KQED's Forum Forum From the Archives: New Levi’s Exhibit Proves Iconic Jeans Never Fade
Dec 26, 2025
Tracey Panek, a historian at Levi Strauss & Company, and Audrey Kalman, creator of DenimArchive.org, dive into the world of jeans and their cultural significance. They explore the reopening of Levi's Vault, featuring iconic pieces from artists like Kurt Cobain and Beyoncé. The guests discuss personal jean stories and how denim has evolved from workwear to fashion statement. They also highlight the trend of visible mending and the impact of craftsmanship in combating fast fashion, revealing why jeans remain timeless.
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Workwear Origins Explain Denim's Appeal
- Denim began as heavy-duty, indigo-dyed workwear designed to hide dirt and resist wear.
- Its practical origins made it ideal for farmers, miners, and railroad workers before becoming fashion.
Denim Goes Glam With Tailoring
- Elton John's patchwork denim suit in the exhibit transforms workwear into tailored glam.
- The piece shows how denim can be both rugged material and high-fashion canvas when reworked by designers.
Shrinking Into Your 501s
- Tracy recalls growing up in high school wearing shrink-to-fit 501s and breaking them in after two or three washes.
- She still owns a 501 and spot-cleans rather than washing frequently to preserve their story.