September 26, 1996—my first day at Danali. Over 28 and a half years later… how the hell did that happen?! I guess when you love what you do, time flies.
What is your favourite part of working at Danali and why?
I love the sense of teamwork and the family feeling atmosphere—with both my coworkers and my clients.
Why do you love denim so much and when did it start?
I think because of its evolution and that it's held my attention for almost 50 years. I remember seeing black and white pictures of me with jeans pulled up probably way too high, with my tucked in shirts and sweaters when I was a little kid, and I've always loved the look and feel of it, but I think mostly because of the transformation that happens when you put time into it. It's definitely like a keepsake that you can keep on wearing.
What is your current jean rotation?
I'm cycling through a couple pairs of jeans at the moment, both Fullcount, both the 0105 style. My first pair of Fullcount denim was the 13.7oz and I followed that up with the 15.5oz, which has a beautiful depth to the indigo and a little more texture to it–hitting closer to the sweet spot for me.
First pair of raw/selvedge denim and what are you wearing now?
My first pair of raw, selvedge denim was the Nudie Jeans Regular Ralph—13.5 oz Japanese selvedge. I remember putting them on and feeling powerful. Denim gives me a confidence and energy that no other fabric can. Back then, I loved the heavy, rigid, tight-fitting jeans—at one point, I even had a 26 oz pair. But over time, my preferences evolved. Today, 16 oz is my sweet spot, any heavier feels too stiff, and I find mid-weight denim fades more evenly and creases better. I used to chase slubby, textured fabrics—the more coarse, the better. Now, I prefer something a little more refined.
The same goes for fit. I used to wear a single pair for years without washing to get high-contrast fades. Now, I prefer darker, more even tones, so I wash earlier and rotate between three or four pairs to stretch out that 0-3 month sweet spot. I’ve also embraced wider leg fits. My Fullcount jeans feel like pajamas after a couple weeks—light, roomy, and incredibly comfortable. I never thought I’d wear wide fits, but here I am. Denim is cyclical, and so are we. You change with it. I’d never say never to going back to slim jeans—styles have a way of creeping back in.
Right now, I’m all about Fullcount, especially the 0105—a wide straight leg based loosely on the 1953 Levi’s 501. That era just fits me. They’re flattering, comfortable, and have a uniqueness I love. And while the fit is what matters most, the story behind the brand resonates too. Fullcount is one of the Osaka Five, and they’ve built their legacy on reproducing timeless pieces. Their mission was to recreate the most comfortable denim in history, which they found in 1940s Levi’s—and I think they’ve surpassed it.
Coolest clothing experience?
For my 25th anniversary, I partnered with a famous denim brand to create my own unique fit called the "Johnny Guy". The process involved many hours of measuring, drawing, inspiration from Japanese brands, and lots of back-and-forth calls. We focused on everything from stitch details, rivets and pockets to leg shapes. We made 50 pairs, sold exclusively at Danali.
Seeing the jeans in person for the first time was exciting but nerve-wracking, wondering if they’d sell—luckily, they did, and the launch event was a hit. Each pair featured a custom leather patch I hand-stamped with initials and numbers, making it a special experience. I saved a pair for myself, which is now a worn-in favourite I’ll treasure forever.
What different machines do you use and services you provide?
At the store, we go to great lengths to make jeans work—hemming, tapering, shortening rises and scooping seats. It depends on the waist, but when done right, these minor tweaks can make a good jean great.
Right now, I’m working with a 56-300F Union Special, a flatbed chain stitch machine that handles hemming, outseams, and topstitching—it’s a rare one. I also have a single-needle straight stitch machine that’s at least 85 years old. It’s a beast.
Advice for getting into raw or selvedge denim?
If you can find an outlet of information that's not the internet—like me—I find it really helps. With the right guidance, you don't have to overthink it, It's just a pair of jeans.
But I would say to start, don't step into the most crazy, intense jean ever. There are some really good quality pieces out there that are quite accessible and an easy to start your selvedge journey with.
It's funny, when someone buys a jean from us, I joke that it comes with my cell number because you can message me and ask any questions, I'm there for you.
Made in Zaida’s Basement, where the idea came from and why we sell it at Danali?
My business, Made in Zaida’s Basement, started because I couldn’t find what I wanted—so I made it. Hats, leather jackets, jeans, bangles, bracelets, rings, belts—I began creating everything for myself. Eventually, people started asking where I got them, and I couldn’t keep it to myself.
My business and working for Danali were born at the same time. Around 1996, I was making my own shirts and patterns, updating fits based on patterns passed down from my Zaida. I like to honor him by keeping that name alive. I love that name for a business—it feels very personal.
These days, I make more jewelry than leather goods, but they go hand in hand. I love making belts because I get to hand-forge sterling silver buckles, pair them with hand-cut leather, burnish the edges, and saddle-stitch everything. I’ve made everything from briefcases to chains and necklaces—a wide range of pieces.
Made in Zaida’s Basement is the only jewelry we carry in the store, and I think the aesthetics really work with Danali.
Because to us, there's no such thing as too much denim – that’s why we’re excited to welcome a new men’s brand that’s been generating some serious buzz: 3sixteen.
