Levi’s® and NIGO return with a new collaboration for Spring / Summer 2023. A pioneer of Japanese streetwear & denim afficionado, NIGO has spent decades sourcing rare vintage Levi’s® and has accumulated one of the most expansive personal collections in the world. In our 3rd installment with the HUMAN MADE founder, we worked with NIGO to reimagine his favorite archival pieces for a two-piece range that is inspired by the past & recreated for the present.
The latest 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.
First up from the two-piece collection is the Hickory Stripe 501®, referencing an original piece from NIGO’s personal archive. This jean is crafted with 13oz, Shrink-to-Fit™ hickory stripe selvedge denim - specially developed for this collection – and includes classic details like the Levi’s® Red Tab, signature button shanks, Two-Horse Pull back patch, & stitched arcuate on the back pockets. It comes in a vintage wash with specific threads and shanks to match the archival reference piece.
The second piece is the 557XX Hickory Stripe Trucker Jacket, also crafted using the specially developed 13oz, hickory stripe selvedge denim. The jacket comes pre-shrunk with a vintage wash and includes specific threads, sundries, plus Two-Horse Pull patch to match the archival 501®. Both pieces from the collection were Made in Japan utilizing traditional Levi’s® manufacturing techniques.
2023 marks the 150th anniversary of the Levi’s® 501® jean. What began as a patent for copper rivets on work pants in 1873 has transformed into one of the most iconic, democratic & influential pieces of clothing ever created. To celebrate this milestone, every piece from the collection comes with a special edition Levi’s® x NIGO 150th anniversary tote bag and co-branded hangtag.
Levi’s® x NIGO collection launches worldwide on April 6th, 2023 and will be available for purchase on Levi.com, the Levi’s® App, select Levi’s® Stores, and humanmade.jp.
