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

in the Pacific Northwest

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.

Crossing the barren Utah expanse, nearing Moab. The adventure's kicking in, senses awakened.
Clear blue skies, the sun sets, highway descends into crimson canyons. Noise fades as I charge. From the best perch on Earth, I embrace the untamed beauty. I'm in it! My senses ablaze. Right where I belong, fully present in splendid serenity.
The sun bids adieu, and I grin at the thought of soaring tomorrow. Durango's on the horizon! Excitement, adventure, discomfort—they go hand in hand, and I sprint towards them. I crave the feelings they evoke, yearn to conjure the irresistible.
It's the airborne adventure that beckons me to Durango. Few places boast such extreme mountain pinnacles. It's a sky-high playground. To fly, it's here I choose, where the wildest, most intense flights await. This is my desire; my restless spirit craves the topsy-turvy. I'm set to get uncomfortable. Drawn to what terrifies me. I respect it. Confronting intense discomfort, it's life's elixir, stoking my creativity, igniting my passion for living.
Embracing vulnerability, acknowledging my insignificance—humble and empowering. It reminds me, I'm not really in control, just along for the ride. And what a ride it can be when I dive in, surrender to it, and participate fully.
Let's soar! Let's embrace discomfort. We lift off. Within moments, we're over an alpine lake, nose down, charging toward the mountains. The chopper ascends like a sprint up steep stairs, then drops its nose, and we surge ahead. Exhilarating heights, breakneck speed, and breathtaking beauty—we're flying through mountain peaks, relinquishing all control.
My illusion of control, tossed aside; unquestionably, I'm not in command. Gazing left, right, down, up, forward—everywhere, trying to take it all in. I'm smitten. It's oddly familiar, like I'm on my bike. We're dancing with the sky; calm and chaos in harmony, speed our ally. Reading the horizon, surrendering to intuition, becoming one. We're dancing, and nature leads. It's sheer magnificence.
The colors... that blue, it seems to intensify as we ascend, contrasting the snow-capped peaks that gleam even brighter! The soft sky meeting rugged rocks, almost muffling the chopper's roar. We land on a small peak at twelve thousand feet, savoring the surrounding grandeur.

Life's Connection to the Ocean's Blue

I'm back at the ocean, I love it. Riding my bike along the coastline, The ocean has this magnetic pull on me. I can simply stare at it and get lost. Time stops. The world around me melts away.

Today, I'm heading south, in my favorite place. Speed of my bike, taste of the ocean, and the color blue — oh, the blue. Everywhere I look, it's blue. The color blue is woven into my life in so many ways. The ocean I love, the clear blue sky I yearn for, the denim I design. Blue does something to me that no other color can.

Today, the blue is deeper, brighter, more intense. It's in everything I see, stretching in every direction.

This place, the highway, the coastline, my sanctuary. I always come back to it, the ocean magnified by the mountains. The blues of the ocean and sky dancing with each other, and I'm caught in the middle of it all.

Calm, provoked, peacefulness shaking hands with intensity, I love it, I'm really in it, immersed in the moment. I can taste the salt in the air, feel the power of the ocean all around me. I'm surrounded by mother nature's kaleidoscope of blues.

I pull to the side of the Pacific Coast Highway. It's like I've found heaven right here. As I sit on my bike, staring at the magnificence of the ocean. I glance down at my watch, blue is everywhere, I smile, everything in my life is interconnected. What I love, what I design, what I dream of — it's all linked by the profoundness of the color blue. As I sit by the ocean on my bike, embraced by the endless blue.

Once more on your hallowed ground, amidst the gentle embrace of your ancient traditions and the warm camaraderie of dear friends. With each return to your shores.
The beauty of this sacred land, the one so close to my heart. where the spirit of the samurai still lingers in the air.
Your history and traditions are like layers of an exquisite tapestry, and I am privileged to uncover a new thread with each visit.
I will miss you dearly, but I know that this farewell is temporary. We share a deep connection that transcends time and distance, A node to you and your unwavering passion
With love and gratitude, thank you, Japan, for the friends, the design, and the beloved experiences you have brought into my life. Until next time.
Yours forever,
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

* Mother Nature, you wild, unpredictable deity, you fuel my life. I worship your chaotic grace.

* Life's forsaken highway, a waltz with chaos "Live free!" echoes like my gospel, a defiant salute to conformity. 

* The world's a loud and crazy circus. Freedom, my heartbeat, the only rule I follow. 

* A middle finger to conformity, spitting in the face of the mundane. I'm alive, thanks to freedom's wild embrace.

Seattle, my home, and the port, its pulsing heart—a place where I come alive. It's a realm of arrivals and departures, where dreams set sail, and I draw my inspiration. The emblem on my t-shirt, a sparrow with wings outstretched, serves as both my compass and symbol of the inevitable journey homeward. This, combined with my faded jeans, riddled with holes and frays, each telling its own tale of adventures embarked upon.

My Panhead engine growls, its thunderous sound echoing through the cavernous port. The call of the unknown beckons, much like the ocean calls a pirate. It's time to depart; there's promise in the air, an adventure awaits on the distant horizon.

The port is my sanctuary, a tranquil haven amidst the chaos. It's the gateway to the world, but for me, it's also the threshold to my own enigmatic spirit. It's time to embark, to chase the freedom of the open road. Here we go.

music: The Last Knife Fighter