Today we're going to tell you about the origins of Denim Tears , one of the most committed urban fashion labels. In fact, it's much more than clothing; it's a symbol of the fight against slavery and racism.
Keep reading and we'll tell you all about its symbolism, birth, and history. Will you join us?
Who created Denim Tears
Denim Tears was founded in 2019 by Tremaine Emory , an American designer with a long history in marketing and fashion, with a career that has led him to work for Supreme, Yeezy, Off-White, and publications like The Face.
His nonconformity and his denunciation of racial discrimination in some parts of the industry led him to launch his own company. For him, clothing design isn't the goal, but rather a highly effective way to ensure that the memory of the 19th-century slaves in his country is not lost.
What inspires the brand
And that's its hallmark. The Denim Tears logo is its famous cotton wreath , and it was the infamous working conditions of the African Americans who harvested this material that inspired Emory .
In fact, the name itself is very significant, as the “denim tears” are a statement of intent.
In his own words, he points out that every time someone asks about the origin of my clothes, it is an opportunity to talk about this despicable historical fact.
In fact, many designs, such as their hats, are based on the type of clothing Black harvesters wore in the fields to protect themselves from the sun.
Where it is designed and where it is manufactured
Denim Tears has its creative epicenter in the United States, specifically in New York and Los Angeles . Although given Tremaine Emory's extensive career, it's difficult to pinpoint exactly where it all began. He was born in Atlanta, raised in Queens, and during the founding years, he lived in London where he worked at Marc Jacobs.
Regarding production, the brand collaborates with selected workshops and factories around the world, ensuring that its designs are produced under ethical and responsible standards, in line with the message it seeks to convey to its customers.
Milestones since its creation
2020 : Collaboration with Levi's
Reinterprets the 501 jeans with cotton wreath prints, paying homage to African American harvesters.
2020 : Launches collection with Converse
Transform Chuck Taylors into a canvas for storytelling about racial inequality.
2021 : Paris Fashion Week
Presents its designs in Paris, consolidating its position as a global urban fashion and activism brand.
2022 : Exhibition at the MET
The MET recognizes its impact with an exhibition that combines design, history, and activism.
2023 : International expansion
Denim Tears expands its presence in European and Asian markets, maintaining its ethical message.
Iconic collaborations
Since its inception, Denim Tears has brought its message to a broader audience through collaborations that combine design and symbolism. One of the most famous was with Levi's , where they redesigned the iconic 501 jeans with cotton wreath prints, in homage to African American harvesters.
Another notable collaboration was with Converse , reinterpreting the classic Chuck Taylor with African-American-inspired hues. They also worked with Dr. Martens , adding Chris Ofili's 'Union Black' artwork to their iconic 1460 boots, a design that symbolizes the connection and resilience of African slavery.
Cultural Impact of Denim Tears
As you can see, Tremaine Emory 's project isn't just about clothes; it's a way of making history speak. Her clothes have striking designs, but even more powerful is their message: remembering the racism and struggles that shaped generations in the United States .
The brand has managed to connect with a wide variety of audiences , from fashion lovers to art and culture figures. Its designs have become a tool for reflecting on and discussing important topics that are often overlooked.
If you're also a fan of Denim Tears, Newcop makes it easy for you to proudly wear its cotton crown. Check out the Denim Tears collection on this website, or visit our stores in Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid.
You'll find their most outstanding creations, as well as the best sneaker models from Nike, Jordan, Adidas, and the most important brands on the market. What are you waiting for to expand your streetwear collection? We'll be waiting for you!
