Levi’s + Paris = Vive Les Friends

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of traveling to Paris for the grand opening of the Levi’s flagship store on the Champs-Élysées. We all know Levi’s created the first pair of jeans but did you know that denim is originally from France? 17th century French sailors were the first to wear clothes made of serge de nimes, also known today as denim. In 1873 Levi Strauss created the first pair of riveted denim jeans. In celebration of their newest post in Paris, Levi’s will host a series of collaborations between French and American friends – the first of which are musicians Pedro Winters of Ed Banger Records and James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem/DFA Records. Not only did the boys DJ the opening party, they designed custom trucker jackets, created the window displays, and set up interactive music stations throughout the store! With an impressive 30 foot backdrop of San Francisco’s Golden Gate bridge, echoing the brand’s historical roots, the store is designed with a vintage and industrial feel with the use of reclaimed materials. If you live in Paris or have a trip planned I highly recommend you check it out. You might even see street artists Shepard Fairey and Mister André collaborating next. Vive Les Friends!

(images courtesy of Levi’s & HonestlyWTF)

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22 Comments

  1. christin wrote:

    what an amazing experience. this only makes me want to go to Paris even more.

    5.30.12
    Reply
  2. style-xyz wrote:

    look great!

    5.30.12
    Reply
  3. EmerJa wrote:

    Amazing, I love it!!!:)

    http://www.emerjadesign.com

    5.30.12
    Reply
  4. What a marvellous surprise to see finally an article from Paris my city!!! The pictures looks great and perfectly reflect the Paris mood! Believe a real Parisian girll
    ilovedoityourself.blogspot.com

    5.30.12
    Reply
  5. What an awesome opportunity.
    I didn’t know that denim came from France…so strange since we associate it so much with American culture.

    xoxo
    http://natashafatah.com
    http://natashafatah.com

    5.30.12
    Reply
  6. Stephanie wrote:

    Diggin’ the stores set up! Such an amazing Layout! Looks like it was a blast! x

    Stephanie in Style
    Stephanie in Style

    5.30.12
    Reply
  7. So cool and so great that you got invited and had a reason to whisk off to Paris! – Aliya:)
    http://marantphiles.com

    5.30.12
    Reply
  8. So cool! I’m going to Paris this summer, so I might drop by 😉

    http://stainsofpaint.blogspot.com/

    5.30.12
    Reply
  9. This looks like the trip of a lifetime! Amazing photos!!

    5.30.12
    Reply
  10. Tiffany wrote:

    What cool trip! I will go back to Paris one day and visit this store, promise!

    5.30.12
    Reply
  11. Reminds me off a Urban Outfitter shop.

    http://threeanglesdesign.blogspot.com

    5.30.12
    Reply
  12. IozeoStyle wrote:

    I work for Levi’s, it feels good to be apart of something so phenomenal

    5.30.12
    Reply
  13. Britte wrote:

    J’adore ! En plus , Fille d’un Maître Tailleur pour Messieurs ! Mais, Belgique ! Liège !!

    5.30.12
    Reply
  14. Beautiful photos! Lucky you! x

    Kate {Something Fabulous}
    http://thesomethingfabulous.blogspot.com

    5.30.12
    Reply
  15. Marlinda wrote:

    What a way for Levi’s to make a comeback! I’m really digging that ‘Go Forth’ campaign too!
    Anyways: the report is really nice + great atmospheric photos!
    http://thgreyfox.blogspot.com

    5.31.12
    Reply
  16. Looks like a very rad store – great displays!

    5.31.12
    Reply
  17. Two bits of info to add: Serge de Nimes was made in Nimes (near Arles) in Provence. It was popularized in our California Gold Rush by Monsieur Strauss at Blue Tent Springs near N. Columbia (Nevada City) by miners needing tents & pants. He made a bundle from those pants which had the grommets holding pockets on the pants. Seems they lasted forever!!

    6.20.12
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      wow @Freda! thanks for sharing – so fascinating! xx

      6.20.12
    • Erica wrote:

      wow @Freda! thanks for sharing – so fascinating! xx

      6.20.12
  18. Gary Pope wrote:

    Luxury Showroom..

    10.11.13
    Reply