Fashion photographer Walter Chin has a slight problem: “I collect things – I can’t stop. It’s a disease,” he admits by phone in Malibu where he’s shooting the upcoming Victoria’s Secret “Pink” campaign.

He likens his obsession with luxury goods to “A.D.D. mixed with O.C.D.” And it’s so extreme, he refuses to divulge how many Ferraris he has parked in his garage in Connecticut. (Insiders claim it’s somewhere around seven.) As for watches, he’s got about 65 of them – including several Rolexes, a Cartier, a Patek Philippe chronograph (his favorite), and an Audemars Piguet, which he’s currently sporting.

When it comes to jeans, however, he doesn’t own many -- but the ones he does have, need to be absolutely perfect. Meaning: slim-legged, straight-cut (“boot cut is fine, but I can’t handle flares”), and a medium wash. So far, only Dior Homme, Earnest Sewn, Levis, and some customized Rpm45’s have made the cut.

Taking into account Chin’s strict denim policies, we sent him a pair of Gekko jeans – a new line out of Tokyo -- believing they might have the potential to become part of his wardrobe. Some styles are woven with silver-dipped or even platinum denim fibers (the platinum ones exceed $3,000); less expensive alternatives including silver-colored embellishments on the back pocket. Its no question these jeans are made for collectors with caviar tastes. And they’re slim-legged to boot. We asked him for his feedback:

HB: So, what do you think of the jeans, Walter?
WC: I love the cut. They’re very slimming and straight -- extremely sexy. And they’re really comfortable. But I think the crotch is too long – it should be shorter for guys. And I wish the wash was different. They’re sort of that black-turned-gray color; I’d rather have tested out one of their washed-out blue pairs, since that’s my favorite color and style.

HB: What do the Victoria’s Secret girls think of them?
WC: All the girls love them. Alessandra [Ambrosio] asked if she could have them.

HB: What have you been wearing them with?
WC: I like to dress up my jeans. Dress shoes, dress shirts from Thom Browne. I would never wear a distressed top with them or anything. Right now, I’m headed out to dinner at Matsuhisa with the art director, and I’m wearing them with Yves Saint Laurent shoes and a Dior jacket.

HB: What do you think about the silver-colored detailing on the back pocket - is it too flashy?
WC: I love that part! It’s like an ornament. You have to remember, I drive Ferraris. I’m a flashy guy.

~Karin Nelson

Shopping List:

Gekko jeans,$300-$3200. Embelished Pocket jeans $350 retail available in October at Fred Segal ronherman.com

Walter Chin, “Work in Progress” – his first photo book (“It’s a little bit of everything,” he explains). $26, amazon.com

Look for his new book of nudes entitled “After the Shoot,” which debuts soon.

Nobu Matsuhisa, 129 North La Cienega Blvd. Beverly Hills, 310.659.9639 nobumatsuhisa.com