There’s probably no subset of modern culture that hasn’t somehow been touched by Levi’s® – its much-adored designs have hugged the thighs of everyone from Barack Obama to The Ramones and Kylie Jenner. In fact, Levi's® is so ubiquitous that it would be easy to forget that this is the brand that actually invented the jean and has, over the course of its long and storied history, continuously explored and pushed the boundaries of what's possible when it comes to denim.
Among its many ranges and collections, one of Levi's® most progressive and sought-after was the Engineered Jeans™ range from 1999. Now, 20 years after it was first launched, the brand is reviving this popular capsule (and making it better) for Spring/Summer 2019.
In celebration, we got hold of the new drop and shot them on local Berlin skaters and Levi's® fans Steffen, Moritz, and Luis.
When the Engineered Jeans™ collection launched in 1999, it broke new ground in the denim industry by utilizing never-before-seen manufacturing techniques. The twisted fit and the darted yoke brought new levels of comfort and flexibility to a traditionally restrictive item of clothing, and the designs themselves were progressive in comparison to what was available at the time.
As the iconic collection celebrates its 20th year, Levi’s® designers felt the time was finally right to revive it. Honoring the original concept, the re-issued collection features the same technologies as 1999’s styles while upholding the progressive "engineered" ethos through modern fabrications such as four-way-stretch.
In regards to styles, Levi’s® has opted for more modern silhouettes, namely a 502™ Regular Taper and 512™ Slim Taper for men, while for women it includes a Loose and a Slouchy Taper jean. Finishing details across all models are inspired by the archive and include a red two-horse back patch, inner pockets printed with the Levi’s® Engineered Jeans™ logo, and a Levi’s® Engineered Jeans™ printed hanger loop.
Alongside the denim drop, Levi’s® is introducing engineered knitting technology for the first time with a pair of sweatpants, shorts, tees, and a trucker jacket. Utilizing 3D knit technology allows these garments to be knitted (obviously) rather than stitched, reducing the number of material pieces and seams. Sustainability is one of the brand's core values, and this manufacturing method not only increases comfort but it also minimizes material waste. Together with the (re-)released Engineered Jeans™ silhouettes, the 2019 collection hits the sweet spot between vintage style and modern comfort.
The drop is available now at levi.com and in Levi’s® stores and select boutiques worldwide.
