UPSIZE PH | 501: The Number That Changed Everything

In May of 1873, Levi Strauss & Co. was officially granted a patent for the copper rivets on their blue denim “waist overalls.” Though it wouldn’t acquire its famous lot number for another few years, the Levi’s 501, the blueprint for the denim blue jean, was officially born.

What began as a piece of highly durable work wear, by the middle of the 20th century, would become one of the most iconic pieces of clothing ever made.

Since 1873, the Levi’s 501 has never gone out of style. And it never will.

Next year, Levi’s will kick off the 150th anniversary celebration of the Classic 501. This global icon, behind its multiple iterations over its history, is seeing a new, slightly re-interpreted fit of the original 501 to coincide with our current cultural and stylistic moment.

Leading up to this is this year’s release: a pair that taps into the comfort so many are taking from the late-‘90s era, the Levi’s 501 ‘90s Jean – a more relaxed fit through the seat and leg, looser and even a little slouchier, capturing just right amount of attitude to channel the perfect 90s vibe.

In the celebration of the past, present and future of this globally beloved iconic – and to help launch its latest iteration, the 501 ‘90s – Levi’s has partnered with seven visionaries whose stories perfectly embody the spirit of the Original 501, and who each possess a unique perspective that embraces the change needed to inspire growth and personal evolution.

Featured in the campaign – and showing off the versatile style of the Original 501 and the 501 ‘90s – are hip-hop innovator, actor, and producer Kid Cudi; artist, designer and cultural arbiter Tremaine Emory; sonic innovator and founding member of legendary Beastie Boys Mike D; fashion icon Nathan Westling; model, creative director and style innovator Gia Seo; stylist, sartorial taste-maker and first Black woman to style a Vogue magazine cover Gabriella Karefa-Johnson; and model, musician and member of the punk band The Paranoyds, Staz Lindes.

Check out the campaign here and shop the collection here.