Lee is following through on its promises for more creative collaborations in 2021. The Kontoor Brands-owned heritage label tapped The Hundreds for its latest drop that puts a spotlight on workwear as seen through the streetwear brand’s unique lens.
The co-branded collaboration channels Lee’s utilitarian roots with chore jackets and work pants in mustard yellow and light-wash denim. Other items include pullover hoodies, a stone-washed tote bag and short- and long-sleeved T-shirts with one illustration depicting a cowboy Western scene and another displaying a group of fashionably dressed Buddy Lee dolls, Lee’s iconic mascot from 1921.
“This collection celebrates the shared history of workwear and culture between Lee and The Hundreds,” said Betty Madden, vice president of global design at Lee. “Denim and culture go hand in hand, and Lee has played an integral role for more than a century. The Hundreds’ streetwear sensibility paired with our rich heritage has resulted in a collection of fresh, modernized styles that will excite fans of both brands.”
The Hundreds, which has collaborated with Adidas, Disney, the NBA and more, has channeled ’90s workwear and Californian subcultures from its beginning. One of the qualities it looks for in a collaboration is a story, said Bobby Kim, The Hundreds cofounder. “Everyone remembers their first interaction with Lee jeans—not unlike the enduring denim itself, the brand was here long before us and will outlive us all,” he said. “The Hundreds is proud to collaborate with Lee on a project that stands the test of time.”
The collaboration with The Hundreds is a continuation of Lee’s efforts to appeal to a variety of demographics, most notably with its partnership with H&M in January. The move brought Lee into over 1,000 doors across 61 countries. In a meeting with investors earlier this year, Lee’s executive vice president and global brand president Chris Waldeck said the team is focused on adding similar partnerships in the future to further “premiumize” the brand.
Other partnerships have included working with streetwear brand Alife, becoming the official uniform supplier for workers at agriculture tech company AppHarvest, and launching at Walmart—the latter of which brought it into 2,000 additional stores.
The Hundreds x Lee collection is available beginning Thursday, with prices ranging from $39-$120. The collection will be available on The Hundreds app and online shop, Lee.com, and in select stores worldwide.
