Animals Are “Designing” Jeans Now

We’re suppressing the urge to type Dorothy’s famous phrase, though, in this case, it’s incredibly apt. A Japanese zoo recruited its lions and tigers and bears to create a collection of jeans. Per Slate, “Eager to find an eye-catching way to raise money for the Kamine Zoo in Hitachi City, local residents and volunteer zoo supporters, the Mineko Club, persuaded zookeepers to wrap the animals’ favorite toys — rubber balls and tires — in denim.” They tossed the fabric-covered noms to the beasts and a fashion crew sewed the distressed material into pants. (The completed garments are very Balmain pre-Olivier Rousteing.)

On display until July 21, the Zoo Jeans are being auctioned with money going to the facility and the World Wildlife Fund. As a bonus, they’re listed as, “Designed by LIONS,” and “Designed by TIGERS” — the latter already up to $1,200. But, think of the stories you could tell! (Instead of, “I was over-served, face-planted off my stoop, and somehow ripped a hole through the knee of my best skinnies.”) (Slate)