Denim giant Levi’s teams up with cartoon icon Felix the Cat in this collegiate-inspired collection
Over the years, many cartoon cats have come and gone, but few are as memorable as everyone’s favorite feline, Felix the Cat. Charmingly armed with a pair of big eyes and a wide grin, Felix is one of the most recognizable cartoon characters in film and TV history. With this legendary status, it seemed only fitting for the black-and-white furball to partner with an equally-significant American icon in Levi’s® for a cool collection that pays homage to the feline’s fun college years. Affectionately titled “Felix the Graduate”, the Levi’s® x Felix Collection is a fresh take on the beloved cartoon cat with 90s streetwear-inspired shapes and silhouettes.
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Two American classics collide
Playfully exploring on the idea of a college-bound Felix, the Levi’s x Felix collection features the iconic cartoon cat re-imagined at Felix University, as he dons a contemporary spin on classic collegiate and varsity-style outfits. Showcasing a variety of sweaters, rugby shirts, hoodies, jackets, pants, and tops, the brand-new collection is able to mash the past with the present with its preppy-meets-streetwear type of apparel.
“We wanted to do a collaboration with Felix that felt unexpected for everyone. And so we came up with this concept of ‘Felix the Graduate’, and what Felix would be wearing as a student. The preppy, varsity look is so relevant for today, and we like that it felt crisp and smart but still really relaxed and easy. There’s definitely a sense of humor about the collection, which of course is perfect for Felix. We had so much fun putting our spin on the collegiate elements and making them feel fresh and modern, and then combining them with iconic imagery from the Felix archives,” Levi’s® Chief Product Officer Karyn Hillman explained.
Designed as a sophisticated but still exciting take on classic Levi’s®, every element of the collection takes its main cues from Felix’s classic archival graphics and nuances from classic collegiate looks. For bottoms, the collection features the Levi’s x Felix Pleated High Loose for women’s, a lightweight 10-ounce denim trouser-style pant based on the original 1920s Levi’s® Balloon pant with a loose, slightly oversized fit, and a crease down the center. For men’s bottoms, The collection provides a similar version of the relaxed fitted denim pants with the Levi’s x Felix Pleated Pants.
For tops, the Levi’s x Felix collection showcases a half-n-half collared Levi’s x Felix Rugby Shirt with crimson and navy rugby stripes on one side and an embroidered Felix graphic over solid grey on the other. The collection also offers an array of comfy hoodies designed with varsity-style Felix graphics and equipped with gym locker labels on the cuff and the bottom hem of the sweatshirt.
Sundries also get the college treatment in the Levi’s x Felix backpatch as it brandishes a graphic of the iconic feline alongside the Two-Horse label. Embossed in gold on either dark green or burgundy, the backpatch plays around the look of an old college yearbook. Fans of the cartoon cat will also notice the commemorative Felix University pennant in the collection, as well as a fully functional iron-on patch that comes with select pieces.
Accessories include a denim Levi’s x Felix Campus Carryall Tote with an embroidered Felix graphic at the top, as well as the Levi’s x Felix Reversible Campus Bucket Hat, which features a subdued blue look on one side, and a bright, multi-toned design on the other.
“Felix the Cat has a true, one-of-a-kind caché that’s timeless,” said Marc Low, the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Levi’s® global lifestyle and Universal Brand Development. “He’s widely considered both a pop culture icon and anti-hero, appealing to a younger generation that may not be familiar with his cartoon roots, yet recognize him through his mark on fashion. The Levi’s x Felix collaboration taps into Felix’s playful swagger through a stylish collection that re-imagines him as a fashion icon for the college crowd.”
The Levi’s® x Felix Collection will be available on September 23rd of 2021 in select Levi’s® boutique stores and department store counters nationwide. You may also shop with Levi’s® online through their official online store as well as through the Official Levi’s® Store on Zalora. For the latest information, visit the collaboration at its official website for more details.
