"Wrangler Archives" Book by Japanese Collector Aims to Preserve Denim History
Vintage store owner and world-famous Wrangler collector Rikiya Kanamaru has published a new book containing 200 pieces from his personal collection.
Wrangler collector and owner of vintage shop Gold Gate Rikiya Kanamaru has compiled his 200-piece collection of archival Wrangler garments into a first-of-its-kind book about the heritage American denim brand.
On the new release, Kanamaru said “This publication is my first step in giving back to Wrangler. Even though I’ve been following it so enthusiastically, there are still Wranglers I’ve never seen before. So, for me, it’s still an incomplete book. I’m waiting for information from comrades who have seen this book,” in a statement for Fashion Snap.
While Wrangler was officially founded as a sub-label of Blue Bell in 1947, its parent company was founded in 1897. Since the late-forties the brand has been producing workwear and casual styles with Western flare, hence its famous Cowboy fit jeans, which have seen a contemporary resurgence. Kanamaru states “Although Wrangler is one of the three major denim brands in America, it produced fewer items than its competitors, resulting in a wide variety of products, and even collectors are unable to grasp the full picture,” on Golden Gate’s site. Through the book, Kanamaru aims to preserve Wrangler’s archives for future generations.
Kanamaru’s “Wrangler Archives” is offered in a standard and limited edition, featuring with a special denim cover and metallic foiling. The standard version is available for order on the Gold Gate website, while the limited edition can be purchased through Gold Gate’s Instagram DMs.
Back in 2023, Kanamaru got to be part of special wrangler capsule with Japanes brand TOLQ, which used three jackets from his collection as references.
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To celebrate the release of the book, a special event will be held in Harajuku on February 8th and 9th. See the information from Gold Gate below:
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