Limited Edition
LEVI’S® X AWAKE NY. WEST COAST X EAST COAST. VINTAGE X STREETWEAR.
Style /
November 2020
Whether you're a heritage brand or streetwear label, lately it's all about the DIY—which is exactly what makes the pairing of Levi's® and iconic streetwear brand Awake NY such a natural fit.
Awake NY's legendary founder Angelo Baque brings his distinct New York eye to the blank canvas of Levi's® Authorized Vintage Truckers and 501® jeans, all for a colorful Levi's® x Awake special edition denim collection. Angelo, from his years at Supreme through the present day at Awake, is responsible for much of the look that we now call "streetwear". At the same time, his personality shines through via his love for vintage, and traditional menswear shirting.
To blend our two aesthetics, we sewed patches of colorfully patterned, upcycled men's shirting material with black thread to highlight the imperfect, natural look of hand stitching. The result: eye-popping, head-turning pieces that perfectly blend Levi's® classic style with Awake NY's and streetwear sensibility and captures both brand's DIY spirit. Each garment is a one-off—an original, made by originals, to be worn by originals.
We sat down with Angelo to discuss the timelessness of Levi's®, how he encourages social justice and more. Read on for the exclusive interview.
Levi's®: This is the beginning of a continued partnership with Levi's®. What about working with Levi's® interests you?
ANGELO BAQUE:
Levi's® brand is a pillar of American heritage. Working with them further validates and uplifts what we do at Awake NY. Drawn to their timelessness and their capability to create items that can transcend all verticals race, creed, culture, and religion. It is still a relevant story in our present and in our past.
Levi's®: You're very vocal about social justice issues on your platforms - how would you encourage kids to get involved in their communities and on issues that matter to them?
ANGELO BAQUE:
Once you have identified the challenges in your communities, take action wherever you can to develop change. This impact can be volunteering at a soup kitchen, donating clothes to those in need or reaching out to their local legislation. Every action counts no matter how small it is, just an action alone can inspire an entire community.
Levi's®: Can you talk about the concept for the collaboration campaign shoot with Quil Lemons? What about Quil's approach to photography made him the perfect partner to shoot this campaign?
ANGELO BAQUE:
I had already been mentoring Quil for over a year and this was a great platform for Quil to execute his vision and address fragmentation in Black families. We were able to present to the world what family is in the Black and brown community from a safe and honest place. The family in the photos are Quil's actual family members: it just doesn't get any more real than that.
Levi's® x Awake NY. Shop the collaboration, only available on the Levi's app.