Entries by Dylan Jones

Levi’s ® x Denim Tears Season 4

Levi’s ® x Denim Tears Season 4

Levi’s ® and Denim Tears return for a fourth season to continue to honor the history and heritage on the Black American experience. Shot in New Orleans with members of the young Seminole Hunters, the latest collection authentically reflects the deep cultural connection between these garments and the community they honor.

 

The fourth season of Levi’s ® x Denim Tears introduces eight new pieces, paying homage to the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans and the Black Masking Indian tradition. This collection celebrates the artistry, resilience, and community spirit of the Young Seminole Hunters and the esteemed Big Chief Demond Melacon, blending heritage and contemporary streetwear into
thoughtfully crafted designs.

The Photo Trucker and Photo Jeans feature photo-printed garments capturing the Young Seminole Hunters in their ceremonial regalia. Immortalizing the vibrant craftsmanship and cultural significance of this tradition. Each Photo-printed piece undergoes an intentional imperfection process during printing, ensuring that no two items are exactly alike – much like the handcrafted nature of Mardi Gras Indian costumes themselves. The Photo Trucker jacket features a relaxed, slightly cropped silhouette based on the iconic Type III design while the accompanying Photo Jeans get their fit profile from the 568 Stay Loose jeans.

Drawing further inspiration from the New Orleans heritage, the Track Jacket and Track Pants feature mid-indigo wash with dark wash color-blocking, adorned with cotton fleur de lis prints – a symbol deeply connected to the city’s French roots. Gold rope-like piping evokes the ornate detailing of marching band uniforms, another significant element of New Orleans cultural
expression.

The Crewneck Sweatshirt continues the collection’s thematic exploration with a washed black base featuring the same cotton fleur de lis artwork. Meanwhile, the Baseball Tee combines floral gingham print with dark green 3-quarter sleeves, evoking Southern tablecloth patterns that symbolize family gatherings and communal celebration. Completing the collection are two accessories: a mid-indigo Durag with all-over cotton flower print and a photo-printed hat featuring the same intentional imperfection technique used throughout the collection.

The collection launches worldwide on April 4th, 2025 and will be Levi.co.za, at our V&A Waterfront and Sandton stores, Shelflife.co.za, and Denimtears.com. 

LEVI’S ® X UNDERCOVER

LEVI’S ® X UNDERCOVER

Levi’s ® and UNDERCOVER join forces once again for a new collection, blending UNDERCOVER’s bold aesthetic with timeless Levi’s ® staples to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Jun Takahashi’s epochal label. Drawing influence from music subculture, art, & street fashion, UNDERCOVER has been one of Japan’s most coveted fashion brands since its inception in 1990. A pioneer of luxury streetwear, the Tokyo-based label mixes finely crafted materials with high-concept elegance and raw-edged rebellion to create a totally unique aesthetic embodying the essence of Japanese cool. The new collaborative range features 9 thoughtfully designed pieces reflecting a shared commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and versatility.

The Pinnacle Type II Trucker Jackets feature detachable zip detailing on the sleeves, collar, and side seams, allowing wearers to mix and match components for a customizable look, referencing UNDERCOVER’s “Exchange” program from their AW1998 collection. The jackets are crafted from indigo selvedge denim and black corduroy respectively, finished with a co-branded jacron patch and ‘Small Parts’ neck label as a nod to UNDERCOVER’s original concept.

The collection’s Type I Trucker Jacket is crafted from black & white 12 oz. denim with an embroidered ‘Giza’ pattern on the sleeves & bottom hem, referencing archival UNDERCOVER graphics from 2003. The Type III Trucker Jacket, delivered with similar construction, features a newly developed artwork inspired by the interconnected concept of yin-yang, adorned with a dual chest embroidery of ‘light’ and ‘darkness’ on the front, plus a mix of screen-printed and embroidered graphics on the back.

The collection includes two pairs of denim – a 501 ® Jean and Baggy Jean – which mirror the composition, wash, and design details of the Trucker Jackets. The 501 ® Jean retains its classic silhouette with an embroidered ‘Giza’ pattern down the side seams and co-branded back patch to match the Type I Trucker Jacket. The Baggy Jean offers a looser, relaxed fit and features a mix of screen-print & embroidery techniques to match the Type III Trucker Jacket.

Rounding off the range are three T-shirts depicting the same visual language, each developed from cotton jersey fabrics. The long-sleeve T-shirt is offered in white and completed with a printed ‘Giza’ pattern on the neck and sleeves. The short-sleeve T- shirts come in black and white and feature a combination of printed & embroidered graphic techniques.

The campaign features Flea, bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, photographed in his Malibu home by his daughter, Clara Balzary. Beloved for his simultaneously light and dark music, iconic personal style, and unfiltered creativity, Flea embodies the spirit of the collection.

The Levi’s ® x UNDERCOVER collection launches worldwide on January 18th and will be available for purchase on Levi.co.za and V&A Waterfront.

Levi’s® x McLaren Racing – Collection 2

LEVI’S ® X McLAREN RACING - COLLECTION 2

We’re going for another lap with McLaren Racing as we unveil our second collection with the racing icon. Evolving from vintage-inspired pieces, this drop is fueled by modern silhouettes and streetwear-ready separates, like bold graphic tees and oversized hoodies, but all with undeniable McLaren Racing style.

The Track Trucker is an updated take on the classic bomber jacket design, with contrasting material elements, and lined in McLaren Racing’s signature papaya. Made to complement the Trucker, the Sport 501® jeans have a vintage-inspired fit that sits at the waist. Both pieces feature McLaren Racing logo embroidery and a rubberized McLaren Racing patch on the back.

The Speed Trucker and Speed Jean bring track style to everyday wear with sleek lines and piping accentuating a clean silhouette. Worn together, it’s reminiscent of a racing suit—fitted, but still roomy enough for everyday wear and comfort.

McLaren Racing gets more centerstage with logo tops—the Fleece Hoodie, Constructors Tee, LS Graphic Tee, and Second Skin all highlight McLaren Racing trademarks, like its signature bright papaya hue, modular print, and graphics that bring its storied heritage to the present and into the future.

Finally, for a little accessorizing, the sateen Speed Bandana shows off a vibrant print of a McLaren F1 Team race car in action.

Levi’s® x McLaren Racing Collection 2 launches worldwide on October 17th, 2024 and will be available for purchase on Levi.co.za, at our V & A Waterfront and Sandton stores.

Levi’s® X ADSB Andersson Bell

Levi's® X ADSB Andersson Bell

ADSB ANDERSSON BELL wants to spark your imagination. The Seoul-based fashion label emerges as a transformative art form, weaving together a tapestry of diverse cultural elements into a singular, cohesive vision. This first collaboration deconstructs classic Levi’s® styles and materials into reimagined pieces to create something beautifully unexpected. The 10-piece Women’s collection highlights ADSB ANDERSSON BELL signature aesthetic, like playful designs in vivid patterning, patchwork, and color blocking.

The Spliced Trucker uses ADSB ANDERSSON BELL wool fabric with non-stretch denim to form a slightly oversized jacket that weaves in iconic Levi’s® features, like Type II pleating at the center front. For a boxy, slimmer fit, the Half Trucker shows off intricate features—open lacing at the shoulders and a bustier front that exemplifies its design ethos of mixing styles and materials.

The Cinched Blouse looks minimalist in a monochrome neutral, but offers an unexpected twist with a triangle shaped silhouette and an asymmetrical back yoke.

Two Second Skin tops pay homage to Levi’s® heritage with a waistband print and sublimation print of Levi’s® archival artwork. Graphic and bold, the print juxtaposes the sleek simplicity of the fit and adds vibrance to a jeans and tee look.

Both pairs of jeans are clever interpretations of Levi’s® denim. The Overlay and Baggy Jean play with pattern with “misplaced” pockets and asymmetrical features, reimagining classic Levi’s® features through the ADSB ANDERSSON BELL future-forward fashion lens.

Designed to be worn together, the Denim Corset and Pleated Skirt are a perfect matching set. The Denim Corset has halter top strap detailing, adjustable button holes, and a garter detail that can connect to the pleated skirt.

Finally, the Mini Dress is a unique piece with an organic wavy, patchwork design and frayed edging. The back surprises with thoughtful detailing—a shirred portion for a better fit and double straps (halter back closure, plus adjustable spaghetti straps.)

The Levi’s® x ADSB ANDERSSON BELL collection launches worldwide on October 5 and will be available for purchase on Levi.co.za and V&A Waterfront and Sandton Levi’s® Stores.

Levi’s ® Curvy

Celebrate Every Curve: Levi’s® Launches its Curvy Campaign with Nomzamo Mbatha

In a world where fashion often falls short of embracing diverse body shapes, Levi’s® Curvy stands out with its message that women’s curves deserve to be celebrated. This year, the brand is thrilled to introduce Nomzamo Mbatha as the face of the Curvy campaign. Alongside her, Lady Du and Buqaqawuli Thamani Nobakada, also known as Ndalo, join in to highlight the jeans that are specially designed to honour every woman’s unique shape.

Nomzamo Mbatha, actress, producer, and activist, has had a relationship with Levi’s® since 2019, where she was a key figure in the It’s Your Voice, It’s Your Vote campaign, and she has long been an advocate for body positivity and self-acceptance. The Africa Movie Academy Award nominee’s influence extends far beyond local and international screens—in 2018, Nomzamo was recognised as one of the OkayAfrika 100 Women 2018 Honorees by OkayAfrika Digital Media and, that same year, she spent time touring Kenyan refugee camps in her role as a UNHCR Ambassador.

Sandeep Sokhanda, the GM at Levi’s®, shares, “We wanted to partner with a woman whose values align with those of our brand, specifically integrity, empathy, and courage. Nomzamo has a history with us and we have watched her grow over the years to be the successful woman she is today, inspiring and empowering young women through her own hard work and resilience. When we asked our community who they felt embodied the confidence and self-assuredness of our Curvy wearers, Nomzamo came out as the firm favourite—she’s clearly South Africa’s sweetheart and the perfect fit!”

“Before Levi’s® Curvy,
finding the perfect pair of 
jeans was a huge struggle,” 

Like many women, Nomzamo knows how hard it is to find jeans that flatter her curves. “Before Levi’s® Curvy, finding the perfect pair of jeans was a huge struggle,” she says. “I have big thighs, a small waist, and I’m not very tall. Levi’s® Curvy came through for women like me. They snatch the waist and hug every curve perfectly without any gaping at the back. It’s a dream come true for women of all sizes and shapes.”

The Levi’s® Curvy line is crafted to sculpt and celebrate curves, preventing the frustrating gap at the waist and providing a flattering fit. This not only enhances every curve but also empowers women to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Nomzamo shares, “In the past, I’d have to get jeans tailored or wear a belt—and I’m not a belt kind of woman. I don’t even think I own a belt. So, finding jeans that hug my curves is amazing. And the best part is that women who are bigger or smaller than me can also find something in the Curvy range. We’re all represented.”

Joining Nomzamo for this year’s campaign are Lady Du and Ndalo. Lady Du previously featured in the Levi’s® I Shape My World campaign, where she opened up about her struggles and triumphs, inspiring many with her resilience. A true force to be reckoned with, she’s not only a platinum-selling musician but also Spotify’s most downloaded female Amapiano artist. She boasts an impressive 19 qualifications and is a successful entrepreneur and author. 

Ndalo, a visual artist, has also collaborated with Levi’s® before, where she created custom 501® art pieces which lived in Levi’s® store windows in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

 

Partnering with women who have had ongoing relationships with the brand underscores Levi’s® commitment to authenticity and community. By collaborating with Nomzamo, Lady Du, and Ndalo, Levi’s® highlights its dedication to building long-term relationships that resonate with their values and the values of its community. Levi’s® Curvy is more than a campaign—it’s about celebrating the journeys of powerful women who embody the spirit of Levi’s®.

 

Nomzamo’s message to women through this campaign is clear, “I’m so excited to get behind a range that celebrates our curves! Together, we can reframe the messaging about body positivity and self-acceptance—because we are all represented in the Curvy range. Every woman in South Africa is included in this campaign.”

LEVI’S® CURVY
SUPER SKINNY 

The most comfortable skinny crafted for curves. Designed to prevent gaping at the waist. Levi’s® sculpt fabrication with Levi’s® soft fabric technology results in a delicate blend of soft cotton with stretch for serious sculpting benefits.

LEVI’S® CURVY 
HIGH-RISE 
SUPER SKINNY

Specially cut for curves. Designed to prevent gaping at the waist. Levi’s® sculpt fabrication with Levi’s® soft fabric technology results in a delicate blend of soft cotton with stretch for serious sculpting benefits. Waist defining and hip hugging, for a flawless silhouette.

LEVI’S® CURVY 
FLARE 

A 70’s inspired flare to flatter and specially cut for curves. Designed to prevent gaping at the waist. Levi’s® sculpt fabrication with Levi’s® soft fabric technology results in a delicate blend of soft cotton with stretch for serious sculpting benefits.

LEVI’S® CURVY
STRAIGHT

A classic straight leg tailored to accentuate you curves. Designed to prevent gaping at the waist. Levi’s® sculpt fabrication with Levi’s® soft fabric technology results in a delicate blend of soft cotton with stretch for serious sculpting benefits.

Join Levi’s® in celebrating every curve with the perfect pair of jeans designed just for you. Shop the Levi’s® Curvy collection available in Levi’s® size 27 – 38 (South African size 30 – 42) online at Levi.co.za, at your nearest Levi’s® store, at selected Woolworths and Edgars stores, or at Superbalist.

Levi’s ® X McLaren Racing

LEVI’S ® X McLAREN RACING

Gear up for an exciting combination of speed and style as Levi’s® and McLaren Racing hit the track together for the first time. Two icons, one race-ready collection designed to reflect the pinnacle of heritage and innovation. Inspired by vintage era McLaren racecars, the collection comes to life through seven distinct pieces including a racing jacket, denim racing suit, heritage Trucker and 501® jeans, and finished with racing gloves, a special edition t-shirt and bandana.

McLaren’s storied past is on full display with the satin-lined, denim Racing Jacket. Chain stitch embroidery across the back and vintage inspired McLaren Racing patches give the cropped, boxy fit a clear lead. The denim Racing Suit sports a roomy fit with a straight leg and slight drop crotch for a traditional look that’s right at home on pit row. Premium zippers and distressed artwork give the suit its distinctly authentic style.

The heritage Trucker and 501® jeans push the collection even further with intentional hints of McLaren’s iconic red from its ’80s racecars. The Trucker’s cropped fit and pintucked elbows hit just right with the vintage inspired patches and bold, red front zipper. The Heritage 501® jeans feature an updated rear zip pocket and co-branded back patch, along with pops of McLaren’s fiery red throughout.

The collection finishes strong with accessories destined for the winner’s circle. Racing Gloves crafted in three tone leather pay homage to the classic McLaren Racing color palette. The Constructors Tee features a slimmer fit emblazoned with ’80s era graphics along with the western Racing Bandana that’s made to fly.

The Levi’s® x McLaren Racing collection launches globally on July 3rd and will be available for purchase on levi.co.za and select Levi’s® store locations; Levi’s® V&A Waterfront and Levi’s® Sandton Store. But you’d better hurry – this capsule is moving fast.