Meet Ross Takev

I am a curious person who loves the world in its wholeness. We are gifted with being alive, and every day is a bliss. I strive to make the best of it. In my experience, the true way to this is always related to the soul of the individual, and the paths are countless. I think a good pair of denim can help one reflect on that – both functionally and aesthetically pleasing.

From barista to lifeguard to fintech professional, what’s been the biggest lesson you’ve taken from each of these unique roles?

I studied Fine Arts in high school and Engineering Design at the university, which, looking back at it, emphasizes being creative at my core. I’m applying this principle in its most fundamental form. This is to be in every moment just as it is, wholeheartedly. At the center of every situation is always the same thing – to give yourself to it. It doesn’t matter if this means observing attentively at 104°F for eight hours straight, creating an object out of nothing, preparing an intricate drink and having a quick chat with a customer, or analyzing a complex information block.

So, shortly speaking the biggest lesson is this: stay open, fall in love.


What’s one habit or practice that keeps you grounded despite the corporate demands of fintech?

I do rely on some simple rituals that give me reference for inner work and that are pointing to an appropriate state of mind. Of course I benefit from regular meditation practice. There are also these simple daily things like counting on my uniform without too much contemplation, sipping a bold coffee, and listening to good music.

One can predict too little, and that’s actually beautiful. At the same time, one can look good, feel good… referencing James Brown here, for those who know – and be prepared for the moment, generally speaking. 

As someone who loves exploring the world, what cultural influences have impacted your taste in denim or lifestyle choices?

More or less, unconsciously I’ve been influenced by appreciating the style of my parents, who are from the original hippie generation. So I guess this implies heavily bleached and worn-out classic USA denim. This has been transformed into the generation I am from, soaked in rave, skate, hip-hop & punk vibes.

More recently, I experienced more personal insight through the Japanese impact on denim. Realizing the high quality of attention that is given to tradition and creating something contemporary at the same time resonated deep inside me. Wearing it raw adds up to this. One can say that the presence of this invisible “golden thread” – connecting the present with the past and future, gives this richer meaning.

What sparked your love for selvedge denim, and how has your approach to denim evolved since that first pair?

The attention to detail sparked something special for me. Specifically speaking, just these small red and white stripes made all the difference at the beginning. Learning about history, technique, and culture expanded my horizons. I also dipped my toes in Italian denim, so to speak, and I am interested in experimenting with other origins as well. Step by step, it is visible how by something “trivial” at first glance, a much broader point of view is possible. And this gives even a spiritual value to it.

I spent some time ruminating on why details are so worthwhile on a product of creation, besides their functional and/or aesthetic aspects. I always bring to the point that, on some level, this is a sign of attentiveness—a presence of consciousness. And this is the consciousness of the designer, of the producer, of everyone down the chain to the one wearing the denim in our context.

This is how we get connected to one, by being actually one. 


How has your experience with the Indigo Invitational changed the way you view and wear denim?

As someone who loves variety, I admit I pushed my boundaries. At the same time, I affirmed my opinion that one can do with fewer and better products from the wardrobe. Yes, well-designed and produced clothes make a big difference.

Strictly denim-wise, I am in even more abundant love with it. No effort. It just excels, day after day.

If you could create your ideal pair of KATO jeans, what details or features would you include to make them uniquely yours?

I would take a proven fit and would touch it just a little – like choosing a color combination for the selvedge ID and creating an image for the leather patch. If the specifications allow it, I would depict a button maybe with a catchword on it, and design the arcuates on the back pockets. And if we get hardcore, I’ll enjoy being part of the process of creating the denim fabric structure.

But then we’re almost talking about making a new model, aren’t we? Pardon me, this is imagination speaking.


What were your thoughts before trying KATO, and how has your experience changed since you started wearing our jeans?

I reached the conclusion about KATO before wearing KATO, and the expectations were high. I expected nothing less from the pair, having in mind the mouth-watering photos and specifics visible on the internet. I had no one around me wearing a KATO, so it was all a pure first experience.

One year after heavily wearing the pair, I can say that the expectations were exceeded many times over. Comfort is unmatched, thanks to the slight elasticity, and most importantly – the painstaking engineering. Details are mind-blowing – we’re talking even about embroidered care labels here, and as mentioned above, this is satisfactory on every level. The style is superb – it has this universal quality to it, and at the same time, brings character. It is part of me now, and I am part of it.

But words are not far enough. You can’t describe KATO. You have to wear it.