L Catterton's acquisition of a controlling stake in KAPITAL marks a new chapter for the Japanese denim brand, as confirmed on the private equity firm's investment portfolio for 2024. The deal, backed by luxury conglomerate LVMH, arrives at a pivotal moment - months after the passing of KAPITAL's founder Toshikiyo Hirata and just before the brand's 40th anniversary.
The story of KAPITAL is deeply woven into Japan's denim heritage. In 1985, Hirata established the brand's headquarters in Kojima, a district of Okayama prefecture that earned its reputation as Japan's denim manufacturing hub. But the brand's roots stretch back further - to 1948, when Hirata worked as a karate instructor in the United States.
During his time in America, Hirata immersed himself in the country's denim culture. He joined other Japanese collectors who traveled across the U.S. searching for vintage denim pieces, studying their construction and design. This hands-on research later proved invaluable when he returned to Japan and studied traditional denim-making techniques in Kojima during the 1980s.
KAPITAL has since evolved from its origins as a specialized denim manufacturer into a recognized name in contemporary fashion, known for merging traditional Japanese craftsmanship with American workwear influences. While financial details of the L Catterton deal remain private, the acquisition positions KAPITAL for potential international expansion through L Catterton's global retail expertise and LVMH's luxury market knowledge.
The partnership represents another step in the growing intersection between heritage craft brands and luxury investment firms, as traditional manufacturers adapt to changing global markets while working to preserve their distinctive identities.