G-Star RAW | Announces the "RAW for the Oceans" Collection

Improving the Ocean Pollution Problem Through Denim

Announcing the "RAW for the Oceans" Collection

Dutch denim brand G-Star RAW has announced the "RAW for the Oceans" collection for the Autumn/Winter 2014 season. In collaboration with artist Pharrell Williams, the brand will offer items, primarily denim, incorporating "Bionic Yarn," a recycled yarn made from plastic bottles discarded in the ocean.

Text by MORITO IWANAGA (OPENERS)

Musician Pharrell Williams Curates the Collection

The "RAW for the Oceans" collection is a project developed by G-Star RAW in collaboration with Bionic Yarn, which develops and manufactures high-quality yarns and fabrics from recycled plastic bottles; the Parley for the Oceans community platform, dedicated to ocean conservation; and the Vortex Project, a non-profit organization jointly established by the two entities and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society in 2013.—This initiative is spearheaded by G-Star RAW.

At a press conference held in February at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, G-Star RAW and its partners highlighted the severity of marine plastic pollution. Organizations such as the US Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the Plastic Pollution Coalition spoke out about the issue. With an estimated three times the amount of fish caught being discarded as plastic waste into the ocean annually, marine plastic pollution is escalating, demanding urgent action.

In partnership with its collaborators, G-Star RAW has devised a plan not only to recover plastic from the ocean but also to transform it into the next generation of denim. Through this "RAW for the Oceans" project, 10 tons of marine plastic waste have already been recycled.

Artist Pharrell Williams has taken an active role in this collection, curating it and appearing in the campaign visuals himself.

He also serves as the Creative Director for Bionic Yarn and has long been a proponent of ocean conservation. Below is a comment from Pharrell Williams regarding this project.

"I didn't hesitate to work with G-Star RAW. They have a history of pushing beyond the boundaries of fashion to unlock the infinite potential of denim. Bionic Yarn prioritizes environmental responsibility, and denim is the perfect material to showcase our capabilities to the world. After all, everyone owns at least one pair of jeans!"

Unlike conventional high-tech yarns focused solely on functional improvement, the yarns developed and manufactured by Bionic Yarn primarily aim to fulfill environmental responsibilities. This collection, which addresses ocean pollution, is available for both men and women.

A Comprehensive Collection Continuing from Autumn/Winter 2014

One of the signature designs of this collection is the project's mascot, "Otto the Octopus." Beyond featuring the character on its own, its organic form has been adapted into a houndstooth-like print applied to the items. Other unique designs include pants with Otto's print visible when the cuffs are rolled up, adding to the collection's appeal.

Regarding the fabric, the core of the concept, the collection utilizes durable materials with a soft touch in deep shades of Mazarin Indigo Blue and Black. This lineup truly symbolizes the collaboration between two innovative companies: Bionic Yarn and G-Star RAW. The RAW for the Oceans collection offers a wide range of items including jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and caps. It is scheduled for release on Saturday, September 6th, at G-Star RAW stores nationwide and online.

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