Dates: May 10th & 11th
Location: Hotel San Jose in Austin TX - 1316 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704
what's happening
special releasing 4 new Black Bear Brand designs!
boot fitting with our friends from Rios Of Mercedes (Saturday May 11th)
see a handful of special Black Bear Brand designs in person (leather, denim, and more!)
music and more!
*the California coast, my 1948 Panhead. the sun, crashing waves below. a defiance against the mundane in the air.
*chaos of speed, serenity, middle finger raised to a society suffocating in its own bullshit.
*each turn, a path through the tumultuous beauty of chaos. beneath the blazing sun, untamed, unbroken.
*the moment, alive, free, and this... this is liberation.
My dear Freedom, you are the fire in my veins, the constellations that guide me in the darkest of nights. With every sunrise, I am reminded that your gift is not merely in the external, but within me - an unquenchable flame that ignites with every adventure, every risk taken in your name. And so, I remain forever your faithful wanderer, your ardent admirer, and your devoted explorer. I will ride the currents of fate with the courage of a lone cowboy, etching my story into the annals of time, a testament to the love affair between a soul and its yearning for boundless horizons. - Josh Sirlin
The California coast, sun blazing, ocean endless, and the open road. Fuck everything else; this is heaven, my freedom. The air, salty, whispers tales of real defiance as the highway winds. Engine, heart beating, a quest for meaning in chaos. The golden sun, my canvas. I'm free in my madness, free to be the protagonist of my own tale.
Embark on a Gritty Adventure Across Japan's Coastal Wilderness, Where Vintage Choppers Roar and Boundless Inspiration Awaits
In the heart of Kyushu, where the neon haze of city life fades into the raw, untamed beauty of Japan's coastal wilderness, a band of modern-day samurai gathers. They aren't wielding katanas; instead, they straddle roaring vintage choppers, their steel steeds gleaming under the spring sun. Leading this ragtag crew is none other than Josh Sirlin, the maestro behind Black Bear Brand, a luxury American menswear label that's as rugged as it is refined.
Josh isn't just a designer; he's a nomad, a seeker of the sublime, and Japan is his playground. With the wind whipping through his hair and the salty tang of the sea in his nostrils, he's in his element. His chopper, a creation of the legendary Japanese bike builder Free Way, purrs beneath him like a restless beast, eager to devour miles of asphalt.
But this isn't just about the ride; it's about the journey. Josh and his crew aren't content with merely skimming the surface of Japan; they want to dive headfirst into its beating heart. So, as they tear through the coastal roads of Kyushu, they make pit stops that most tourists wouldn't even dream of.
They plunge into hidden hot springs, their bodies melting into the steaming waters as they swap stories of past adventures. They feast on delicacies that defy description, from succulent slices of sashimi to bowls of piping hot ramen that set their taste buds ablaze.
And everywhere they go, Josh is absorbing. He's not just a spectator; he's a sponge, soaking up every detail, every nuance of Japanese culture and nature. The sights, the sounds, the smells – they all find their way into his consciousness, fermenting and bubbling until they emerge transformed into something entirely new.
By the time the sun begins its slow descent into the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Josh and his crew are spent but exhilarated. They've seen parts of Japan that most people will never lay eyes on, and they've done it in style.
As they park their choppers on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, Josh can't help but feel a sense of gratitude wash over him. Gratitude for the wild ride, for the camaraderie of his friends, and for the endless well of inspiration that Japan never fails to provide.
And as he gazes out at the horizon, with the salty breeze ruffling his hair and the roar of the waves in his ears, he knows that this is just the beginning. There are more adventures to be had, more roads to be conquered, and more designs to be born from the crucible of experience.
But for now, he's content to simply be present, to soak in the magic of this moment, and to revel in the sheer, unadulterated joy of being alive. Because in the end, that's what it's all about – the ride, the adventure, and the unquenchable thirst for life that drives us ever onward, into the unknown
*we dance amidst cherry blossoms and ancient temples, our souls intertwined with the art of the journey.
*each step is a brushstroke, painting the canvas of our lives with hues of discovery and friendship. For in the embrace of the unknown, we find the true essence of existence – to live, to love, to explore.
*life, my love, is an art form unto itself – a masterpiece crafted from the raw materials of exploration and wonder
*in the symphony of travel, I find my soul set ablaze with the fire of curiosity and peace
- Josh
Back in Tokyo, my mistress where old dances with new. Shrines whisper tales of the samurai, nestled among towering skyscrapers and neon lights. Japan, my muse, my haven for design, inspiration, and soul-searching.
Today, I'm back in Master Horitoshi studio, the tattoo sage who's been etching his mark on me for nearly six years. Tebori, the ancient art, precise as a surgeon's blade, sacred as a temple ritual. Each prick, a communion between artist and flesh, a dance as ancient as the hills.
Stepping into his studio, the world outside dims to a dull hum. Here, time warps, folding like paper cranes, whisking me to a realm where permanence is etched by hand, not by data.
With each jab, I dive deeper into my own depths, shedding layers of falsehood until I'm stripped bare to my essence. Pain transforms, transcending into something more, blurring the lines between flesh and spirit.
Outside, the world rushes on, a cacophony of progress and clamor. But here, in this sacred sanctum, I find peace in the quiet between heartbeats, in the silence that speaks louder than words, in the eternal dance of transformation. - Josh
特集／ジーンズライフを彩る
ヘイルメアリーマガジン新号 / NEW ゴールドラッシュ
4月号です！特集タイトルは、日米でジーンズを追い続けるデニム愛好家の超マニアックな人生を掘り下げる『🇯🇵ジーンズライフ深掘り』＆NEW GOLD RUSH。 Hail Mary編集部が取材したスペシャルジーンズにBLACK BEAR BRANDが選ばれました。他には存在しない「デニム深掘り本」が誕生しました。この本がプレミア価格で取引されることは間違いありません（これはオノリの個人的な意見です）。売り切れ必至の「ジーンズ特集号」ですので、お早めにご購読ください。
Special feature/Adding to the life of jeans
New Hail Mary Magazine issue / NEW Gold Rush
The April issue! The special title is ``🇯🇵 Deep Digging into Jeans Life'' & NEW GOLD RUSH, which delves into the super maniacal lives of denim enthusiasts who continue to pursue jeans in Japan and the United States. BLACK BEAR BRAND was chosen as one of the special jeans covered by the Hail Mary editorial department. A ``denim deep digging book'' that does not exist anywhere else has been born. There is no doubt that this book will command a premium price (this is Onori's personal opinion). The "Jeans Special Issue" is sure to sell out, so please subscribe as soon as possible.
In the swirling haze of denim dreams and indigo-infused nights, my journey into the heart of Japan's craftsmanship began—an odyssey that feels like eons etched in the fabric of time. From the very soul of Okayama, where looms hum like ancient hymns, to the rugged hands that weave threads of tradition into every stitch, I found myself ensnared by the allure of denim's dance. But it was within the sacred art of Boro that I discovered the true essence of Japan—a symphony of sashiko stitches that mend the past and celebrate the present. Each patch, each layer, whispered tales of resilience, of lives lived and loved, of journeys both arduous and triumphant. And so, with reverence in my heart and a vision in my soul, I crafted the Black Bear Brand boro jacket—a homage to the land that birthed it, and to the artisans whose hands breathed life into every fiber. It is not merely a garment; it is a testament to the passion that courses through my veins, a love letter to Japan and its timeless heritage. As I stand amidst the serenity of Okayama, I am humbled by the depth of gratitude that fills me. For Black Bear Brand boro is more than just a culmination—it is a vow, a promise to continue honoring the boundless beauty that Japan has bestowed upon me. With each stitch, I weave my devotion into the fabric of time, forever yours in this timeless dance of denim and destiny. In the end, it is not just a jacket—it is a proclamation of love, a declaration of allegiance to the artistry that defines us both. And so, with the deepest respect and gratitude, I remain forever yours—Josh
On the edge, where the waves crash wild and the salty breeze whispers secrets, there's a spirit that thrives. Black Bear Brand, every stitch and every thread, where denim and a simple tee speak louder than words.
"Have a nice day..." the shirt proclaims, with a wink and nod to those who know. It's a subtle middle finger to a world gone silly.
The coast is my sanctuary, the highway my lifeline. With every mile, I feed on the chaos in my head, reveling in my mind's madness.
"Have a nice day..." I mutter with a grin, knowing full well the double meaning behind those words. It's a mantra of liberation, a declaration of independence in a world that demands conformity.
My existence is a silent protest, a middle finger raised in the face of society's expectations. I live for me, I design for me – it's the only way I know how to be.
So let them have their polite pleasantries, their scripted smiles. I'll take my freedom, my rebellion, and my damn fine t-shirt. And if they don't like it, well, they can go have a nice day... themselves.
On the edge, where the waves crash wild and the salty breeze whispers secrets, there's a spirit that thrives. Black Bear Brand, every stitch and every thread, where denim and a simple tee speak louder than words.
"Have a nice day..." the shirt proclaims, with a wink and nod to those who know. It's a subtle middle finger to a world gone silly.
The coast is my sanctuary, the highway my lifeline. With every mile, I feed on the chaos in my head, reveling in my mind's madness.
"Have a nice day..." I mutter with a grin, knowing full well the double meaning behind those words. It's a mantra of liberation, a declaration of independence in a world that demands conformity.
My existence is a silent protest, a middle finger raised in the face of society's expectations. I live for me, I design for me – it's the only way I know how to be.
So let them have their polite pleasantries, their scripted smiles. I'll take my freedom, my rebellion, and my damn fine t-shirt. And if they don't like it, well, they can go have a nice day... themselves.
My dear Freedom, you are the fire in my veins, the constellations that guide me in the darkest of nights. With every sunrise, I am reminded that your gift is not merely in the external, but within me - an unquenchable flame that ignites with every adventure, every risk taken in your name.
And so, I remain forever your faithful wanderer, your ardent admirer, and your devoted explorer. I will ride the currents of fate with the courage of a lone cowboy, etching my story into the annals of time, a testament to the love affair between a soul and its yearning for boundless horizons.
- Josh Sirlin
"I wore black because I liked it. I still do, and wearing it still means something to me. It's still my symbol of rebellion -- against a stagnant status quo, against our hypocritical houses of God, against people whose minds are closed to others' ideas."
- Johnny Cash
BLACK collection… available now!
For our 1st trunk show… we’ll be in Bozeman, Montana on Feb. 9th & 10th!
Location: BLACKBIRD - 140 East Main St. Bozeman MT
Dates/times: Friday February 9th (11am - 4pm) & Saturday February 10th (10am - 3pm)
Black Bear Brand vintage jeans… handcrafted in Okayama, Japan.
Behind Black Bear Brand... is Josh Sirlin, here he tears through Malibu Canyon astride his vintage Harley, a crazy man in the wind. crisscrossing the world on his two-wheeled adventures, fueled by the thirst for design, chaos and freedom. In his latest masterpiece, the Black Bear Brand vintage jeans, a denim saga with roots burrowed deep beneath the indigo skies of Okayama, Japan. These jeans aren't just threads; they're a nod to a seismic shift in the denim cosmos. Crafted from Botanical Indigo, rope-dyed organic cotton, this 13-ounce shuttle-loom woven selvedge denim is a sanctuary for the hands that weave its tale. In the pursuit of denim perfection, Black Bear Brand traverses the realms of design, melding vintage allure with utilitarian grace. The result... jeans that cradle you in the warmth of cherished memories, paying homage to the eternal classics. The journey to create these iconic jeans led to the very birthplace of a design from 1926. Hardware sourced from every corner of the globe, from the double snap waist closure to the vintage TALON zipper, tells a story of authenticity. Suspender buttons defy convention, proudly bearing the Black Bear Brand mark, while belt loops tread the line for those who dare. Yet, the true enchantment begins with the artistry of aging. Each pair whispers tales of adventures etched in the fabric, dreams pursued with unyielding determination. These jeans are not mere clothing; they are a symphony of a life lived—uncharted journeys, smoldering passions, and the essence of the soul. In the humble sanctuary of Black Bear Brand, an ode to an icon unfolds—a tribute to denim, an anthem to excellence, and a celebration of the untamed spirit within us all. These jeans aren't just worn; they resonate with the echoes of lives lived and the spirit of rebellion that refuses to be contained
LEATHER JACKET WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP… issue.
The rain fell hard in the Pacific Northwest, a relentless cascade that danced on the hood of the '66 Lincoln Continental, leaving a mist in its wake. The man at the wheel, rugged and weathered, wore a Black Bear Brand wool jacket made of Harris Tweed—the kind that could stand up to the elements and still look damn good.
His loyal companion, a dog with a spirit as wild as the surrounding forests, rode shotgun. The car purred like a contented feline as it navigated the winding roads, flanked by towering evergreens.
They reached the rivers edge, the rain pouring, a wild river below, its waters tumultuous and untamed. The man and his dog stepped out, the Black Bear Brand jacket providing a barrier against the lingering chill.
In the midst of the storm, they stood on the precipice, gazing at the rugged beauty of the landscape. Mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks obscured by clouds. The river roared, a force of nature in its own right, carving through the ancient landscape.
The man's eyes mirrored the untamed terrain, a reflection of the wilderness he traversed. His dog, sensing the primal energy of the moment, stood beside him, ears perked, eyes fixed on the coursing river.
In the silence between raindrops, man and dog embraced the raw, unyielding beauty of the Pacific Northwest. A fleeting pause in the journey, a moment stolen from the storm, a testament to the adventurer's heart that beat within them, echoed by the deep growl of the '66 Lincoln Continental idling nearby.
*Northwest's wild, my best friend
*Rain's rhythmic beat, my companion
*Nature's grip, my heart stirs
*In the wild, I find my place
*Winter draped the open road in a stark beauty, a desolate canvas begging for the brushstroke of a mad artist.
*Chasing the unknown into the heart of it... beauty in the empty landscape, the engine growl echoing through the vast expanse.
*Sanctuary in the adventure, calmness in the harsh chaos. America, as it once was. Wild West, the road unfolding in front like pages of a tattered love letter.
*Simplicity in existence, a testament to a life lived on the edge of the unknown.
*A quest without end, an adventure without boundaries, and it's where I belong.
Forever seeking,
- Josh
As I hurtle through the ever-changing landscape of existence, I find solace in the madness that swirls within my head. It's the very madness that propels me on this relentless quest for life itself, my never-ending pilgrimage to seek the elusive sanctuary of peace.
For me, peace isn't a tranquil garden or a serene lake; it's found in the chaos of the adventure, in the unpredictable twists and turns of the journey. It's the manic dance of the throttle, the reckless pursuit of the unknown, and the wild pulse of life coursing through my veins.
The world around me may be a kaleidoscope of madness, but in its midst, I discover a peculiar serenity—a calmness that arises from embracing the unruly, the uncharted, and the unhinged. It's in the wild places, the untamed moments, that I truly come alive.
So, my dear, while others seek solace in the mundane and the predictable, I find my peace on the edge of sanity, riding through the tempest of existence. It's a quest without end, an adventure without boundaries, and it's where I belong.
Forever seeking,
Black Bear Brand
I endure as your unwavering wanderer, a fervent admirer, and a dedicated explorer. with a middle finger to conformity, I'll navigate the currents of fate, carving my tale into the annals of time—a testament to the passionate liaison between a soul and its insatiable craving for limitless horizons.
the unknown... I'm devotedly yours.
- Josh Sirlin
The world was a blur of white and gray, a no man's land, where the west tested the mettle of men and sorted out the weak from the strong. But in that chaos, my mind found a peculiar serenity. The madness of the landscape mirrored the tumult within me.
A frozen hellscape, there's a method to my madness, in the eye of the storm, I find solace. My bike and I are a single entity, battling the elements, becoming one with the madness...
- Josh
The rain fell in sheets, a relentless assault from the heavens, as if the gods of the Pacific Northwest had grown weary of the weak and sought to wash away the feeble-minded. Rugged mountains loomed like ancient titans, their peaks obscured by swirling mist and ominous clouds. The treacherous rain, a constant companion in this unforgiving land, was both a baptism and a crucible.
In this environment, where sanity danced on the edge like a precarious tightrope, I found solace. My crazy mind, an asylum for thoughts that defied convention, found peace in the chaotic symphony of rain and wind. The thunderous roar of the bike echoed through the forest, a primal scream against the silence that threatened to devour the weak-willed.
This Black Bear Brand jacket clinging to my frame is not just a relic of yesteryears... it's a new creation, a testament to my defiance and a tribute to the unyielding spirit of the Pacific Northwest. It's a personal journey manifested in fabric, a declaration of love in a world indifferent to the unique.
I charge through the forest, rain pelting against the hand-quilted wax canvas, this jacket is a middle finger raised against the mediocrity, a nod to my insanity etched into every stitch, it's a personal journey manifested in fabric. Fuck commercial expectation; this jacket is not born of obligation but of passion, a manifestation of my desire to wear something I truly love.
As I ride through the storm of life, my Black Bear Brand jacket, It's not just a piece of clothing; it's a living, breathing statement, a symbol of my own brand of insanity. In this untamed wilderness, where only the strongest minds find solace, my jacket is a homage to the relentless spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
