Levi Strauss & Co. dominated 2016, from progressive parental leave policies, to ground breaking collaborations, to a gun controversy, the brand kept denim heads on their indigo-stained feet.
Rivet went deep into the archives of 2016 to round up some of the most important and noteworthy moments Levi’s dished up over the last 12 months.
Levi’s Chip Bergh Named ‘Most Admired CEO’
The San Francisco Business Times named Levi’s CEO Chip Bergh one of the Bay Area’s ‘Most Admired’ CEOs. Bergh was at the center of a number of social statements made by the brand in 2016.
Levi’s Collaborates with Jeffrey “Yoki” Yokoyama
Levi’s teamed up with Jeffrey “Yoki” Yokoyama, acclaimed street wear designer, in early September to create a sustainable selvedge denim line that re-used vintage 501 jeans. The collection resulted in cool patch-work pieces.
Levi’s Teams up with Blonde Salad Fashion Blogger
The Blonde Salad founder, Chiara Ferragni, collaborated with Levi’s to create two custom pairs of 501 stretch jeans with the help of Levi’s Head of Design, Jonathan Cheung.
Levi’s is One of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality
Levi Strauss & Co. received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index in early December, marking the brand’s 13th perfect score. CEO Chip Bergh announced the continued fight for equal rights for LGBTQ employees within the company, and the proud steps the brand continues to take towards equality.
Levi’s Made and Crafted Teams up with Off White
Levi’s premium brand, Levi’s Made and Crafted, designed a collection with street wear brand Off White, in late October for a Fall ’16 capsule collection. The street wear-influenced line was well received.
Levi Strauss Expands Parental Leave
Bergh announced in December the expansion of the company’s parental leave policy, to include up to eight weeks of paid parental leave, regardless of parent’s gender.
Levi’s Tells Gun Owners to Leave Firearms At Home
Bergh caused controversy in early December when he told shoppers to leave their guns at home, and prohibited guns from Levi’s stores. The nod to the Second Amendment came after a heated U.S. election season.
