Mission

Mission. Statement Store/Munich

Kay Knippschild and Christian Josh Heise, who are both from Berlin, were inspired to make a bold statement in favour of denim in Munich by their shared passion for high-end finely detailed jeans. The Statement Store truly lives up to its name; 99% of the

trousers on offer are unwashed Selvedge denims. Text: Kay Alexander Plonka. Photos: Statement Store

There’s only one appropriate location for this store: in Munich’s Glockenbach district, near Gärtnerplatz, on Frauenhoferstrasse between Klenzestrasse and Müllerstrasse. This is the place the Statement Store of Kay Knippschild and Christian Josh Heise has called home ever since it opened its doors to the public in November last year. The two fashion enthusiasts had already founded Munich’s Red Wing Shoes Store a year earlier. However, Statement Store is solely dedicated to jeans. More than 80% of the goods on offer are Selvedge denims from the US and Japan, ranging from 12.85 to 21 ounces. In addition, the store stocks accessories such as belts by Hollywood Trading Company, hats and caps by Stetson, jackets by Baracuta, and boots by White’s Boots. Unique vintage items, which the two owners buy at jumble sales during their trips to the US, provide a special highlight. All but two jeans models are unwashed, raw that is. Furthermore, the shop stocks a few chinos for the summer. The fits are as diverse as the customers and therefore include skinny, slim, tapered, relaxed, and loose fits. “We strive to offer something for everyone. Our product range is aimed at both denim novices and well-informed experts. We have customers who are 16 years old, but we also had a customer in his 70s who purchased a 501 from 1947”, Berlin-born Heise explains. In Heise’s experience, the good people of Munich predominantly seek out the smaller waist sizes, suggesting the Bavarians are considerably slimmer than their Prussian counterparts.

Career in Retail

Heise actually entered the denim trade as late as 2010. He boasts university degrees in economics, sociology, and political science. However, he decided to turn down a clerkship at the German Central Bank in favour of a position at Burg und Schild and Red Wing Store in Berlin. Now he is a co-owner of Statement. “Munich is a very sexy place in spring. I am really enjoying the task of establishing this store in this city. The environment consisting of antique and vintage shops, as well as cafes for all sorts of people, reminds me of Central Berlin and Prenzlauer Berg 15 years ago”, Heise says. The store advertises via its website blog, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as via a Labelfinder account. It took no more than six months before the shop had its first regulars. “Word-ofmouth recommendations are still the best means of advertising; it is and always will be the most important tool”, Heise explains. “Our customers are often asked about the trousers and shoes they wear. They are more than willing to recommend us.” The entry-level price range at Statement starts with Edwin Jeans with prices from 140 Euros upwards. Untreated 18oz jeans by 3sixteen, which are made of fabrics processed directly from the weaving loom without sanforisation, are a truly purist highlight with a retail price of almost 400 Euros.

Statement The Denim Store

Fraunhoferstrasse 8, 80469 Munich/Germany www.statement-store.com Opening: 27th of Nov. 2014 Owners: Kay Knippschild and Christian Josh Heise Sales area: 60sqm Brands for men: 3sixteen, Baracuta, Ebbets Field Flannels, Edwin, Filson, Hellers Cafe, Homespun, HTC, Indigofera, Indigo People, Ironheart, Japan Blue, Levis Vintage Clothing, Lightning Bolt, National Athletics, Stetson, Stevenson Overall, Talonmade, Tannergoods, The Strike Gold, Ondura, Rogue Territory, White’s Boots The same applies to denim by the Japanese label The Strike Gold from Okayama, which is made of so-called Left Hand Twill and boasts a matchless feel with the highest fabric quality possible. In principle, the owners of Statement strive to offer a broad in-depth range of denim trousers. They throw their professional expertise into the mix free of charge. “We are happy to give advice on how to wash the trousers correctly and what needs to be done to keep the colour fresh as long as possible. In contrast, we also gladly explain how to achieve a real washed look”, Heise says. In addition, the store offers honest guidance and excellent service. It goes without saying that there is no surcharge for the shortening of trousers. “For this purpose, we purchased a sewing machine that is capable of chain stitching. We would like to add a repair service to our service portfolio in the near future. We are also working on an online store”, Heise adds. After all, true pioneers always have a number of uncompleted missions on their agenda.

The interior of the Statement Store is aimed at a target group that appreciates honesty and a little rawness.

From the Spree to the Isar – Berlin-born Christian Josh Heise has found a new home in Munich’s Glockenbach district.