Combining influential design with heritage, American heritage label Levi’s newest collaboration with Parisian-Japanese luxury brand Kenzo promotes functionality for the everyday.
The denim-infused capsule collection pays homage to the traditions and innovations of East and West, made for women and men to exemplify historical Japanese dressmaking and classic American workwear that is central to both brands. Kenzo’s recently appointed Creative Director Nigo refers back to the early motifs of the maison, correlating to the roots of Kenzo Takada’s legacy.
Known for their timeless denim, Levi’s addition to the collection comes to life in the form of the definitive Levi Strauss & Co. ”two horse pull” iconography, arcuate stitching, and iconic silhouettes throughout. Lensed by Ryu Ika with an accompanying cinematic video by Umi Ishihara, the campaign stars Abas Abdirazaq, Hayato, Masato Eun, Peipei, Sen Ping, and Shun. The collection is made up of garments ranging from accessories to gender-inclusive staples meant to work and play in.
The collection is primarily crafted in Kaihara premium Japanese denim, with pieces varying from outerwear including a denim jacket with a detachable faux fur
collar, a fringed denim jacket with Western yokes inspired by 80s’ archival pieces from Kenzo’s Jungle line. Reinvigorated designs such as the Levi’s® Type II Trucker Jacket from 1967 are devised in red satin with a Boke flower embroidery and Western details and hand-distressed in Japan. The iconic Bing Crosby denim tuxedo is seen in tailored denim blazers adorned with a trompe l’oeil Sashiko print. Elsewhere, a women’s jacket is painted in a refreshed Kenzo floral print.
A denim shirt is embellished with chain stitching and sawtooth pocket detailing, while a T-shirt decorated in Kenzo red or off-white is reminiscent of the classic Levi’s® shirt pocket. For a feminine touch, sleeveless button-down denim dresses are inspired by countries around the world, to embrace the themes of heritage and personal style. Accessories are seen in the form of a workwear-approved denim tie, denim cardholder, and a Kenzo red Western bandana that seamlessly blends Levi’s iconography with the Maison.
The collection is available to shop now at Kenzo and select Levi’s stores, Kenzo.com, Levi’s.com, and the Levi’s App.