Gian Caballes (otherwise known as G) speaks a language recognized by all but mastered by a few. Under the alias Denim Dealer, his meticulously crafted garments breathe new life into the timeless textile—hand-cut, sewn, distressed, and brought forth in a new light.
Migrating to Canada at nine, the 24-year-old ventured onto uncharted waters, enacting a long-time dream of creating and designing with the weapon he wields best. For him, what makes denim so alluring is its necessity and versatility, whether captured on the world’s greatest runways, utilized as an everyday staple, or even stashed in the darkest depths of the closet.
“Denim is always either trending or somewhere in the middle. Everyone has it in their wardrobe. It’s essential,” G tells Complex Philippines.
transports his learnings and in return, gains inspiration. Just from stepping outside his Quezon City childhood home, he “witnesses a lot of interesting ideas that Filipinos come up with when it comes to styling,” further supplementing the never-ending designing process.
G remains an ever-curious disciple of design, as it’s with this dedication that his craft manages worldwide appeal. He talks to us about his experience working with Lil’ Yachty, OVO Niko, and OVO Mark among others, his Mount Rushmore of dream collaborations, and sticking to what he knows best.
What’s your origin story? What can you tell us about the brand?
Denim is almost like a universal language. If you go to any place in the world, everyone will probably know about jeans or what denim is. Paying attention to fashion over the years, it is always either trending or somewhere in the middle. Everyone has it in their wardrobe. It’s essential.
If we’re talking about how I got into designing, it started here at my childhood home. I have three other neighbors who lived in the same complex and we used to sneak out after dinner and chill out at one of their garages. We named our group “Midnight Club” and I made everyone a personalized tee, and now it’s personalized denim.
Once I migrated, I found my love for denim through @lildenimjean, noticing that they only posted denim. After sending several messages, they finally replied and posted my work. Through that, the Migos surprisingly reached out. They never posted me or anything, but I got a chance to hop on a Facetime call with them. I was supposed to go to their place but sadly, the pandemic happened. After that, I kept growing with them (@lildenimjean), and even [Floyd] Mayweather’s kids reached out to me—Zion and Koraun. They’re cool.
What do you think is the trend nowadays when it comes to denim?
I have a bias, but from what I’ve noticed out here, everyone wears it. Like I see it in Bonifacio Global City, on tricycle drivers, and even truck drivers. Everyone wears it. In terms of trends, I think it is trending right now. I see a lot of baggy styles for sure. Not so much of distressed stuff like this (*motions to his pants*).
Can you tell what kind of apparel suits someone best? What do you look for when suggesting a certain style to someone?
Since most of my orders are virtual, I take a look at their Instagram and their stuff, but if I know them personally, it’s a different story. I probably would know what their style is like and I can predict what colors they’d like and what fit they’d be comfortable with. I can just tell and that’s one of my skills.
Do you have any fashion influences?
My dad. I’m just like a different version of him. He’s very put together, wearing mostly collared shirts but almost always wearing denim bottoms—even distressed ones too! So that’s where I got it from.
Apart from him, I take inspiration from what I witness in the streets outside my home. I see a lot of interesting ideas that Filipinos come up with when it comes to styling, such as when tricycle drives tie their bandanas forward and when they have their jacket on backward. It’s more function than stylistic and that’s pretty cool.
What was it like working with some of the industry’s biggest names?
Let’s start with OVO Niko, who is like a big brother to me. I reached out to him through Instagram and he took me under his wing. Being someone I look up to and Filipino, I was surprised he responded and I offered to gift him something. He invited me out to his basketball game and from then on, we built a very organic relationship. He has connected me with other people such as Lil’ Yachty, OVO Mark, and a bunch of the other guys in the circle. I made him (Niko) a pair of jeans the same color as his basketball team, which felt very connected to his passions.
Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with in the future?
I’d love to work with Polo Ralph Lauren one day, being my dad’s favorite brand. It’s probably the biggest reason the aesthetic looks the way it is because my dad has four to five pairs of jeans that I drew inspiration from and that’s kind of where it started. I loved recreating polo jeans.
If possible one day, I’d also love to collaborate with Aren (Pe) and Pau (Martinez) of Fortune W.W.D. I just look up to their branding, everything that they do, and as people as well. Everything is so purposeful from every decision to every product. They’re building a world and I don’t know why they haven’t skyrocketed yet.
There’s also Jordan brand for sure and Timberland. I need a custom pair of Timbs for sure.
Do you think Filipinos have a soft spot for denim?
I think so. It’s very durable and can be used for almost everything. You can dress it up, dress it down, work in it. It’s very versatile. There are not a lot of fabrics like that and I think that’s what fits the Filipino lifestyle.
Where can people find The Denim Dealer?
Denim Dealer is always moving and that’s the only way to get pieces. It’s either you catch us at a pop-up, an exhibit, or just from the family around it. The reason why it’s exclusive is because I like to know who I’m creating things for. I like having a personal relationship with them before creating something. You can find me at @denimdealerr on Instagram. Just message me and we can work something out.
The post The Denim Dealer On Collaborating With Lil’ Yachty And Committing To His Craft appeared first on Complex Philippines.