It took our founder Lori Leven several years and an eventual trip to Japan to sign on as one of Kaptial's first stateside stockists, but it took no time for Kapital to take off as a cult favorite for Americans in the know. Kapital – founded 'Capital' in 1984 by Toshikiyo Hirata – was born out of old merchant's sewing and dyeing factory in Kojima Kurashiki – Japan's 'Denim Capital.' The brand begun as a supplier of workwear for the blue collar worker but transformed when Hirata's son, Kiro, joined ranks. Today the brand offers high design items rooted in an east-meets-midwest sensibility, with a focus on traditional techniques that treat, alter, or enhance their textiles of choice – denim and boiled wool.