News&Trends

Levi’s Oil & Leather: 21 Hand-Painted Leather Jackets

In line with the launch of the Levi’s Vintage Clothing Fall 12 biker collection, Levi’s launches the Oil & Leather exhibition celebrating the untamed and rebellious style of the American biker.

When the GIs returned from WWII with hand-painted leather flight jackets, they inspired biker gangs of America to decorate their motorbike jackets, evolving a style that became synonymous with leather, customization, and rebellious artwork. The Biker uniform--white T-shirt, black leather jacket, and the 501--was the core of a lifestyle: the ultimate symbol of personal expression and youthful resistance. 

In tribute to the 1950s biker, our Levi's Vintage Clothing team has commissioned 21 artists from around the world to hand-paint custom artwork on the iconic Biker Jacket.  The brief was simple: "Using oil paints, create something beautiful in your own hand that you feel would look great on this amazing leather jacket."

The resulting Oil & Leather exhibition celebrates the rebellious spirit and renegade style of the American biker.

As you can see from the results, the interpreted artworks perfectly reflect the rebellious symbols and motifs that you come to associate with biker culture.

Derby shoes - the classic style has been redefined

A derby shoe (also called bucks or Gibson) is a style of shoe characterized by shoelace eyelet tabs that are sewn on top of a single-piece vamp. This construction method, also known as "open lacing", contrasts with that of the Oxfords. The derby shoe is sometimes referred to as a Blucher. The derby became a popular sporting and hunting boot in the 1850s. By the turn of the 20th century, the derby had become appropriate for wear in town.

PRADA

DSQUARED2

DOLCE & GABBANA

MOMA

PANTOFOLA D'ORO

DSQUARED2

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA

Nick Wooster x Leffot Camo Shoe Collection

As the Ex-Men’s Fashion Director at Neiman Marcus, Nick Wooster is something of a fashion icon in his own unique right, as he is best known for his extensive tattoos, trademark beard, leather boots and carefully tailored suits. Wooster lends his love for the mixing of rugged camouflage themes with classic sartorial tailoring and vintage English brogues from Sargent’s 7WK Last. Produced in England by Alfred Sargent, they present a boot and a wingtip brogue, both featuring a camo suede upper and leather outer soles. Priced at 750 USD and 695 USD. Available at LEFFOT online store.

Modern Military Style

Trends have taught us that everything can be reincarnated. Throw out nothing, slight nothing, fashion cycles and recycles. Yet, there are those styles that are eternally en vogue. Alongside the white shirt and the blazer, military - inspired looks are a man’s go-to classics.Traditionally the most formal of attire, now a weekend uniform: think cargo pants and cotton shirt, or just a t-shirt, with trench coats, bermudas and lace - ups. Your color options are varied (although khaki and camouflage are the favorites). “Rambo” style takes to the urban streets.