Japanese streetwear pioneer NIGO is one of the most prolific collectors of rare vintage Levi’s in the world
Japanese streetwear and denim aficionado NIGO has partnered with Levi’s for a collaboration inspired by NIGO’s favourite personal archive piece, the Levi’s Hickory Stripe 501 jeans.
NIGO has spent decades sourcing rare vintage Levi’s and has accumulated one of the most expansive personal collections in the world. So, it’s something of a full circle moment for NIGO to work with Levi’s to create a collection inspired by the past and recreated for the present.
The two-piece collection features a pair of Hickory Stripe 501 jeans and a 557XX Hickory Stripe Trucker Jacket.
Both pieces were made in Japan utilising traditional manufacturing techniques. The 501 is crafted with 13oz, Shrink-to-Fit™ Hickory Stripe selvedge denim, specially developed for this collection, and includes classic details such as the Levi’s Red Tab, signature button shanks, Two-Horse Pull back patch, and stitched arcuate on the back pockets. It comes in a vintage wash with specific threads and shanks to match the archival reference piece.
The 557XX Trucker Jacket is also crafted with 13oz Hickory Stripe selvedge denim and comes pre-shrunk with specific threads, sundries, and a vintage wash to match the 501. Every piece from the collection comes with a special edition Levi’s x NIGO 150th anniversary tote bag and co-branded hangtag.
The new Levi’s x NIGO collection is presented alongside a short campaign film, shot on location in NIGO’s hometown. Personifying the theme ‘The Future is in the Past’, the video portrays a young NIGO styled in the collection, exploring many of the formative locations and activities from his childhood in a go-kart.
“As a concept, ‘The Future is in the Past’ means looking at the past to create for the future. I found the original Hickory Stripe 501 at a vintage store in 1995 and haven’t seen it reproduced since then. Using the past as my reference book, I am honoured to bring this archival 501 back during the 150th anniversary,” says NIGO.
The Levi’s x NIGO collection launches worldwide on 6 April 2023 and will be available for purchase at levis.co.nz, in select Levi’s stores, and humanmade.jp.
The collection forms part of Levi’s anniversary celebrations throughout 2023, to mark the 150th anniversary of the Levi’s 501 jean, one of the most enduring icons of style across the globe.
Images supplied