I just love laser rastering. There’s something fascinating about removing tonal values to create an image by etching away the top layer of the fabric. Denim is especially unique for this process, because of the way the threads are dyed with indigo — only the surface holds the colour, so when you etch into it, you reveal what’s underneath. The contrast and detail can be amazing.
Once I discovered this technique, I challenged myself to really master it. I knew I wanted to use it on the Giant Educational Jeans, and I wanted every image to carry meaning.
You might be wondering — why make them so big?
Well, if I was going to use jeans as a framework to tell the rich history of denim, they needed to be large enough to hold all of that. There’s so much to include, and I didn’t want anything to be left out. I also wanted the jeans to stand out — to demand attention and get people talking. So I thought, why not go as big as I could possibly make them?
Using my desktop laser cutter, I began to burn imagery into the surface of the denim. It felt precise and permanent, but still full of texture and life.
That mix of storytelling, sustainable thinking and creative process eventually led me to the idea of making something much larger. Something people couldn’t ignore. That’s when the vision for the Giant Jeans started to grow — turning what I had learned into something bold, physical and full of meaning.
280% TIMES BIGGER THAN LEVI 501'S
The idea for my Giant Educational Jeans started back in 2019, when I attended the denim trade show Denim Première Vision. I spent a couple of days completely immersed in all things denim, from innovative exhibitors to educational talks and hands-on workshops. One workshop in particular sparked something big.
It was the RETRACE jeans pattern making session, led by the brilliant Italian designer Alessio Berto. He’s known for his expertise in vintage pattern cutting, impeccable style, and iconic denim designs. Before the session even began, we found ourselves chatting about life, denim, families and music. That conversation stayed with me. Alessio’s openness and warmth confirmed something I had started to feel — that the denim industry is one of the most generous and welcoming creative spaces out there. A place where knowledge is shared, not protected.
From Study to Statement
While studying for my Master’s in Fashion and Textiles, I continued to explore denim. I experimented with lots of surface treatments to find new ways of adding value to old materials. I played with screen printing, metallic foils, embroidery and patching. But the process that stood out the most for me was laser etching.
When I got home, I made my very first pair of jeans, paying close attention to every single detail. From the seam allowances and stitching to the button spacing and pocket placement, I wanted to understand the process deeply and properly.
During the workshop, I had learned how to draft a pattern from a vintage pair of 1950s Levi’s 501s, probably the most iconic five-pocket jeans in history. I traced out my pattern pieces and left with a bag full of denim and trims, plus a big smile and a head full of ideas.
ABOUT THE PROJECT