Blackbird continue their expansion with this pair of jeans, named the ‘Sunset Hotel Jean’. Named after the former residents of Blackbird’s Ballard location, the actual Sunset Hotel used to house sailors, heroin addicts and prostitutes. The jeans themselves are understated, with no detailing bar some rivets to speak of. They’re slim cut and use denim from North Carolina. Get them, obviously, from Blackbird.

Sealkay are a brand that hasn’t been on Selectism’s radar. We knew they made jeans, but they were usually of the Diesel-like over faded variety. They’re clearly looking to change things with these Japanese Rahzel jeans. Using 100% Japanese organic cotton, the wash is distinctly dark and plain. In addition to that, each pair has a serial number and comes in a rustic wooden box with a pair of chopsticks. Get it from Elements.

The quest for original washes in jeans is usually an arduous one. Either the jeans are too over treated – giving off a bad Springsteen impersonator vibe – or they’re haphazardly done. That’s why Denim Demon have decided to go a different route, giving their jeans to rural Scandinavian tribesmen in raw condition and allowed them to wear it to work every day for 6 months. The end result will then be made into jeans bearing the tribesmen names. They’ve even created a blog documenting the jeans and how their fades are going. Check it out here.

DFP has a great photo essay into the world of denim distressing. Mr. Friedman visited a factory in Kentucky "that specializes in distressing high-end jeans for a few top designers…You can’t just have any loose threads, you have to have the right loose threads. They can’t just be faded. They have to be the right color. A lot of work goes into making these jeans look just right." (via kottke)

View the full photo essay at DFP. Some more views after the jump.

House Of Holland has mainly moved heads in recent years with their bold t-shirt designs. As part of their Spring/Summer 2009 collection, the label has heavily worked with Levi’s to offer an entire denim range. 

“Perhaps Henry predicted Beverley Hills 90210’s comeback (a spinoff will be airing in America in November) as he has used the show and American youth as the inspiration for the six designs he has created for Levi’s 501. He has retained all the original qualities of this iconic jeans style first created in 1873 by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis; in a light blue denim, straight legged with a button fly and five pockets. Three of the styles are printed and three are laser-cut which feature polka dots and flower prints showing up on the inside of the jeans. It will also be the earliest opportunity to buy into S/S 09 style as these jeans will be available from the men’s ‘Superbrands’ floor in Selfridges on the 18th September, one day after the show.” Via Dazed Digital.

Diesel Denim Gallery has produced two pairs of jeans aimed at the denim addict. Woven on the famed looms of Okayama, Japan, the new items come in 14oz denim. The dye is hand done, and each pair comes in a delicate rice paper bag. Apart from the pure indigo version above, a washed pair is also out. 

Check out the washed pair after the jump.

Its been some time since Levis offered the slim boot cut 507 model to the masses but that looks to have changed. Though some sites have mentioned its availability is limited only to the EU, the levisstore.com is showing it available now for US buyers as well. The 507 is available in 3 washes for 68$US. (via Denimology)

A.P.C. knows you need new tight jeans, yet also knows you don’t want to look like a tragic hipster. Thus, they bring you the Petit Standard, a new classic with a narrow leg, but not too narrow. Artist Jacques Floret is so taken that he rendered them in four-color ballpoint pen.

FWD is reporting that Lanvin designer, Alber Elbaz is in the “intial stages” of creating a denim line for Stockholm’s Acne Jeans. ” Alber Elbaz is delving into new territory: denim. The Lanvin designer revealed to Fashion Week Daily that he’s in the initial stages of creating his first jeans line with Stockholm-based Acne Jeans. “I want to bring Lanvin into their know-how,” Elbaz said Monday night at the Parsons benefit and fashion show…  While he noted that no official contract has been signed, Elbaz remains extremely excited about the project. “What if you don’t want to wear a skinny jean?”

Parisian label Surface 2 Air and Justice got together to work on a small capsule collection. The result is a a limited edition series of 3 jackets (150 pieces), and 2 jeans, conceived and designed by Justice for Surface To Air. With a very exclusive distribution, the line will be available beginning June at the following locations: Surface To Air Paris, Surface To Air Brazil, Colette, Barneys, Lane Crawford, Isetan, Le Bon Marché, Paris Texas, Asylum, Le Shop, Incu. Via Fashionwindows.

Have a look at all jackets and the denim after the jump.