept behind 27: the intangible self, expressed through tangible clothes.

Vol. 03 Concept Book

 

The book is exclusive to our 27 subscribers. Every book’s look and feel will be heavily influenced by the launched piece; the series will pass through 27 different worlds and perspectives.

Our first volume featured photographs of the internationally renowned photographer Daido Moriyama. In our second volume, we collaborated with artist MIC*ITAYA and explored the theme of “Love and Peace” for our chino trouser launch. For our third volume, we had the opportunity to use the photographs of renowned fashion photographer, Sarah Moon, as inspiration. For this instalment, we are excited to collaborate with the dancer and expressionist, Aio Yamada, who became world renowned with her performance in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics’ closing ceremony.

*As a sign of our appreciation, we would like to print your name on the concept book.
*If you do not want your name to appear, please reflect your option on the order page.

*The concept book is complementary to our customers with every 27 purchase.
*Concept books are NOT FOR SALE.

 

27-04
Issue Date: April 27, 2022
Actor: アオイヤマダ | Aoi Yamada

Writer: 鶴田 啓 | Satoshi Tsuruta

Translator: ジョハナ・エアス | Johanna Airth

Editor: 藤木洋介 | Yosuke Fujiki

Press Manager: 坂下栄美子 | Emiko Sakashita

Book Designer: 宮添浩司 | Koji Miyazoe

Published by: 河村浩三 | Kozo Kawamura

Publishing : △

 

Vol. 05 Preview
For our fifth installment, we are excited to announce, The Pullover Hoodie – made with high quality terry cloth. We look forward to making the best pullover for to add to our 27 collection.

Vol. 05 Projected release date: Apr 27. 2022

 

Please click on

"About Project “27” and Meet the Team"

to read about this project and our Team

 

Thank you so much for you support!!

 

Please click on the red box below to be directed to the purchase page.

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