Archives
Our past offers a wealth of inspiration for our designers and a glimpse into the future. Explore our treasure trove of historical artifacts, photographs, letters, memorabilia and more.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “archives?” Dusty shelves with rows of tidy boxes? Dimly lit, windowless basement rooms? Think again.
Our company’s 150-year history is captured in the Levi Strauss & Co. Archives, a genuine treasure trove containing thousands of garments, posters, photographs and more.
The Archives are far more than musty boxes of jeans or reels of old commercials. They are a laboratory for design innovation — helping us to build our future by providing insight into our past.
Designers from around the world visit the Archives for ideas and inspiration. A 130-year-old pair of Levi's® jeans may spark an innovative finish on a pair of cutting-edge jeans.
Here are some of our most interesting artifacts:
- The "XX" — the oldest pair of 501® jeans in the world, circa 1879
- A pair of jeans from 1938 that towed a car
- The 1974 Levi’s® edition of the Gremlin automobile
- Denim jackets redesigned or decorated by Elton John, Queen Latifah, Yves St. Laurent, Elizabeth Taylor and others
- A one-piece garment for women called "Freedom-Alls" from 1918
- A jacket and pair of jeans signed by The Rolling Stones
- Letters to Levi’s from Cary Grant, Henry Kissinger, Clint Eastwood, Lady Bird Johnson and silent-movie cowboy William S. Hart
Many one-of-a-kind items and historical information from the Archives are available for public viewing in the lobby of our headquarters at 1155 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111.
It’s a tremendous privilege - and tremendous fun - to be the steward of the LS&Co. Archives, one of the greatest clothing collections around. I have one of the best jobs on the planet. Where else could a work day involve shopping on eBay and showing off the oldest pair of jeans in the world?
