Five Questions for Five Pockets: Lynn Downey, Levi Strauss

We already clued you in to the new Levi's book penned by Lynn Downey(left,) the brand historian for Levi Strauss. This time, we were lucky enough to bend her ear for a bit for our Five Questions for Five Pockets series.

1. What was your first pair of jeans?

I think it was a pair of Levi's For Gals beige jeans covered with orange flowers. That must have been about 1968 or something. I eventually graduated to 5-pocket denim, though when I entered high school in California in 1969, girls were not allowed to wear pants to school. We could wear pants in our senior year, 1972, but not jeans. So I would get home from school and jump into my Levi's jeans. I'm the third generation (at least) of my family to wear Levi's jeans.

2. Who do you think is the ultimate denim icon?

Well, I think I'd have to say....Levi Strauss! Anyone who invents a product that people are still wearing more than 130 years later has earned icon status in my book.  Other than Levi, I would have to name the anonymous working man of the 19th century as the ultimate denim icon: our first customer, the man who made Levi's jeans part of the DNA of America.

3. What are your current favorite jeans?

Ooh, my 525 boot cut jeans. Love these jeans, they are a fabulous fit, especially on my 53-year-old body. I also love my Levi's Capital E "Swank" jeans.

4. What denim trend do you wish would go away?

You know, I like all denim trends. That's because I love how versatile denim is, you can do so much with it, and I love to see how creative people get with denim, whether it's design, finishing, or packaging. As a historian it's a treat for me to work all day with vintage Levi's jeans, and then go out on the street and see the modern interpretation of the original.

5. What's your number one rule for denim?

Wear it everywhere!

PHOTO: Hangauer/Kissinger