The Art of Denim with Robert Paul
Jeans have marked culture for the last 140 years. Learn how to make your own jeans, denim jackets or shirts in the wild, majestic timberlands of northwestern Montana. This experience will be one of a kind.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $2135
- Additional guest(s) (max 2)
- USD $1725
Meet the Artist
Robert is a bespoke maker of denim jeans, jackets and shirts; master of jean repairs and alterations; and a Vintage Levi 501 collector and seller. With 25 years of experience attracting Levi's fanatics from Europe, Japan, New York and beyond, he has been referred to as “Jean Weaver”, “Jean Genie” to "Denim Doctor." It all began in 1996 when he started spending his weekends stitching book covers using kids' Levi's jeans. Within a short time, the quality of his craft and vintage collection built his celebrity client list – you name them – Eric Clapton, Britney Spears, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Petty and the Beach Boys. Denim is worshipped in his studio. He says "This is a dying art and you have to love it. If it feels like work, then it's boring."
VAWAA Includes:
- Handcrafting a denim product like a pair of jeans, shorts or jacket. Based on your skill level you can make a brand new product or bring your own to alter.
- Jean making process.
- Jean repair techniques.
- Jean alteration types.
- Sewing machines and their functions.
- Pattern adjustment process.
- Insights into jean making secrets that have been passed down over 150 years.
- Retail and merchandising.
Explore Rexford, Montana
Robert’s studio is in Rexford, just seven miles south of the Canadian border, nestled in the timberlands of northwestern Montana. Situated between two mountains, a block away from Lake Koocanusa, every direction is an invitation to breathtaking views. Access the infamous Kootenai National Forest and its many winding trails, waterfalls and majestic pine and cedar trees. Enjoy swimming in the lake, take in the most serene sunsets, and watch the wide variety of birds that call this their home. Connect to your surroundings with all your senses, and see what creative magic being in nature inspires.
Additional Details
Must have sewing skills to use sewing machines. This VAWAA is available for a longer duration, up to 14 days. Internships can also be arranged. If interested, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Guest Reviews
Hayden K., United States
Cooler than cool. My VAWAA with Robert was as fun as it was challenging; and Robert was not only knowledgable, practiced, and experienced, but also really receptive to trying out new things with me. He was very generous and welcoming, and worked so hard to teach me what he knew before stepping out to make lunch and diving right back into denim afterward. I did a VAWAA but I gained a mentor and a Read more
Nancy W., United States
The Covid pandemic put the big kibosh on travel. After a year and a half, I felt a quick drive to Los Angeles would be the perfect escape and wouldn’t require getting on a plane!
Robert is pro and was generous with his time and instruction. as my “chore jacket” project required the use of eight sewing machines. His studio was well organized, clean and I felt like an apprentice. Robert was supp Read moreLisa K.,
I zipped off to LA just over a week ago to join Robert in his studio to begin my learning of denim, sewing, and the machines with the primary drive to make a pair of jeans for self. And I did just that - make a pair of jeans working side by side with Robert as his assistant in the studio. I also learned jean repair / alterations and how to make a piece of art out of a pair of jeans. Robert also Read more
Warren A., United States
Robert is the best at what he does
Jenny B., United States
Amazing experience! Robert is a master of his craft and a great teacher. While having lots of fun, we worked together on making a pair of jeans for me - Robert walked me through the whole process, stitch by stitch. He showed me each step on one leg of the jeans and I repeated it, and practiced, on the other. It was easy, exciting, and fun. My VAWAA weekend was a true apprenticeship with the artist Read more
