Exhibition: From the Levi’s Archives: Icons in Denim – A Queer Perspective

This exhibition hosts Levi’s products from the Levi Strauss archives displayed together for the first time outside of the USA.

From artists to rock legends to movie stars, every facet of the queer community has donned Levi’s in their own unique way and the curation captures their authentic self-expression.

A first for the soon-to-open South Gallery within the Queer Britain Museum, guests will be guided through the product-led timeline. All showcased products were hand selected from the Levi’s Archives, and tell stories of hope, creativity, and resilience.

Highlights from the exhibition include:

Levi’s 501 Jeans worn by Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. 1980.

Levi Strauss Signature Jeans and T-Shirt worn by Jake Gyllenhaal in multi-Oscar winning film Brokeback Mountain. 2005

Levi’s ‘Empress’ Jacket, inspired by a kimono, the Levi’s jacket was created for a DIFFA event. The denim is dyed yellow and is signed by Beauregard, Beau Black, Stephen Dunn. 1994.

Levi’s Sir Elton John Jacket, customized for and signed by Sir Elton John for a DIFFA charity sale event. April 1994.

Levi’s Protest Jacket, custom painted by artist Serge Gay, Jr. to reflect his concerns as a Black gay transgender man. 2020.

Levi’s 501 Jeans and T-Shirt owned and worn by California’s first openly gay elected official Harvey Milk. 1970s.

Ian has Visited - review here.