Serious collectors of denim apparel consider Levi’s tab a testament to status rather than a label. Vintage fashion enthusiasts regard the Orange Tab from 1960s flared jeans as a prestigious object from fashion history. Creators of vintage streetwear prefer the Silver Tab, which reflects the oversized grunge dress style of the ’80s and ’90s.
Levi’s Red Tab editions with an uncommon capital “E” in their branding fetch $6,000 on internet platforms. Levi’s release of every tab cultivated a loyal fan base for its products. The legendary denim brand now unveils its latest tab release, which represents its most high-end product ever
The Blue Tab collection enters Japan on February 1 before reaching U.S. consumers in April. Levi’s creates a premium fashion experience with the Blue Tab, which features Japanese selvage denim and modern, sophisticated design elements.
The pictorial campaign created by Juergen Teller at a Japanese tea house demonstrates how this collection combines traditional elements with modern style. Product costs start at $78 and reach $398, making the line set above Levi’s regular merchandise.
A Legacy of Japanese Craftsmanship
The Levi’s Vintage Clothing line demonstrates years of collaboration between Levi’s and Japan’s expert denim makers who create select clothing styles in the country. The Blue Tab line extends beyond the established legacy.
This collection shows its appreciation for Japanese denim artisans yet preserves the American identity associated with Levi’s brand. O’Neill reveals their intention of creating contemporary designs that would remain relevant and follow today’s trends. The Blue Tab creates a more advanced denim fashion statement.
What Makes the Blue Tab Special?
The Blue Tab collection stands apart because it involves careful manual production at Kaihara Denim Mill, which has the reputation of being one of Japan’s leading denim factories. The Blues Tab line depends on this highly regarded selvage denim producer, a collaborator with the Levi’s Vintage line.
According to O’Neill, the company demonstrated exceptional skill and accepted our proposals to experiment together. Denim construction has become a specialty in Japan, and its fabrications have become works of art, and its washes have raised to exceptional standards.
The manufacturing method of selvage denim takes longer and follows more precise steps than typical Levi’s denim production. The distinctive character of each product emerges through hand-finishing practices, which include dyeing and distressing. Traditional Levi’s silhouettes, such as the 502 and 511, now feature innovative textures and new finishes.
According to O’Neill, specialized dye and spinning techniques were employed to craft irregularities within the selvage jeans. Selvage denim attracts users because it carries traditional historical significance. Denim production depended exclusively on this method up until the end of the 1970s. The production of selvage denim required shuttle looms, which operated at much lower speeds.
Expanding Beyond Just Jeans
The Blue Tab collection allows Levi’s to enter new fashion territories through curated tailored jackets and structured blazers paired with mix-and-match chambray shirting and denim essentials. The collection also brings updated styles to longtime Levi’s customers with new dressy pieces like the denim blazer, the powder-blue Scout jacket, and structured utility dresses.
O’Neill explained their aim to develop a head-to-toe look through their product line. The new collection frees denim from traditional associations by exploring different environmental styles and occasions with classic Levi’s garments.
A Nod to Japanese Street Style
The collection is heavily influenced by the Japanese street style due to its natural layering techniques and precise proportions. The team making decisions under O’Neill showed great interest in the unique ways Japanese denim styles stand out to fashion lovers.
They emphasized how Japanese enthusiasts chose lengths and proportions in their denim wear. Every part of their design, from the copper and silver buttons, demonstrates considered craftsmanship. The team never stopped searching for ways to push designs higher.
Will the Blue Tab Cult Following Rival the Orange or Silver Tabs?
The Blue Tab does not attract denim purists with flashy designs or immediate recognition because Levi’s created it with that intention. Levi’s emphasizes superior craftsmanship and fabric advancement with classic style rather than modern fashion trends.
The original Red Tab design allowed people to spot Levi’s at room length. O’Neill explains that one needs to look closer at the Blue Tab before recognizing it. “I like that.”
O’Neill is optimistic that the Blue Tab might eventually be regarded as a collector’s favorite alongside the Orange, Silver, and White Tabs.
Despite waiting to see whether the Blue Tab achieves status among collector favorites, its use of high-quality materials from Japan and its refined design suggests it is destined to become an instant classic.
Ava Thompson is a fashion stylist and trend forecaster, bringing you the latest in fashion tips, outfit inspirations, and style guides to elevate your wardrobe.
