The Iconic Levi’s 505c ’70s Rock Jean
It’s tough to be as obsessed with denim as I am without also being fascinated by its history. It may have been considered workwear at one time, but it didn’t take long for the popular, tough fabric to become an iconic fashion statement which led to the vast range of enticing premium varieties on the market today. Denim has always been a symbol of rock n’ roll, and the Levi’s® 505™C leads the pack. This style was born in 1967, during the Summer of Love, which sparked the rapid growth of the counterculture movement. The denim jacket was also an iconic piece at the time, thanks to the concurrent release of the Levi’s® Type III Trucker Jacket. Along with the 505™C jean, the jacket is symbolic of this era which was rich in cinema, music, and political activism.
The 505™C jean was seen sported by rock and punk idols throughout history, with Levi’s® naming The Ramones of the most notable. Levi’s® recently held a launch party to re-release this classic style, with legendary rock star Debbie Harry and other figureheads sporting their own pairs. The new 505™C is a slim straight leg fit that sits at the waist. The men’s and women’s collections each features six eye catching washes and levels of distressing, each made for a rock star or rocker at heart! I’m usually more of a skinny jean person than straight leg, but these vintage-inspired washes are making me drool a little. It’s hard to pick just one!
“The 505™’s history goes hand in hand with counterculture. It’s the infamous star on the front cover of the Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers album and plays a part in the beginning of punk rock by being worn by all four of the Ramones in their seminal, eponymous album. Ripped jeans, which we take for granted now, were pioneered on 505™’s.” – Jonathan Cheung, Svp Apparel Design, Levi’s®
“The 505™’s history goes hand in hand with counterculture.” – Jonathan Cheung, Svp Apparel Design, Levi’s®
See photos from the Levi’s® 505™C launch party and read more about the style here.
Shop the women’s 505™C here!