In 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis, a Nevada tailor, went into partnership and patented the first work trousers for Western pioneers, featuring pockets reinforced with copper rivets in the areas most subject to stress and wear.
It is the first version of the 501 jeans, initially called the "XX".
On May 20 of the same year, the two partners filed the first patent in history for the use of rivets in men's trousers.
Thus was born a fashion icon made in the USA.
For over a century, the Levi's 501 has been worn, torn, repaired, styled, and customized in every way possible. Worn by generations, it has been a true form of self-expression for each.
Throughout the history of fashion and style, the 501 has been loved by world-famous stylists, industry insiders and international pop stars.
"I wish I had invented blue jeans. They are expressive and modest, they have sex appeal but they are simple. They have everything I want from my clothes." Yves Saint Laurent.
Like Tom Ford: "I wish I had invented the 501". Or Snoop Dogg, who always says during interviews with the most important magazines: "A musician is like a superhero. Just like Batman or Superman. Only that us gangsta rappers, instead of the hero costume, have a Levi's 501".
As Californian photographer Edward Clover told young people interested in his work: "In the early days of punk, all the kids wore a T-shirt and Levi's jeans."
If those pants survived punk iconoclasm, it must mean something.
