Face-to-face with the Florentine designer
Shaft Jeans was born in 1968 with Monsieur Shafir, a French designer who moved to Tuscany for love. French style meets Made in Italy know-how, giving life to a feminine, chic, iconic brand that stands out for its perfect fits and 70s silhouettes. The production is entirely made in Italy. The collections stand out for their ongoing stylistic research, evolved production techniques, and back-to-the-roots details such as handmade embroidery and hand-painted denim. After a change of ownership, young Letizia Palchetti Tosi has been managing the company since 2016: her CV includes a design degree from the Polytechnic, courses at Central Saint Martins in London, and work experiences in denim companies in New York, a sign of a brand that gives the nod to traditions with a look to the future.
What is your first fashion-related memory?
As a child, my hands getting stained in blue while playing among denim patches! I loved drawing and above all coloring, I could spend entire days combining shapes and colors.
Luxury is…?
Feeling good about your body. Fashion is a tool but the real goal is to always celebrate your body.
What makes the Shaft Jeans womenswear world stand out?
A denim-making tradition of over 40 years, combined with continuous innovation in fits and fabrics. We have many exclusive fabrics, first of all our “denim silk,” jeans with a silky feel, soft and fluid, perfect for all large volumes. Besides, all our collections stand out for their handmade details: handmade embroideries, prints, and individually created effects. Among these, this season features the distinctive color brush technique: the garments are literally hand-painted on all seams, creating a fresh and eye-catching effect.
What are the inspirations, materials, and trends of the next collection?
Longing for lightness! Given by very light and fresh fabrics such as cotton linen, or techniques like the tie-dye in which the trousers are tied and dyed one by one and end up featuring always different color effects. As for the volumes, the jeans will be wide, very soft, and impalpable.
In which direction is the world of denim moving?
Sustainability has become a priority. We use organic denim and denim washes with a low environmental impact. Our collections have always been made with natural and noble fibers such as organic cotton, linen, and cashmere.
What changes do you think the lockdown we have just experienced has brought about in terms of style and personal care?
The lockdown has taught us to value value. Wordplay aside, I think many have understood that it is better to buy less but higher quality. We no longer need fast fashion; I believe it is essential to be aware of what we wear and try to give value to the work behind each item of clothing we buy.
A style icon, past or present?
Lauren Hutton, both past and present.
One thing you never leave home without?
A pair of my jeans!
What is your first fashion-related memory?
As a child, my hands getting stained in blue while playing among denim patches! I loved drawing and above all coloring, I could spend entire days combining shapes and colors.
Luxury is…?
Feeling good about your body. Fashion is a tool but the real goal is to always celebrate your body.
What makes the Shaft Jeans womenswear world stand out?
A denim-making tradition of over 40 years, combined with continuous innovation in fits and fabrics. We have many exclusive fabrics, first of all our “denim silk,” jeans with a silky feel, soft and fluid, perfect for all large volumes. Besides, all our collections stand out for their handmade details: handmade embroideries, prints, and individually created effects. Among these, this season features the distinctive color brush technique: the garments are literally hand-painted on all seams, creating a fresh and eye-catching effect.
What are the inspirations, materials, and trends of the next collection?
Longing for lightness! Given by very light and fresh fabrics such as cotton linen, or techniques like the tie-dye in which the trousers are tied and dyed one by one and end up featuring always different color effects. As for the volumes, the jeans will be wide, very soft, and impalpable.
In which direction is the world of denim moving?
Sustainability has become a priority. We use organic denim and denim washes with a low environmental impact. Our collections have always been made with natural and noble fibers such as organic cotton, linen, and cashmere.
What changes do you think the lockdown we have just experienced has brought about in terms of style and personal care?
The lockdown has taught us to value value. Wordplay aside, I think many have understood that it is better to buy less but higher quality. We no longer need fast fashion; I believe it is essential to be aware of what we wear and try to give value to the work behind each item of clothing we buy.
A style icon, past or present?
Lauren Hutton, both past and present.
One thing you never leave home without?
A pair of my jeans!
