The denim mind in Japan

A fusion of Fashion and Travel

Discover a unique space where fashion meets travel. Explore our blog dedicated to this bold fusion, where each article takes you on a sensory journey. Our products become true travel companions for those who authentically share their adventures. Immerse yourself in inspiring stories where the discovery of new horizons meets our creations. Follow us as we weave connections between fashion and escapism for an experience that transcends borders.

Mathieu Peladan

(aka The Denim Mind) in Kamakura, Japan

It was in March 2016, during my working holiday in Australia, that I first set foot in Japan. It was an opportunity to discover this country, which has always fascinated me with its culture and craftsmanship. It was on a small street in Harajuku that I stumbled upon the Lantiki store, where a pair of black shoes with thick soles caught my eye. At first glance, an apparently ordinary shoe, but upon closer inspection, it became special to me. "Made in France" was printed on the sole, along with the name KLEMAN, written in bold blue letters. How was it possible to find these shoes here when, even though I was born in France, I didn't know the brand?

The legacy of French workwear

Like any lover of fine products, I began in-depth research on the brand. It was at this point that I realized that KLEMAN had supplied the SNCF (French National Railways), the military, and even La Poste (the French postal service) for many years, and that it was an integral part of the heritage of French workwear.

The legacy of French workwear

Like any lover of fine products, I began in-depth research on the brand. It was at this point that I realized that KLEMAN had supplied the SNCF (French National Railways), the military, and even La Poste (the French postal service) for many years, and that it was an integral part of the heritage of French workwear.

In the heart of Tokyo

It wasn't until I returned to France in 2019 that I finally wore my first Kleman sneakers, thanks to an Instagram collaboration: a pair of black PADROR sneakers, the same ones I'd seen three years earlier in the heart of Tokyo. This was followed by three years of collaboration where I had the opportunity to work alongside the brand as a community manager. It's been a year since we stopped collaborating in that capacity. Moving more towards photography and content creation, I wanted to come full circle. The project was clear: to take advantage of my return to Japan to create visual content for a French brand I'd discovered in Japan years before!