Welcome to Chapter One of this serial publication, a deep dive into the essence and intricacies of my work here at L’homme Errant Denim & Co. This narrative is not just a recounting of the garments I breathe new life into; it's a journey through the philosophy that guides my hands and heart in this craft.
This chapter, like the ones that will follow, is a paid member first-read exclusive. I value the support of our community, and in appreciation, I offer early access to my latest insights, stories, and the unfolding saga of L’homme Errant. For my free members, worry not—this content will be unlocked for you at a later date, ensuring everyone in our community has the opportunity to engage with and be part of our story.
Stay tuned as I stitch together not just denim, but the narrative of The Wandering Man, one chapter at a time. Your support fuels this journey, and together, we’ll explore the depths of creativity, sustainability, and the shared human experience woven into every piece I create.
Over the past few weeks, I've been organizing my sewing projects—both personal and commissioned—into distinct categories: Re-New (repair), Re-Work (alter), and Re-Birth (brand new custom jeans and apparel). This endeavor has highlighted a significant realization: considering the sheer volume of clothing, garments, and textiles we've produced to date, it’s likely that we wouldn't need to create a single new item for the next 40-50 years if we chose to repair or alter existing ones instead. This approach could potentially clothe the world for decades!
Imagine the profound impact this shift could have on the global economy and our climate. Envision diverting the vast resources currently consumed by the fashion industry and its related sectors toward research, development, and education. This reallocation would enable us to enhance, leverage, and multiply the resources we already have, ultimately elevating communities worldwide.
This revelation sparked a thrilling adventure for me: a treasure hunt through thrift stores to discover old garments and restore them to their former glory—or even better. My mission is to give these pieces a new lease on life and a new home for years to come, whether that's in your closet or mine! Haha.
Then came the remarkably worn M-1951, or more commonly, the M51 Jacket—a piece of American history that I've longed for. Not necessarily this specific make and model, but a field jacket nonetheless. I remember being 16-17 years old when my mom presented me with my very first field jacket. After a bit of digging, I discovered it was modeled after and inspired by the M65 (M-1965) version. I wore it everywhere I could.
Though I've never shared this with anyone, at that time, when faced with the choice between this jacket and another, I always opted for the field jacket for a very specific reason. Struggling with bouts of depression, I wanted to avoid being stereotyped as "just another emo kid" dressed in all black and "causing trouble."
Having a grandfather who served in the US Air Force and appreciating the significance of the military uniform, I chose the field jacket hoping it would imbue me with the internal confidence to stand tall, shoulders back, ready to confront life's tough realities... and for a while, it did! That was until I misplaced it at a concert when I was about 21.
Ever since losing my beloved jacket, I've been on a quiet quest for the right one—the one that just felt right. Fatefully, we were meant to cross paths at Vintage on 46th in New York City, an incredible vintage shop brimming with fantastic finds from the 80s, 90s, and Y2K eras. Amidst a sea of oversized and far-too-small heavyweight and denim jackets, there it was, the lone soldier calling out to me.
As I lifted it from the rack, the first thing I noticed was its battered and time-worn condition. It seemed as though its original owner had weathered quite the storm—or at least, that's where my imagination soared, prompting me to silently offer a prayer for their family, just in case.
Trying it on, it fit like a glove, although the sleeves were about an inch shorter than I would have preferred (a detail for another post). Overall, I was pleased with the fit and instantly transported back in time to that 16-17-year-old kid. The kid who just wanted to feel he had a place in this world and was ready to carve out his own path if necessary.
As I meticulously inspected the jacket, I mentally cataloged the repairs needed to rejuvenate it, planning to weave in elements of my own story and personality. Despite not knowing its origins or anything about its previous owner, I felt a deep connection to it. It seemed to mirror aspects of my own life.
The last five to ten years have been challenging for me, both emotionally and mentally, impacting my personal and professional life significantly. It took me nearly a decade, from the time of my first jacket at around 27, to acknowledge that I might be dealing with undiagnosed Borderline Personality Disorder. This diagnosis was suggested by close friends and mentors in the psychiatric field over time, though it remains unofficial. This realization came just before the birth of my daughter, my first child, the following year.
Despite my reluctance to seek a formal diagnosis, due to the stigma associated with mental health issues, and a diagnosis of BPD in particular, I could not ignore the consistent patterns in my life.
Standing in front of the mirror, wearing that jacket, I saw an external reflection of my internal state for years: tattered and torn, seemingly without a true place, waiting for someone to recognize the potential and truth within me.
Through creative expression and a relentless pursuit of truth and peace, I've always felt my purpose was to serve and protect. Yet, somewhere along the way, I lost my direction.
Without hesitation, I approached the register, informing the associate that I would be taking the jacket home. After a thorough inspection of the jacket, then glancing between me and the garment, she asked, "This is pretty torn up, are you okay with that?" "Yes," I responded, feeling a mix of hurt by the question but also relieved, knowing that the jacket and I now shared an unspoken bond.
I pondered, "How many times have others overlooked you after just one glance?"
In that moment, I didn't have the heart to reveal that I sew and make repairs. That, with a little time, love, care, and attention, this jacket would be restored to its former glory soon enough. Revitalizing garments like this has become part of my mission here at LE Denim & Co.—to unlock and showcase their expressive potential. It reminds me of the famous quote by Michelangelo:
The sculpture is already complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.”
―Michelangelo
And for those curious, "L’homme Errant" translates from French as "The Wandering Man." This title speaks to the idea of the nomadic sage, transcending gender, sex, ethnicity, or creed, who traverses the globe; making anywhere he lays his head his home. This individual believes that every encounter—whether with a man, woman, child, or any animate or inanimate entity—is an educational opportunity that surpasses the confines of traditional learning institutions. He absorbs lessons from all, teaches explicitly to none, yet shares with everyone the insights, knowledge, and observations he has gathered.
This narrative unfolds his journey, chronicled over a lifetime—through every stitch, poem, song, breath, and day. Just as you exist, so do I...
L’homme Errant.
P.s. Wander wisely.