Levi’s iconic 501 jeans are 150 years old this year, with the brand rolling out celebratory campaigns including the recent release of “The Greatest Story Ever Worn.”
Additionally, to mark the passing of a century and a half since the 501 jeans debuted, Levi’s has also shared an extensive series of images from its archive showcasing some of the highlights of the storied brand across its long history.
From Steve Jobs’ pair of jeans with the hole worn into the back pocket to Patti Smith’s pair with their peace sign to the vintage advertisements rolled out in myriad campaigns, here is a collection of images from Levi’s archives.
We’ve put them all together in one spot for you to take a stroll down memory jean. In no particular order. (All images are courtesy of Levi Strauss & Co. Archives via Sling & Stone).
Levi Strauss – born in 1829 in Buttenheim, Germany, he passed away September 26, 1902, in San Francisco.
Steve Jobs’ Jeans
Steve Jobs’ Jeans
Steve Jobs’ Jeans
Steve Jobs’ Jeans
Steve Jobs Jeans, Certificate of Authenticity
Lloyd Rodriguez Testimonial Letter Envelope – 1938
Lloyd Rodriguez Testimonial Letter Written On Pocket Flasher
Patti Smith Jeans
International Advertising Perestroika. Perestrojka never goes out of style. Red tab.
International Advertising Perestroika. The meaning of glasnost. Red tab.
Berlin Wall
Larisa Popik Testimonial Letter Envelope from USSR
Larisa Popik Testimonial Letter
Changing time – 1967
1990s. LGBT. Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender.
Cone Mills Denim Workers
Guarantee Ticket – For Over 100 Years
Denim Art Contest Watergate Jeans
1940s. Food fights for freedom. Levi’s America’s Finest Overall. Buy war bonds. Patronize your home town merchant – He’s your neighbor. Drawing of cowboy pulling rope in cow pasture, dark denim blue jeans, red tab, two horse brand leather patch.
501 Blues Launch
Barbara Hunter Invoice – 1948
Invoice from 1883
The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill Scratcher Cards
Chicano Power
Snoop Dogg Trucker Jacket
1998 Gay Games in Amsterdam Poster
ART-HIST-010 Box of “Press On” buttons that were available for customers at retail locations circa 1937
International Advertising Perestroika. The meaning of glasnost. Red tab.
GAR-HIST-122 lost 501 waist overalls Big Blue 1901-1921
International Advertising Perestroika. Perestrojka never goes out of style. Red tab.
GAR-HIST-004 Calico Mine waist overalls circa 1890
Levi’s Workwear by Billy Reid 501 jeans rigid 2010
Spike Lee “Button Your Fly” T-shirt white discolored 1991
Lot 501 red tab small e 1970s
Holland Pop Festival Poster
Patent No. 139,121
California Miners
Patent Date Rivet
Korean War Philanthropy
Denim Art Poster
