Levi’s® and UNDERCOVER have joined forces for the second time, combining UNDERCOVER’s Tokyo subculture aesthetic with timeless Levi’s design to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Jun Takahashi’s epochal brand.
UNDERCOVER is a Japanese brand known for its subversive yet elevated designs which began in the Tokyo underground scene 30 years ago. Combining UNDERCOVER’s rich archival references with Levi’s® core and tradition, this collection introduces 9 pieces that reflect a commitment to creativity, innovation and personal style. The campaign features Flea, bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, photographed in his Malibu home by his daughter, Clara Balzary. Beloved for his simultaneously light and dark music, iconic personal style, and unfiltered creativity, Flea embodies the spirit of the collection.
The Pinnacle Type II Trucker Jackets feature detachable zip detailing on the sleeves, collar, and side seams, allowing wearers to diversify components for a customisable look, referencing UNDERCOVER’s “Exchange” program from their AW1998 collection. This AW1998 collection became so popular because of it’s ability to be combined with other garments to recreate a whole new piece, using this zipping and unzipping technique. The jackets are crafted from indigo selvedge denim and black corduroy respectively, finished with a co-branded jacron patch and ‘Small Parts’ neck label as a nod to UNDERCOVER’s original concept.
Photography by Clara Balzary
Levi’s® x UNDERCOVER Type I Trucker Jacket
The collection’s Type I Trucker Jacket is crafted from black & white 12 oz. denim with an embroidered zigzag pattern on the sleeves & bottom hem, referencing archival UNDERCOVER graphics from 2003. The Type III Trucker Jacket, delivered with similar construction, features a newly developed artwork inspired by the interconnected concept of yin-yang, adorned with a dual chest embroidery of ‘light’ and ‘darkness’ on the front, plus a mix of screen-printed and embroidered graphics on the back.
The collection includes two pairs of denim – a 501® Jean and Baggy Jean – which mirror the composition, wash, and design details of the Trucker Jackets. The 501® Jean retains its classic silhouette with an embroidered zigzag pattern down the side seams and co-branded back patch to match the Type I Trucker Jacket. The Baggy Jean offers a looser, relaxed fit and features a mix of screen-print & embroidery techniques to match the Type III Trucker Jacket.
Levi’s® x UNDERCOVER 501® Jean
Photography by Clara Balzary
Rounding off the collection are three T-shirts depicting the same visual language, each developed from cotton jersey fabrics. The long-sleeve T-shirt is offered in white and completed with a printed zigzag pattern on the neck and sleeves. The short-sleeve T-shirts come in black and white and feature a combination of printed & embroidered graphic techniques. From archival references to distinct graphic direction, the comprehensive range reflects Levi’s® and UNDERCOVER’s dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and versatility.
The Levi’s® x UNDERCOVER collection launches worldwide on January 18th and will be available for purchase on Levi.co.za, V&A Waterfront, Shelflife, undercoverism.com, and select UNDERCOVER Stores.
Press release courtesy of The Bread
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