Streetwear pioneer and HUMAN MADE founder NIGO is also a serious collector of vintage Levi’s®. His collection is one of the best in the game, filled to the brim with hard-to-find vintage Levi’s® that would make any denim lover jealous. It’s his favourite covetable, archival styles that inspired our collaboration with HUMAN MADE.
MADE IN JAPAN
First up is the Levi’s® x HUMAN MADE 506 Trucker Jacket featuring a boxy, loose fit with western-era pockets just like the OG. The back of the jacket is where the collaboration magic really happens. A co-branded embroidered graphic features a riff on HUMAN MADE’s duck icon, and its classic “Gears for futuristic teenagers” tagline. The graphic shows the duck in flight, mimicking the arc of the classic Levi’s® arcuate stitching and the tip of the right wing is red – a subtle nod to the Levi’s® Red Tab.
Then we have the Levi’s® x HUMAN MADE 1944 501® Jean, made from Japanese selvedge denim in an artisan mill using traditional Levi’s® techniques. Its straight fit and dark rinse are what make this an undoubtable classic. But you know we had to drop in special details to bring it into 2022. Look closely and you’ll notice custom Human Made shank buttons throughout and arcuate “stitching” that is painted onto the back pockets, a classic detail of the original 1944 501® Jean.
Pair both pieces together for a ‘fit that looks like it was pulled straight from the archive.
CONNECTING THE PAST TO THE PRESENT
The collab’s campaign brings our modern recreations to life in a historic Japanese setting. It was shot on location at the Eirakukan Theater — the oldest Kabuki theater in Japan still standing in its original location — and highlights many of the elements found in traditional performances. Watch as NIGO takes you on a journey, seamlessly time traveling from the past to the present.
Denimheads and collectors, you definitely don’t want to miss this one.