Every single stitch, button, thread and piece of fabric is Grown & Sewn in the United States of America. That was half of Rob Magness’s concept, to source everything domestically. The Ralph Lauren alum’s other idea was to combine denim fits with khaki cotton twill fabrics. The result are some very nice looking, wearable, washable goods.
I first heard about Rob’s collection at the second Pop Up Flea in November. A very nice young lady told me about their new store in TriBeCa, but it wasn’t until a few weeks ago in Las Vegas that I could meet the designer and see the collection. I’ll be honest, at first pass I wasn’t sold on everything (and there are a few pieces that are definitely not for me) but on the whole, the line is excellent. There are three fits to choose from, and just like with denim, there are varying wash options – everything from raw to distressed. (Note the top photo, distressed on the left, medium in the middle and raw on the right.)
In Vegas, Rob and I spoke about the difficultly he had in sourcing everything in the line. The fact of the matter is, while a lot of people know about how manufacturing has disappeared from the U.S., a compounding problem for the companies still doing production domestically is the fact that nearly all of the support and suppliers are also gone. So sourcing something completely domestic, as Rob did, takes five times longer than it would if you were making the goods overseas. Actually, I bet it takes ten times as long but that’s just my best guess. Maybe if Rob reads this he can weigh in.
In addition to the khaki pants, Grown & Sewn also just opened a retail store in TriBeCa at 184 Duane Street (probably my favorite street in Manhattan). The company has also produced a collection of accessories that includes a few really nice looking distressed leather belts and a khaki tote bag / wine carrier in collaboration with friends that own a winery. All in all, good values and good people. Grown & Sewn right here at home. [Grown & Sewn]
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Those look great! Never been a fan of the jean style pant, but these could change my mind.
Rob has produced amazing stuff. After speaking with him you can tell just how deep his care for quality in every aspect of this venture is. The Legends are also built much more like a khaki sans rivets and back patch pockets if you are worried about them looking too much like a jean. Any way you cut it, these are a nice departure from denim.
One question, Will the raw ones crock like raw denim? Just curious
I miss seeing Cat Power as soon as I open ACL.
Can you somehow incorporate her into all of your posts?
They look great but when did $185 for Kax become a good value? I will check ’em out but I just paid $175 for a pair of Quoddy camp moccs. It’s gonna be hard to hack up $10 more than a pair of Quoddy’s for some chino jeans.
Tintin — that comparison is ludicrous.
Echo what Startwithtypwriters said. Another great introduction, cheers!
More than one lady friend has said my Grown and Sewn’s make my @ss look better and they’re amazingly comfortable after a couple wears.
I wanna know where Tintin scored some Quoddy action for $175.
Very refreshing–on many levels.
Those are some nice pants. I’ve always been a fan of jean-cut khakis.
These fabrics look dope, but are any of these cuts slim?
I can understand prewashing pants for softness. But I’d prefer if they weren’t pre-distressed.
nice! I will check it out. Do you know how much a pair of raw one cost?
This is Rob at Grown&Sewn .. I wanted to weigh in on the issue of keeping things stateside .. I always knew it would be more complicated and expensive to construct a quality product in the United States. It was, and then some. But three factories, five wash houses and multiple migraines later, I’m still glad I did. We get to contribute to the living wages of Americans, we can closely monitor the entire process to ensure integrity, and limit our environmental impact through a smaller carbon footprint.
Holy Crap! I went to bed last night thinking…”I wish my khaki’s fit like jeans.”…less L7 looking.
Rob from G&S…I hope in my little heart-of-hearts that businesses/industries like yours and all the new cottage industries, hand-built bikes, clothes, etc… breath some life back into small town America. It will never be like it was, but lets hope it’s better.
Thanks MW for illuminating again.
As a bud, ex co-worker, and devotee of Rob’s product-I own two pairs and am getting more-I want to say you could have highlighted a better guy and this product is great. All of us old RL guys were taught fit, fabric, finsih in bottoms and Rob has KILLED it. Go buy some you’ll be glad you did.
As a bud, ex co-worker, and devotee of Rob’s product-I own two pairs and am getting more-I want to say you could not have highlighted a better guy and this product is great. All of us old RL guys were taught fit, fabric, finish in bottoms and Rob has KILLED it on all levels. Go buy some you’ll be glad you did.
As a bud of Rob’s, ex co-worker, and owner of this product-thanks. You could not have highlighted a better guy then Rob and this stuff is great. Buy a pair, you’ll be glad you did.
The Purvis Young artwork in the new gallery/pop-up store is as amazing as the kahakis!!!!
Make sure to go by and check it out….
nice find! excited to check it out.
The kax are amazing! I have a pair as a girl and I paperbag them with one of robs belts and thin tanktops! Everywhere I go in them people love the fabric and the heritage aspect makes them that much more worth the money….worth ever penny! Rob you’ve created a beautiful product and story! X
Stephen- I got the Quoddy’s at O’Connells in Buffalo.
MW- If I’ll spend $700 on a shetland at J Kos – I’ll drop $200 on a pr of chinos but they gotta sing and make my butt look good. Like I said, I’m gonna go check ’em out. And what can’t you understand about hand made shoes vs chino pant comparison?
wonder when those amazing o-ring leather belts be up on the website. I want one!
Never seen distressing so well done, with the exception of Gilded Age.
Chris .. belts & bags should be online next week … thanks
Rob,
It looks amazing, brother. I have to stop by the shop.
JP
Rob – really well done….congrats. good seeing you the other week in SF. good luck
never have I met someone with such fervor + insight —– creating an all inclusive American product that is purely tough. i’ve seen KAX in action. the design + fit is dead on, the finishes are uncompromised.
G&S and Rob Magness are amazing !!!!!
I really love the concept of ‘grown and sewn’ but am awaiting the day someone accomplishes this for under $80 a pair so ‘regular’ folks can support this kind of ideal. I am no stranger to paying $2-300 for a pair of jeans but unfortunately I don’t see the goods at that price point having an effect on the real world. I understand this is a premium grade product and thus justifies the price (to some of us!), but take it to the masses!
God Bless America and you…a product made to last, work for Americans, and a good-looking and basic piece of clothing! This concept is hope for the future. Congratulations
Rob,
Congratulations on your new venture!!! The product looks great! I will have to stop by the store and say hello the next time I am in town. I wish you continued success.
Peace!
ERNESTO