Introducing Kaarem Denim

Stories – December 2020

We looked backwards to move forward. 💙 An exploration into utilitarian, everyday fabric, reinterpreted our way. Introducing KAAREM Denim!

Made of 100% cotton deadstock fabric, we’re excited to introduce a mini collection of four minimal silhouettes based on old photographs of our family donning double denim looks. We took inspiration from formative moments of our aunties and uncles captured on film looking effortlessly cool as they navigate new territories. In a small way, we hope this mini collection embodies their spirit of hope and starting anew.

Oakland Airport--Kathy’s mom was five months pregnant with her when she arrived by plane to Oakland, CA, after living in refugee camps in the Philippines for a year. Kathy’s Bà Ngoại scrambled to pay for the family’s stealth departure from Rạch Giá by boat. The entire family is wearing secondhand denim distributed at the camps.

Bà con wearing all denim in the early 80's.

Khuyên's father wearing denim in the early 80's.

Kathy's father in denim in the early 70's.. the "hottest" pant style of the time, as he would say.

We will continue to grow and develop this mini collection as time goes on. Slowly adding to a functional series of adaptive garments that can take you from warm Sài Gòn air to cold New York winters.

Created with borderless intention, these unisex pieces can be worn as outerwear to protect us from the sun or as a layering piece to keep warm.

Dat & Vy

Our mini campaign was captured on film by Khuyen Lai, styled by Karen Thao La, and worn by Dat Vinh Tran + Tran Thuy Vy Nguyen (all a part of the Que by Kaarem team, where the photos were taken).