For sale here is shirt from the O Project label. O Project, founded in 2010, is designed by Jan Jan Van Essche, a Belgian designer also with his own eponymous label that is very well regarded. O Project keeps many of the same ethos of the Jan Jan Van Essche main line but is geared mainly toward the Japanese market and typically opts for Japanese production rather than European. This shirt is a bit of an exception in that it happens to be made in Belgium.
With Jan Jan Van Essche and O Project the emphasis is always on developing interesting textiles and incorporating a relaxed aesthetic. His designs are meant to be comfortable and non-restrictive. That is often manifested in more Asian-leaning silhouettes, at least in my opinion, which also makes the O Project a natural fit for Japanese consumers.
This is a pretty interesting piece, more on the avant-garde side of things. Silhouette is somewhere between a shirt and a sweater, with the length exaggerated and a relaxed fit overall. Fabric is an 85% cotton, 15% kapok blend in a sweater weight. Kapok is a plant-based fiber, thin and light weight, quick-drying and very good at heat retention. Kapok also has the distinction of being eco friendly, requiring no deforestation, pesticides or fertilizers.
As noted, the fit is pretty unique here, with the sleeves hitting around elbow length. The rear of the sweater extends a fair amount longer than the front, there are some interesting raglan shoulder seams, and under arms are cut away allowing for increased breathability.
As far as I am aware the O Project label is sold exclusively in Japan, making it very difficult to come across elsewhere. If you are a fan of Van Essche or similarly minded labels it is well worth checking out in more detail. As always with these kinds of brands retail prices are pretty expensive, but get it here at the cheapest price around.
Size is labeled a medium and fits true if a bit relaxed. I measure the chest at 21” / 54cm, shoulders at approx. 18” / 45cm and length at 30” / 76cm in front and 35” / 88cm in back at its longest point. The shirt comes in lightly used, very good shape with no holes, tears or stains. Made in Japan.
Shipping from Japan to anywhere will be $26.
