Collecting things is certainly in vogue. Some do it as a form of investment. Others do it primarily because they are interested in the stuff they collect. For these people, the items they collect function to enrich their lives. This next story introduces us to someone who collects with a passion.

Our hero today is a guy called Xiao Lao. His collection might beyond your imagination.

Xiao Lao, Jean collector, said, "Some people love to wear jeans because they are durable, but we regard them as... artifacts."

Xiao Lao's collection is jeans. He knows this is a bit odd, but what makes him similar to other collectors is that each item represents one period in his life.

Xiao Lao said, "This pair was made in Japan, with high quality. Jeans record one period of my life when I wear them. See this tear? I did this when I was riding a bicyle and fell off of it. And because of these jeans, I got to know a lot of friends with same hobby."

Xiao Lao is the owner of this Jeans shop. With his high enthusiasm for Jeans and wide knowledge of the attire, he has made a lot of friends. They form a "Jeans Community". Young friends... a chic hobby... and a budding collection have given the members of this community a unique happiness.

"In my spare time, I go online to visit some professional jeans bulletin boards to share my collection with other people. Luckily, sometimes I see some pair of jeans that I really want. Also, I will put the best of mine onto the web and share them with others."

"This pair has a very interesting story behind it. In 1938, a gentleman was on his way home and saw a car broken down on the side of the road. He twisted his jeans to use as a rope to drag the car home. Surprisingly, his jeans weren't destroyed. So he discovered the jeans were of superb quality. He mailed the jeans, as well as a thank letter to the company that make the jeans. The company started remaking the jeans in 2006, and publicized the 'thank you' letter.

Xiao Lao says many people he knows collect porcelain or furniture. But he and his friends prefer jeans. They better represent a new idea from his generation about the art of collection.