With the chill of winter settling in, our wardrobes naturally pivot toward warmth. But “cozy” doesn’t have to mean “careless.” Inspired by Pharrell’s Ski 2026 collection for Louis Vuitton, I set out to create a pair of roomy, modern, and weather-appropriate corduroy trousers.
The catalyst? A stroke of luck at Fabricville, where I scored a length of tan narrow-wale cotton corduroy for next to nothing. The fabric had the perfect weight and luster—so perfect, in fact, that I decided to make the project twice.
The Foundation: A Trusted Silhouette
I returned to a reliable Burda pattern you’ll likely recognize from my past projects. There is a specific kind of freedom in using a “TNT” (Tried-and-True) pattern; since the fit is already dialed in, you can focus entirely on the design architecture.
To capture that high-fashion utility aesthetic, I introduced several modifications:
- Architectural Details: Added a knee dart and a horizontal back-knee seam for a structural, ergonomic shape.
- Refined Pockets: Swapped standard pockets for sophisticated single-welt back pockets.
- The Silhouette: Widened the leg throughout for a contemporary, relaxed drape.
- Finishing Touches: Added front-leg seam details and heavy-duty belt loops.
The “Production Line” Setup
Sewing “twins” requires a bit of mechanical choreography. To keep the momentum going and ensure professional results, I ran a three-machine circuit:
- Primary Workhorse: Straight stitch for assembly.
- Vintage Pfaff: Reserved exclusively for top-stitching and bar tacks (nothing beats a vintage machine for decorative structural stitches).
- Overlocker: For clean, industrial-grade internal finishes.
It’s All in the Details
True luxury is hidden on the inside. For the pocket bags, I dipped into my stash of high-end shirting from Sultan’s Fine Fabrics. To finish the exterior, I added a custom leather patch using remnants from Zelikovitz Leathers—a small nod to the artisanal branding seen on the LV runways.
The result? Two pairs of trousers that feel rugged enough for the street but refined enough for the studio.
The Big Question: When you find the perfect fabric and a fit that works, would you have the stamina to make them… twice?
