501

The number belongs to…

Red Tab label of my Levi’s 501_Photo by Oiseau Distrait

I guess it’s a coincidence, ha ha! After uploading my previous 500th article, I was writing for the next one on a cool afternoon. While enjoying my hot chocolate, I wonder what article number 501 should be? 501? What else can it be? Levi’s 501, it must be!

Ad Excerpt from “The Encyclopedia of Jeans, special edition”_Photo by Oiseau Distrait

I wear jeans almost 90% in my life, even when I had meetings with clients when I was an Interior Designer. I guess this was one of the most envied dress codes possible in design careers.

Don’t ever think it’s improper or too casual, cos Jeans has it’s unique position in fashion. It was branded with history, style, creativity, and craftsmanship, and can be costly.

One of the most famous brands is LEVI’S, and its 501 button-fly series has been a legend ever since. Who wouldn’t want one?! The cost is from HK$599–2299 (US$77–295) subjected to the manufacturer's origin, fabric & special wash, if any.

My first & only pair was bought in Hong Kong many years ago. Why one pair only? Cos there are a lot more choices except the vintage ones that are worth being collected in my closet, one is pretty enough.

My pair of Levi’s 501_Photo by Oiseau Distrait

The original Levi’s 501 was born in 1873, created by Levi Strauss (the founder) & partner Jacob Davis. The button-fly was registered officially, and their target client were workers & cowboys, still.

Levi’s 501 has an interesting myth (or not), that is~ it fits best after being shrunk. So, people will buy a larger pair, wear it & dive into a bath ( or sea wherever convenient) to get their body fit. Weird? But I did hear it work!

I remember when I bought mine, the salesperson told me to leave the first button open, no matter how it won’t slip. I asked why? He said, “It’s easier to button down when I need to pee.” Ha ha! I couldn’t agree more.

What I like most about my 501 is the straight leg vintage style with its silver button, combined with the copper rivet. A decent natural wash is all I need!

Unfortunately, I’m not fit into it anymore, the cons of being a bird writer…ha ha! So, another pair maybe in the future, hmm…How about a Japan Red Tab version would be the goal… or keep fit can be the fact.

My favourite copy of “The Encyclopedia of Jeans, special edition”_Photo by Oiseau Distrait

• The original 501 jeans were found in Calico gold mine, Nevada, U.S.A. in 1881.

• Red Tab 901 was the original button-fly 501 women’s version in the 1980s & early 1990s.

(Citymagazine: The Encyclopedia of Jeans, special edition published by Seven Hills Limited)

The first pair of shrink-to-fit Levi’s 501 for women launched in 1981. (Wiki)*