The good ol’ Levi’s 501 Original continues to ace the jean pool
Back in the aughts, Time Magazine once called the 501 Original the “Fashion Item of the Century”. With its long and illustrious history—149 years to be exact—Levi’s iconic and versatile denim jeans have seen many makeovers of the famous style. This year’s theme borrows a lot of the nostalgic vibes from the late ‘90s that we’ve seen take over the world. Called Levi’s 501 ‘90s jeans, the fashion piece has a more relaxed, looser, and even a little slouchy fit that should be matched with the right amount of attitude.
To celebrate the blue jean’s legacy, the denim legend partnered with seven visionaries whose creativity and personal evolution embody the spirit of the Original 501 through the campaign, “The Number That Changed Everything”.
Check out how these seven creative innovators and tastemakers show off the truly versatile style of the 501 Original and the 501 ‘90s.
Kid Cudi in 54 Was My Number
The pair that started it all. The 501 Original still has its signature straight silhouette and button-down fly. Like the iconic pair, Kid Cudi created a distinct niche in the hip hop scene and influenced a whole generation of artists who have taken cues from the sounds he has produced since his debut.
Tremaine Emory in B&T Freeman
The big and tall one. The B&T Freeman is the Original 501’s more baggy counterpart than Denim Tears founder, Tremaine Emory sports. The prolific creative director has collaborated with the American jeans company on many projects that puts history and representation at the forefront of his creations.
Staz Lindes in 501 ‘90s in Firestarter
A classic mid-rise with just the right amount of bagginess on the leg. The 501 Original meets the iconic ‘90s with this iteration. Model and bassist Staz Lindes rocks a distinctive style from androgynous to a glamazon.
Gabriella Karefa-Johnson in Plus 501 ‘90s Drew Me In
Highly flattering on the curves in a mid-rise silhouette. Just like the classic design’s rich history, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson has carved a path as a formidable tastemaker in the industry with an array of beautiful narratives.
Mike D and Gia Seo in Ska Ska
The original but in a different wash. The Ska Ska color shows the 501 Original in a straight leg and renowned vintage styling with musician, surfer and philanthropist Mike D and model, creative innovator, and style innovator Gia Seo.
Nathan Westling in Vintage 501 Original
A blast from the past. The Vintage 501 Original is a Hall of Famer among the many styles of denim pants on Levi’s roster. Well-known model Nathan Westling, who has inspired many by his life journey, wears the design of the first-ever blue jeans that witnessed many shifts in their style.
Issa Pressman in 501 Original
It’s not just American visionaries that the original jeans maker tapped for its 149th anniversary, they also collaborated with Southeast Asian denim heads and creatives who embody the same spirit of the campaign.
The Philippines’ very own Issa Pressman, clad in fashion staple 501 Original, continues to show off her artistic spirit through different ventures as a businesswoman, a singer and songwriter, and a painter.
To learn more about the 149th celebration of the epic denim and this year’s icons, visit Levi’s website. Shop your fave 501 Original here.
