Levi’s Special 501 Denim Banner Jeans
This year marks the special Levi’s celebration year. It was 150 years ago, on the 20th of May in 1873 to be precise, that the founder of Levi’s, Levi Strauss, got the patent on the legendary rivet together with the inventor of the rivet Jacob Davis (Read more about the origin of the Levi’s rivet here.). It was this couple that set a new standard within the industry and kicked off the blue jeans as we know today. For this celebration year, Levi’s created a special limited-edition denim banner 501 jeans.
The Origin Of The Denim Banner
The Levi’s 501 denim banner jeans is inspired by the brand’s original 1930s versions from their archive. These denim banners were made originally to promote their brand at their retailers, but also during the popular rodeo events in the West.
The print of the denim banner 501 jeans is designed by senior textile designer Holly Hapka. Together with her team, she spends hours on the design, especially to match the colors to the original denim banners as much as possible. Also, the typo on the banners was studied as well for the most authentic look. The blueprint design of Holly’s version of the denim banner was painted by hand. On the design of the banner, there’s the line ‘150 years of the 501’ to highlight the celebration year of the 501 jeans fit.
The Production Of The 501 Jeans
In the production, the design was randomly cut and sewn for the jeans. This results that each item being different and therefore unique. Next to the 501 jeans, Levi’s produced their classic ‘Type 3’ Trucker jacket, bucket hat, and tote bag with this denim banner design too.
The Other Special Details
The Levi’s 501 denim banner jeans feature other special details such as the special Red Tab. The Red Tab for this 501 jeans shows on one side ‘150’, while on the other side ‘LEVI’S’ is written in capitals as an original ‘Big E’ Red Tab like the 501’s produced before 1971 (the year the brand switched to the lower case ‘e’ Red Tab’s).
Also, the rivet itself represents the 150 years milestone years, 1873 and 2023, as both are written on it. On the back of the rivet, there’s written 150. The top button, and the fly buttons as well, show the 150 number too. Same as the specially designed back patch. Even on the waistband, there’s a woven label sewn to highlight the celebration year of Levi’s.
This Levi’s 501 denim banner jeans is a collector’s item and is now available on the brand’s website here. Get yours here while they’re in stock. Happy 501!
