Copy of Copy of LEVISDT4-12

Levi’s and Denim Tears celebrate the history of New Orleans in their fourth collaborative collection

Copy of Copy of LEVISDT4-12

Levi’s and Denim Tears celebrate the history of New Orleans in their fourth collaborative collection

Levi’s and Denim Tears celebrate the history of New Orleans in their fourth collaborative collection

Copy of Copy of LEVISDT4-12

Following the success of their previous collaborations, Levi’s and Denim Tears return with their fourth collection, paying tribute to the rich cultural mosaic of New Orleans and the Black Masking Native American tradition. The latest Levi’s x Denim Tears collection honors the art, resilience, and communal spirit of the Young Seminole Hunters and the revered Big Chief Demond Melacon, through carefully designed pieces that merge heritage with contemporary streetwear.

The fourth Levi’s x Denim Tears collection features eight new pieces. The Photo Trucker and Photo Jeans are adorned with prints capturing the Young Seminole Hunters in ceremonial attire, showcasing the vibrant craftsmanship and cultural significance of this tradition. Each printed piece undergoes an intentional imperfection process during printing, ensuring no two items are exactly alike — a homage to the handcrafted nature of Mardi Gras Indian suits. The Photo Trucker Jacket features a relaxed, slightly cropped silhouette based on the iconic Type III design, while the matching Photo Jeans are inspired by the 568 Stay Loose fit.

Further drawing from New Orleans’ heritage, the sport jacket and pants feature a medium indigo wash with dark color-blocking, embellished with a cotton fleur-de-lis print — a symbol deeply connected to the city’s French roots. Gold rope-like stripes recall the ornate detailing of marching band uniforms, another significant element of New Orleans’ cultural expression.

The crewneck sweatshirt continues the collection’s thematic exploration with a pre-washed black base and the same cotton fleur-de-lis embroidery. Meanwhile, the baseball tee combines a floral and gingham print, with three-quarter-length sleeves in dark green, evoking southern tablecloth patterns that symbolize family gatherings and communal celebration.

Completing the collection are accessories that pay homage to cultural practices: a mid-indigo floral print durag and a photo-printed bucket hat, both featuring the same intentional imperfection technique seen throughout the collection.

“New Orleans represents a unique intersection of African, Indigenous, and French cultural influences that have shaped American identity in profound ways,” says Tremaine Emory, founder of Denim Tears. “This collection honors the sacred traditions of the Mardi Gras Indians while acknowledging their continued relevance in contemporary culture. The intentional imperfections in our printing process reflect the human touch behind these traditions — something that cannot be mass-produced or replicated.”

The fourth Levi’s x Denim Tears collection was photographed in New Orleans, capturing members of the Young Seminole Hunters and highlighting the authentic connection between the garments and the community they celebrate. The collection launched globally on April 4 and is available on Levi.com.

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