While doing some research on organic denim, I came across Rising Sun & Co. and realized I knew nothing of this company (which just so happens to be right in my own backyard of Pasadena, California!) I’ve passed by the storefront time and time again, never really paying much attention to what was going on inside. Little did I know about the amazing story behind Rising Sun & Co.: founded by Lucky Brand Jeans former owner and designer Mike Hodis, Rising Sun is all about completely handcrafted, organic/raw denim sewn on vintage Singer sewing machines, using original vintage patterns.

All the denim is handmade, in house. The denim fabric they use is from the US’s oldest denim mill, and each pair of jeans is cut and sewn in the store! Not only that, Hodis strives to be as authentic and period correct as possible, with patterns scrounged up from abandoned coal mines and rare vintage pieces that Hodis has collected. You can see the research and passion for his work into every single minute detail of these jeans. This is truly a remarkable company that is carrying on the legacy of the traditional sewing techniques and quality that American denim has stood for since the turn of the century.