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Tennis champion Naomi Osaka has just launched a brand new upcycled denim collection. Teaming up with Levi’s, the new limited-edition collection features four pieces made from repurposed and vintage denim from the brand’s old stock. Osaka, who has spoken out for social justice and her own mental health, described the “sustainability aspect” of the collection as “super important to me”.
Naomi Osaka and Levi’s have partnered up to launch a brand new sustainable denim collection this summer. There are four limited-edition pieces in total, including a Denim Kimono, Lace-Up Short, Crystal Fringe Short and Trucker Jacket Bustier with a lace-up back. All the pieces are made from upcycled denim fabrics from Levi’s old stock, repurposing the materials that would have otherwise ended up as waste and contributing to the estimated 92 million tonnes of textiles being landfilled each year.
Sustainability and paying homage to Osaka’s heritage
Aside from being made from repurposed materials, Osaka wanted the collection’s designs to be inspired by her Japanese heritage. The tennis star said the Denim Kimono was special to her, as she “always loved wearing kimonos when I was a kid.”
“So, to be able to do it in denim felt really different and a bit unexpected,” she added.
The other pieces are designed to be more sporty, fitting to Osaka’s record as a four-time Grand Slam singles champion and the current reigning champion at the U.S. Open and the Australian Open. Both shorts are crafted from old men’s Levi’s jeans from the brand’s deadstock. The bustier, on the other hand, is made from reworked and recycled Levi’s trucker jackets.
“The sustainability aspect was super important to me,” explained Osaka. “And I love that every piece in the collection has been recycled or repurposed from old stock.”
The new collection is set to drop in select Levi’s stores on August 24. In Hong Kong, Osaka’s limited-edition pieces will be available exclusively at the brand’s Harbour City location.
Levi’s goes circular
The joint collection with Osaka is just Levi’s latest move to become more sustainable. As conscious consumerism takes hold, the American outfitter has embraced circular fashion solutions, recently working with Copenhagen label Ganni to launch a rental capsule collection that is also made with upcycled fabrics.
These pieces are only available for rent, with customers in the U.S. and Europe able to wear the repurposed denim pieces for 3 weeks before it gets returned, cleaned and re-shipped in reusable packaging to the next customer.
Levi’s has also launched what it claims is its “most sustainable jean” yet, which is made out of organic cotton and Circulose, a fabric made from biodegradable wood pulp and old recycled denim.
All images courtesy of Levi’s.
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