Pigeons and patchwork are focal points in Levi’s new collaboration with multi-hyphenated online personality Emma Chamberlain.
Inspired by memories of her California childhood, the Levi’s x Emma Chamberlain 501 jean features a unique take on a favorite old pair of patched 501s. “Whenever I find a pair of vintage Levi’s decorated in patches of unique fabrics, I’m immediately drawn to them,” Chamberlain said.
Chamberlain selected the Levi’s 501 90s for the drop. Levi’s launched the looser version of its 150-year-old jean in 2021, offering consumers a more relaxed fit through the seat and leg.
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The jeans include large patchwork panels in plaid across the knee and thighs on both legs, and patch details peeking out of the front left and back right pockets. The plaid-patterned fabric is inspired by mix of things the long-time Levi’s collaborator loved as a kid, including visits to her grandfather’s house in the Californian mountains, favorite childhood movies, and her passion for vintage fashion.
Attached to the jean belt loops are small brass-plate charms featuring one of three images, each with a personal connection for Chamberlain: a pigeon (her favorite animal), a strawberry (her favorite fruit), or a California poppy (another nod to her home state).
The jean is available now on the Levi’s app and in Levi’s Soho store in New York City, and retails for $138.
The patchwork 501 jeans are a preview of what’s to come. Levi’s working on a global release later this year of six new pieces designed by Chamberlain that showcases her approach to blending eras and styles.
“I adore mixing and matching bits and pieces from different decades to create something that feels nostalgic, yet new,” Chamberlain said. “And I spent a lot of time making sure that every piece in the collection matched. I think they’re incredibly versatile and can be worn in a hundred different ways.”
