Burning hot take: I don't think super worn-in high contrast raw faded denim looks particularly good. Dark denim looks good on its own, and is fine with a little whiskering. Beyond that, I'd rather just have, like, a lighter wash.
My favourite pair is these reeally beat up old carhartts, which I had to patch up multiple huge holes on to make them wearable (including sewing the whole back panel back on on one side). I left the pocket ribbon hanging cause I thought it was a kinda cool feature
Some viberg slippers I wore for three summers in a row. They’ve just been sitting the last couple years in the garment bag and I need to get them fixed up. The sole has pretty massive holes
These are some macro shots of my pair of Warehouse jeans. Photos were taken a couple of months ago. They're even more toasted now. I will spare you my amateur sew job to repair the broken crotch stitches.
These are my pride and joy in terms of how wear and tear can make something more beautiful. Rancourt Ranger Mocs in natural, unglazed shell. Then (2020) vs now
awesome, I got a pair of loake's recently that are closer to your pic of the original. Saphir darkened them a little but good to know I just need to wear them in