THE BLOCK-1 JEAN

A closer look at Block One - our first selvedge jean, the thinking behind its fit and the process of turning more than 25 years around denim into something of our own.

The BRIEF

'Over the past 25+ years I’ve worked with denim from around the world during my time at Xile. Now I’m ready to create a jean that blends premium classic construction with a modern, progressive fit and detailing.

This isn’t about copying what’s already out there; it’s about taking the best elements from proven fits and reworking them until we get something that feels uniquely PARADAIZA. The subtle twists, the understated details, the quiet confidence. That’s what makes a jean live in someone’s wardrobe for years.

With you sourcing the selvedge denim and bringing the craftsmanship, and us leading on fit and finish, I believe we can build something timeless. Something real.'

Block One is our first jean and the starting point for denim at PARADAIZA. Relaxed through the top, naturally tapered through the leg and made from dark-indigo selvedge denim, it’s a proper everyday jean designed to be worn in and made your own.

A person wearing dark blue denim jeans with rolled cuffs, a blue knit sweater, and brown leather lace-up boots, standing on a wooden floor in front of a white wall and window.

FROM BUYING DENIM, TO MAKING OUR OWN.

I’ve spent more than 25 years working with denim from around the world.

During my time at Xile, me and Davie bought jeans from some brilliant brands. Over the years, you start to understand what works. The fits people return to. The details that matter. The pairs that look even better after they’ve been worn properly.

But buying somebody else’s jean and developing your own are two very different things.

Block One involved plenty of samples, fittings, conversations and changes. Trips to Istanbul to sit with the people making it, asking questions and working through the small details until it started to feel right.

You’d think that after all those years around denim I’d have it completely worked out.

I haven’t.

I’m still learning, and that’s probably the part I’ve enjoyed most.

STARTING WITH THE FIT

The aim was never to copy what was already out there.

It was about taking the things I’d always liked from proven denim fits and reworking them into something that felt like PARA-DAIZA.

I wanted room through the top without it feeling baggy. A slightly higher rise, plenty of space through the seat and thigh, then a clean taper beginning from the knee.

Loose and comfortable, but still shaped.

Not skinny. Not massively oversized. Just a good, natural fit that works with the rest of the wardrobe.

A man wearing a brown crew-neck t-shirt, dark blue jeans, and brown shoes stands in a bright room with white walls, wooden floors, and large windows.

THE DENIM

Block One is made in Turkey by a specialist denim manufacturer using 14oz dark-indigo selvedge denim.

The fabric has been lightly rinsed. That takes away some of the initial stiffness while keeping the weight, structure and depth of the indigo.

It still feels like a proper jean from the first wear, but it’s one that will settle in the more you live in it.

Every fade tells a story.

That was always part of the idea.

A man wearing a brown short-sleeve t-shirt, dark trousers, and white sneakers bends over in a bright, white room with wooden floors and large windows.

SOMETHING REAL

This started with an idea, a few old favourites, scribbled notes and a fairly rough brief sent to our makers in Turkey.

From there, it became fittings, samples, pocket shapes, stitching, patches and plenty of learning along the way.

After more than 25 years around denim, it feels good to finally have one of our own.

Something considered.

Something built properly.

Something real.

Block One. Our first jean.

Paul