A new collection reimagines the legacy of American denim through the lens of French couture savoir-faire.
Levi’s debuted a 10-piece collaboration with Christelle Kocher, artistic director of Maison Lemarié, during Paris Couture Week on Monday.
The capsule is developed entirely around denim as its core material. Kocher’s designs push the boundaries of the durable material through feather work, hand embroidery, plissé drapery, floral constructions and sculptural fabric treatments.
Through textile manipulation and hand craftsmanship, the collection creates a refined dialogue between denim and French artisanal expertise, incorporating intricate plissé work, feather and floral constructions and delicate lace applications. Resin-coated denim fragments and leather embroideries add structure to pieces.
Levi’s icons like the 501 jean and the Type II jacket are elevated with feathers, embroidery and sculptural detailing. Structured and fluids silhouettes co-mingle, spanning draped black denim gowns, abstract floral bustiers and degradé feather capes.
Christelle Kocher for Levi’s
Accessories evolve the narrative, with the Levi’s Baby Brooklyn Bag reinterpreted as a “couture object” and dramatic feather headpieces designed to “amplify silhouette, movement and emotion.” The result is a seamless blend of Levi’s authentic denim heritage and Kocher’s couture-driven approach.
“It was a privilege to bring these two teams together and see this collection come to life. This capsule reflects my life between the United States and France, two countries that fuel my creative energy,” Kocher said in a statement.
Levi’s presence at Paris Haute Couture Week underscores the brand’s ability to transform denim into bespoke silhouettes with the precision and craftsmanship required for fashion’s most prestigious runway. The collaboration also highlights denim’s growing place within the world of haute couture.
While vintage Levi’s “Big E” 501 jeans adorned with gilded embroidery appeared in Valentino’s Spring/Summer 2021 Haute Couture collection, this marks the first time Levi’s has presented a dedicated collection during Paris Haute Couture Week.
“Bringing Levi’s to Paris Haute Couture for the first time is a major moment for us. With over a century of history behind the brand, partnering with Christelle Kocher felt like a natural fit. She brings a distinctly Parisian perspective with a modern edge that complements our denim heritage. Her Couture-à-Porter vision is the perfect way to elevate the craftsmanship of denim. With this collaboration, we continue to take our iconic brand into new cultural spaces in Europe,” said Mathilde Vaucheret, Levi’s vice president of Europe marketing and brand experience.