LEVI’S AND NIGO RETURN WITH A NEW COLLECTION FOR SPRING / SUMMER 2023
Levi’s and Nigo have announced the launch of their latest collaboration, launching April 6th, 2023. The upcoming collection will be the third installment following previous archival reproduction and Human Made releases over the past two years.
2023 marks the 150th anniversary of the Levi’s 501 jean, one of the most enduring icons of style across the globe. To commemorate this historic milestone, Levi’s has collaborated with Japanese designer, disc jockey, and producer Nigo (Founder of BAPE and artistic director of Kenzo) to create a collection inspired by his favorite personal archive piece, the Hickory Stripe 501 jeans.
A pioneer of Japanese streetwear and denim aficionado, Nigo has spent decades sourcing rare vintage Levi’s and has accumulated one of the most expansive personal collections in the world. For Spring/Summer 2023, Levi’s has worked with Nigo to create a one-of-a collection inspired by the past & recreated for the present.
The two-piece collection features a pair of Hickory Stripe 501 jeans (retailing for $350) and a 557XX Hickory Stripe Trucker Jacket ($260). Both pieces were Made in Japan utilizing traditional manufacturing techniques. The 501 is crafted with 13 oz, Shrink-to-Fit Hickory Stripe selvage denim — specially developed for this collection — and includes classic details like 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 13 oz Hickory Stripe selvage 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 honored to bring this archival 501 back during the 150th anniversary,” says Nigo.
The 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.