The new Levi’s collection includes a design nod to the many eras of the 501
Remember the ’80s? And how pivotal the Levi’s 501 jean was to your wardrobe (white tee with rolled sleeve anyone)? And the ’90s and beyond? If any one item of clothing was ever deserving of the Oscar for timeless fashion, it’s surely the iconic Levi’s 501.
It’s hard to believe that the 501 originals date back 150 years. That’s not a typo; it was back in 1873 that the jeans that went on to become known as the 501 were launched. What began as a patent for copper rivets on work pants somehow went on to become perhaps the most influential piece of clothing ever created.
From western workwear (John Wayne wore a pair in the movie Stagecoach) to street cool (think Marlon Brando in The Wild One) to becoming a subculture of their own in the ’60s and a global phenomenon throughout the ’70s and ’80s, Levi’s 501 jeans are woven into the history of cultures and events.
Celebrating 150 years
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These pairings and stories are part of the celebrations marking 2023 and the 150th anniversary of the 501 jeans. The Greatest Story Ever Worn is a year-long celebration by the brand to commemorate the countless stories of fans in the 501 jean. As part of the campaign launch, Levi’s is releasing three short films that explore original stories from around the world and the role of 501 jeans in countless historical, cultural, and personal moments.
Watch the films here and here.
Levi’s vintage-inspired Autumn/Winter 2023
With 150 years of history to draw on, the newest offerings from Levi’s deliver a nod to the popularity of thrifting and vintage, mixing eras with a bit of ’80s prep with ’70s campus style, and some looser ’90s cuts blended with 2000s graphics.
Also thrown into the mix is inspiration taken from stepping back further into late 19th and early 20th century archival 501 fits and finishes.
2023 women’s styles are quirky with an edge, featuring a range of new fits, including the Middy Straight (a new mid-rise jean inspired by the 501 that features a straight leg and zip fly), the Baggy Boot (a jean with a slouchy baggy top block and boot cut leg), and shirts in loose fit button-down styles in chambray, woven cotton, and plaids.
Silhouettes are mixed up this season, with pretty and also collegiate styles delivering relaxed comfort and a sense of nostalgia. Levis 2023 pieces are available in-store and online now.
Images supplied