Levi's announces Karla Welch collaboration

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
May 16, 2018

Levi's has announced a collaboration with Karla Welch, its first partnership with a celebrity stylist.

Levi's announced the upcoming Levi's x Karla collection saying, "We’ve collaborated with Karla Welch, renowned stylist and founder of XKarla, to create a special collection of new denim classics in honor of 501 Day. These extremely limited-run pieces are fresh takes on our icons, reconstructed and reimagined."

The collection includes two new versions of the 501 jean, an original fit and a wide-leg flare. Levi's x Karla also includes a reversible Sherpa jacket, a leather fringe Trucker jacket, a boiler suit, and a button-down Western shirt with patent leather pocket.

Commenting on the motivations behind the collaboration Jennifer Sey, chief marketing officer of Levi Strauss & Co. said, "There is something about how Karla styles her clients," who include Justin Bieber, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Lorde. 

Sey added, "She is able to really bring out each person’s unique personality and style," which is Levi's marketing message with its 501 jeans.

This is Welch's second designer collaboration, having previously worked with Hanes for another affordably priced collection.

On her decision to make affordably priced collaborations, Welch told HollywoodReporter.com, “I wanted it to be accessible because I was the kind of kid who didn’t grow up with a lot of money."

The Levi's x Karla collection is priced from $150 to $450. Levi's celebrates 501 day on May 20th, the day it received its patent on the 501 jean.

To support the collection which launches on May 20th, Levi's Santa Monica store will host an event with Welch, who will also lead styling ideas for customization at the store's Tailor Shop.