Levi's launches limited edition collection celebrating 501 Day

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
May 18, 2017

Levi's has announced a limited edition collection to celebrate 501 Day, or May 20th, the day in history that blue jeans were patented.

May 20, 1873 was the day Levi Strauss and his business partner received the patent for what would become 501 jeans. 501 jeans are iconic, having evolved for over a century but remaining relevant across consumer demographics through the decades.

Pieces in the limited edition collection include a trucker vest, a men's original 501 style and a women's 501 short. Retail price points range from $128 to $298. On the 501, designer Jim Walrod said, "They are a representation of every single period, the way a good piece of design is.”

The design inspiration for the limited edition collection comes from American cities known for music and that cultivate Levi's signature nostalgia for Americana. SF, NY, Austin and Nashville contribute to the aesthetic of the hand-distressed and embroidered limited pieces.

Levi's is celebrating 501 Day with in store events as well as the launch of the first ever skinny 501s for men and women. Retail events will include on site customization for tees at Levi's Market Street flagship in San Francisco as well as ticket giveaways for a Vince Staples concert in SF that night. To cap off celebrations, Levi's is hosting concerts in key global markets. In addition to Staples' SF show, Levi's has booked performers in Tokyo, Mumbai, Mexico City, Rio and Buenos Aires for a global celebration on May 20.

Levi's is also releasing the latest installment in its documentary series called "The 501 Jean: Stories of an Original, Music" which includes musicians Snoop Dogg, Solange Knowles, Vince Staples and stylist Karla Welch

The limited edition 501 collection will launch online and be available at select Levi's retail flagships in SF, LA, NY and Chicago only on May 20.