BEHIND THE BRAND: THE DIE-HARD DENIMS

Jean Shop only uses selvedge denim, woven on narrow 28-inch wide looms in Japan. A single yarn is fed into the loom and, once depleted, the process is restarted with another single yarn. This creates a woven selvedge edge which will not unravel. Wider mass-production looms are fed by several different yarns at once, leading to an inferior, non-woven edge, which must be sewn to prevent unravelling. Jean Shop's selvedge edges are more durable and make for a better fit on the leg.

All production takes place in the USA. The jeans are distressed by hand in New York, one pair at a time. The Jean Shop leather patch on the back of each pair is stamped and sewn by hand, while the date of production is marked on the pocket lining.

The thread used for the durable stitching is in Jean Shop's signature bright orange, the colour also used for the pocket linings and selvedge edges. Narrow chain stitching is used on the hems, a technique that is employed only by specialist jeans manufacturers these days. The back pockets are partially lined for added strength, and only high-quality metal rivets and fasteners, all engraved with Jean Shop's name, are used.

Jean Shop's co-founder, Mr Eric Goldstein, worked closely with Mr Ralph Lauren himself, and spent 10 years researching and developing new products for Gap before launching his own label. Although Jean Shop produces a range of apparel and accessories, jeans remain at the heart of the brand.

The basket weave handles and the woven detail around the bottom of the bag not only add style, but also ensure greater durability and strength. The hand weaving of the leather is characteristic of Gucci's immaculate attention to detail.

The bag fastens with a hook closure, and contains three pockets. The iconic double G Gucci logo is in metal, attached near the top of the bag, along with a leather luggage tag. Small feet are placed on the bottom of the bag to help preserve the leather.