Evisu was one of the first premium denim brands to launch in the early 90s, introducing even casual denim wearers to the joys of Japanese selvedge, custom distressing and — the then-inconceivable — hundred dollar price tags. But the brand tapered off in recent years, lost in the gluttony of new denim labels that seemed to arrive on the scene every few months. Now the brand is poised to make a big comeback — and turning to a former industry rival for help.

This fall, Evisu re-launches with Scott Morrison as its new Creative Director and CEO. Morrison is a pioneer in the premium denim movement, better known as the founder of Paper Denim and Earnest Sewn. The new jeans retain Evisu’s attention to unique washes, hand-distressing and vintage influences, while staying away from unnecessary over-embellishments. Morrison has brought in a renewed focus on fit, with trimmer, more tailored styles and cleaner lines. As for the denim? It’s just as soft and comfortable as you remember, with the jeans put into a bath with an enzyme or stone wash giving each pair a unique look and feel.

The re-launch includes three collections for men and women: the Evisu Genes line, with prices ranging from $150 to $198, an Evisu signature line, with prices at $198 to $265, and — if you’re willing to fork over the money — a “private stock” line of replica-quality, one-of-a-kind hand-painted and numbered jeans that run up to $700 a pair. The jeans will be available exclusively at Barneys, before expanding to other stores later this fall. Details at evisu.com.