Think of a solid pair of jeans... what comes to mind? For the majority, it's probably Levi's. As the first pair of denim jeans, the Levi's brand epitomises the classic American style. It has become ubiquitous and you can't beat that kind of marketing. But in order to stay relevant, collaboration with other IPs is key. From Mickey Mouse to The Simpsons, you name it, Levi's has worked with them all. Like with McLaren.
So, when the chance to team up with McLaren arose, why pass it up? Since its first Formula 1 race in 1966, McClaren has since won 20 Formula 1 world championships; 184 Formula 1 grand prix; the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours on its first attempt. With that kind of track record, McLaren is hoping to score gold with this collection with Levi's.
Kicking it off with the cropped, boxy fit Racing Jacket. This piece captures the essence of McLaren Racing's vintage-era. It boasts chain stitch embroidery on the back, twill taping at the cuffs and hem. The Racing Suit offers a slightly dropped crotch and a spacious fit with straight legs and showcases vintage-inspired patches and a crackle print running down the right leg. Both the Racing Jacket and Racing suit comes in a light wash paired with an embossed vegan tanned leather co-branded patch.
To channel the spirit of McLaren's founder, Bruce McLaren, look no further than the three-tone Racing Gloves. Crafted from fine Italian leather and a Levi's shank for snap closure, these gloves sport an embroidered signature and an impressed McLaren logo. Inspired by vintage McLaren Racing posters, they incorporate colours from the classic McLaren colour palette and include perforations for that much-needed breathability—because clammy hands? Ugh.
The Heritage 501 Jeans exude "you're-cute jeans" as famously complimented by Kendall Jenner to her mom. The left back pocket is replaced with a shadow pocket adorned with a cackle print, topped by a red tape welt zipper pocket. Whilst the cropped and boxy Heritage Trucker exhibits a medium wash and pintucks at the elbows, with its centre-front zipper accented with red-tape.
Paying homage to McLaren's classic cars from the '80s, both the Jeans and Heritage Trucker showcase vintage-inspired patches and bold red co-branded back patches.
If you're on the hunt for a tee to rock at this year's Formula 1 in Singapore, but you want to stand out with a cooler and decidedly more stylish look, go for the Constructors Tee. It features a front graphic showcasing an '80s era McLaren race car. Pair it with the Racing Bandana, which reimagines classic Levi's western motifs through a racing lens with '80s McLaren graphics. Who knows, maybe Lando Norris might notice you.
Speeding your way on the 3 July, the Levi's x McLaren Racing Maiden Collection is available online and at the Levi's ION Orchard.
