First Look: G-STAR RAW RESEARCH II by Aitor Throup Which Launched at Paris Fashion Week

Born from the brand’s innovation laboratory, Raw Research II embodies the latest efforts to explore the unlimited possibilities of denim. The Raw Research lab experiments with product design by clashing tradition and innovation, and symbolizes an endeavor to find new ways of crafting denim through the process of exploration, curiosity, and experimentation. The Raw Research capsule collection introduces the brand’s latest denim innovations as prototypes, functioning as the blueprints for the following main collection and representing the G-Star RAW design philosophy in its purest form.




The highlight innovation of the second Raw Research collection is a brand new 3D denim concept which challenges the conventions of denim design: the ‘Motac’ series. This unique approach to garment construction is the result of a focused ergonomic study of the human body in motion. The approach of combining rigid denim with flexible fabric inserted panels results in unexpected product hybrids - such as the motocross inspired Motac-X jeans -and is a significant advancement towards new possibilities for denim design.

For this collection, the iconic Dutch tulip was used as a conceptual backdrop. The flower -prominent in the Hans Bollongier 'Floral Still Life' 1639 painting which also features in the exhibition space - serves as a metaphor for the Dutch 'Tulipmania' and the inevitable collapse of its economic model based on exclusivity. The ‘tulip fever’ originates from the country's economic boom period of the 1630s, at the height of which a single tulip bulb was worth more than a luxury home. Through Raw Research II, Throup flips the historic Dutch symbolism of wealth and status connected to the iconic blossom. He does so by reflecting that while the capsule collection is offered exclusively through selected stores, the innovations it introduces outlive this exclusivity through their direct influence and dissemination into future G-Star RAW general collections, available for everyone.



The Raw Research II capsule collection is the first one after the announcement of Aitor Throup as the brand’s Executive Creative Director. It mirrors the vision of the artist and designer as to how he sees the future of denim through G-Star RAW.



The collection will be available in select high-end concept stores around the world from early June 2017.

Aithor Throup Joins G-STAR RAW As Executive Creative Director

Following three successful years as a creative consultant to the brand, G-Star RAW is proud to welcome Aitor Throup as its Executive Creative Director.

Since 2013, Throup has worked with G-Star on a range of projects. As well as developing new approaches to 3D denim design, such as the recently revealed 'Staq' 3D jeans, Throup was also involved in the development and concept behind London’s Oxford Street flagship. The recent 'What is RAW?' global advertising campaign was also art directed by Throup, making his transition from consultant to Creative Director an organic one.

In June of this year, the artist and designer launched his first collection for G-Star during Paris Men’s Fashion Week titled RAW Research, which was born out of G-Star’s internal innovation laboratory. Initiated and led by Throup, the lab is located at the brand’s HQ in Amsterdam - the soon-to-be hometown of the currently London-based designer. Together with his multi-disciplinary studio, 'A.T. Studio’ in London, Throup will continue to direct and develop his established menswear brand ‘New Object Research’.

There is a natural connection between G-Star and Throup as they share a design ethos that is rooted in innovation and identified by 3D construction. “It was this shared philosophy that initially drew me to the brand,” says Throup. "When I first met with G-Star, I was struck by the product-focused DNA and conceptual approach to design.” Throup’s suitability to communicate the brand ethos through continued 3D experimentation and construction is undeniable, and G-Star is looking forward to pursuing new realms of denim innovation together.”

Introducing the G-STAR RAW Research Collection by Aitor Throup

G-Star RAW collaborated with Aitor Throup on the RAW Research collection. Focused on experimenting with product design by clashing tradition and innovation, Throup led the G-Star RAW team through a process based largely in experimentation and exploration to find new ways of crafting denim. Thus resulting in the first RAW Research collection which explores the two polar opposite states in the life of a denim garment, using the same Italian selvedge denim fabric for every single piece. On one extreme: rigid, untreated raw denim, on the other: bleached-white denim where only a hint of indigo remains.

The collection consist out of 20-pieces and notable details include: a bleached version of the Rackam 3D tapered jeans and the Rackam bomber (a jacket that can be taken off yet remain attached to the body through an innovative strapping system).

The entire collection was produced at G-Star RAW’s internal innovation laboratory at their Amsterdam headquarters.