Levi’s adds a dose of nostalgia to its take on fall’s prep-school fashion trend. The storied denim brand teamed with Felix the Cat, one of the most recognizable cartoon characters from 1950s and 1960s film and TV history, for a men’s and women’s scholarly collection.
Titled “Felix the Graduate,” the collection spans varsity style sweaters, rugby shirts and jackets, to jeans and accessories.
The impetus for the designs was what Felix, known for his big eyes and wide grin, would be wearing as a student, said Karyn Hillman, Levi’s chief product officer. “There’s definitely a sense of humor about the collection, which of course is perfect for Felix,” she said. “We had so much fun putting our spin on the collegiate elements and making them feel fresh and modern, and then combining them with iconic imagery from the Felix archives.”
Described as a “collegiate prep meets ’90s streetwear” and a “perfect past-meets-present, pop-culture-infused collection,” the line centers on relaxed styling, autumnal colors and nods to the famous feline.
A check cardigan references a classic Felix the Cat toy puppet and a women’s argyle patterned sweater vest has “Felix” knitted into the collar. A rugby shirt rugby has stripes on one side and a Felix graphic embroidered on solid grey on the other. A range of hoodies features varsity-style Felix graphics and gym locker labels on the cuff and the bottom hem of the sweatshirt.
The reversible Levi’s x Felix Letterman Jacket is offered in a medium wash denim with contrast sleeves. A chenille Felix patch on the front and embroidered Felix graphic on the back, and a quilted rainbow lining on the other side underscore the theme.
The collection is also home to a best-selling jeans style with a Felix twist. The women’s Levi’s x Felix Pleated High Loose is a lightweight 10-ounce denim trouser-style pant based on the original 1920s Levi’s Balloon pant. The bottom has a loose, slightly oversized fit, and a crease down the center.
For men’s bottoms, there’s a similar pleated version of that relaxed fitted denim pant, called the Levi’s x Felix Pleated Pant, as well as a Straight Crop Chino in a cabernet red for a tailored collegiate look.
Sundries get the preppy Felix treatment too. Jeans backpatches boast a Felix graphic alongside Levi’s iconic Two Horse label, embossed in gold on either dark green or burgundy to simulate the look of an old college yearbook. There’s also a “commemorative Felix University pennant” on the back of bottoms in the collection as well as an iron-on patch included with select pieces.
The Levi’s x Felix collection is available now in Levi’s stores and online as well as at select wholesale partners.