In 1978, French fashion designers Marithé and François Girbaud founded the influential denim brand Closed. With a unique take on denim silhouettes, the couple made a bold impact on '90s and '00s hip-hop style. Producing super relaxed pieces with a vintage stonewash, the brand received shout-outs in songs and placing in popular videos, including Kris Kross’ ‘Jump’. With co-signs from the hip-hop community, the couple's ‘baggy’ denim styles became a resounding global success.
Flashback to 1968: Marithé and François Girbaud launched their Italian-made, french-imagined denim label. Entitled 'ÇA', the brand was focused on sportswear and radical designs. Due to a lawsuit, the brand was forced to change its name, but in 1978, the lawsuit was 'closed'. ÇA was renamed, and thus Closed was born.
Marithé and François Girbaud sold Closed to two Hamburg-based business partners in the early '90s, who eventually passed the brand on to the next generation: friends Gordon Giers, Til Nadler, and Hans Redlefsen.
Embraced by pop culture during the '80s and '90s, Closed signature jeans were produced with unique X-shape pockets. Designed at a 33-degree angle, the distinctive style was a fresh and disruptive take on traditional denim silhouettes. Worn by iconic TV, sports and music stars, such as Tupac, Michael Jordan, and Will Smith, the signature archive design still inspires, playing an integral role in every collection.
Another part of the brand's identity is Closed's signature fly label. Sewn onto the label of every pair of jeans and pants, the nuanced detail was famously sported by George Michael, a lover of streetwear brands such as Stüssy. The singer wore the jeans during an early Wham! TV appearance, joining the ranks of Closed’s more leftfield fanclub, which also includes rapper CL Smooth and football player Diego Maradona.
Constantly innovating, Closed’s denim incorporates eco-friendly techniques, such as a washing and dyeing procedure, which creates a sustainable salt 'n' pepper finish. With the introduction of an eco-friendly denim line A BETTER BLUE, the brand fuses innovative materials with low-impact dyeing techniques and water-saving wash methods.
In the vast Closed archive, vintage pieces by Girbaud and Closed serve as the inspiration for new fits again and again. Especially Closed’s X-pocket designs - the signature detail inspires the design team, playing an integral role in every collection. Across womenswear and menswear, many different silhouettes have been developed with X-pockets over the years. While the Pedal Pusher remains the most iconic women’s style, the men’s fit X-Lent is a key denim fit for men – featuring a tapered leg, mid-waist, relaxed fit and the eponymous X-pockets. An even wider X-pocket fit will be part of the next summer collection, which is strongly reminiscent of the ‘80s original and relaxed fits worn by Michael Jordan.
With pieces that are handmade in Italy, Closed have utilized the same Italian manufacturing partners for decades – a key component in creating their high-quality denim. Steeped in heritage, the brand references its iconic legacy, simultaneously looking forward, developing sustainable jeans for the future.
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Check out Closed's latest collection here.
