Levi's Archivist Lynn Downey Took Us On An Historic Journey Through Jeans
Last night, Lynn Downey, Levi's Historian and Archivist, held a short seminar in Macy's Herald Square to talk about the evolution of the blue jean. Initially, I was just excited to see the world's oldest pair of jeans with my own eyes as I knew they'd be part of the seminar. I'd seen photos of it before, but being able to look up close at a pair of jeans that would fit perfectly in any of the exhibits in the Smithsonian was a treat I couldn't pass up. However, as Lynn began to speak, I found myself taking notes as if I was back in college as her knowledge of denim is extensive. It's a rare day that I get to speak to someone who knows denim better than me. Just being honest. And in this case, Lynn was practically professorial when speaking about the history of denim and I was riveted, no pun intended.
She explained that Levi's jeans ultimately came to fruition when tailor Jacob Davis asked Levi's Strauss to partner with him in making riveted denim pants for workers who were complaining about the frequent ripping in their work clothes. Imagine such an iconic detail that has lasted for over a century coming from such a simple request. Extraordinary doesn't begin to describe it. I could go on and on with everything I learned in such a short period of time, but instead I'll break it down to a few facts:
- The oldest pair of jeans date back to 1879 and were found in an old mine by a woman who patched them up and wore them for several years before selling them to the company for $25. These jeans are currently worth $150,000.
- There was a rivet included on the crotch of the original 501s, but cowboys complained of heat from their campfires, shall we say, making it a tad too uncomfortable. Therefore, after the the removal of rivets during the WWII war effort and their subsequent return after, the crotch rivet was left out.
- Jeans were originally called "Overalls" because you could wear them over all your clothing.
- Before there were belt loops, there were suspender buttons and a back cinch.
- The cowboy era of the 1930's was the last time jeans were associated with workwear.
- Soldier's returning home from WWII adopted a uniform of leather jackets and Levi's jeans and formed motorcycle clubs. This was the first of many decades of jeans being associated with rebellion.
Click below to see more pictures of jeans straight from the Levi's archives and keep checking back as I'll have more from my experience with the amazing Lynn Downey.
