Roughly translated, kintsugi means “golden repair” and refers to the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery. Philosophically, the breakage and repair are part of the history of the object, like that favorite pair of jeans cratered with holes and patched up dozens of times.
The Reigning Champ x Western Hydrodynamic Research Repair Project embraces that philosophy by giving a second life to slightly damaged goods. The deadstock, factory seconds, and flawed garments that didn’t meet the production standards of Reigning Champ’s Canadian factories are upcycled into one-of-a-kind atleisurewear. Each piece is repaired, embellished, and meticulously chain-stitched by hand, underscoring the brand’s passion for sustainability and reuse. The limited collection comes in several colors and features RC’s signature crewneck and hoodie silhouette.
Since 2007, Reigning Champ has been one of the hottest go-to brands in Vancouver, admired for its signature fabrics, rugged construction, and unrivaled comfort. Now, Repair Project makes it one of the most sustainable. The collaboration with WHR is a statement against “fast fashion” and consumer throwaway-ism. According to the UK organization WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Plan), over 300,000 tons of clothing end up in UK landfills annually. Now, imagine the amount of clothing going to waste on a global level. Reigning Champ and Western Hydrodynamic Research are doing their part to change that, one stitch at a time.
For more from Reigning Champ check out the brand’s Legacy of Slub Collection.