KQED's Forum New Levi’s Exhibit Proves Iconic Jeans Never Fade
Nov 21, 2025
Tracey Panek, Levi Strauss & Company historian, shares insights on the newly reopened Levi's Vault and its "Amped" exhibit, featuring iconic denim worn by music legends like Kurt Cobain and Beyoncé. Gregory Climer, Chair of the fashion design program at California College of the Arts, discusses the cultural significance of jeans, highlighting their evolution from workwear to fashion staples. The episode dives into personal denim stories, the impact of fabric innovations, and the ongoing push against fast fashion, showcasing how jeans remain a canvas for identity and creativity.
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Music Frames Denim's Cultural Story
- Levi's reopened its museum with a music-focused exhibit to connect denim to cultural moments across decades.
- Tracey Panek curated Amped to let visitors see, hear, and feel music tied to iconic Levi's pieces.
501s Connect Directly To 1873 Design
- The 1873 waist overalls already contained many features of modern jeans like rivets and a button fly.
- The 501 remains the closest current cut to that original construction and history.
Elton John's Patchwork Denim Suit
- Elton John's patchwork denim suit in the exhibit shows tailoring and glam applied to workwear fabric.
- Tracey Panek highlighted its Bill Whitten label and tailored 70s silhouette as a standout piece.