Lee Announces Global Jean-Michel Basquiat Collaboration

Lee has announced the launch of a collection featuring the work of artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat. Available globally, this capsule blends denim and art in styles for men and women. 

Bursting onto the New York City art scene in the ’80s, Basquiat’s use of bright colors and striking graphics cemented him as a global cultural icon and left a lasting mark on the contemporary art world. Inspired by Basquiat’s sense of style and personality, the Lee denim silhouettes and coordinates act as the canvas to showcase his neo-expressionist artwork. Splatter-painted jeans, boldly striped sweaters and crown-adorned denim jackets seamlessly blend with artwork, like the “Warrior,” “Pez Dispenser” and more. 

“Lee has always celebrated originality, and in our 100 years we’ve been part of American culture, especially the ’80s around NYC,” says Brigid Stevens, global vice president of marketing, Lee. “The Lee x Basquiat collaboration fuses art, style and culture together to deliver pieces that are timeless and also unique – original icons made even more so with these iconic pieces of art.” 

The collection features men’s and women’s jackets and bottoms, tops, T-shirts, sweaters and sweatshirts. Highlights include: 

“Lee brought such a fresh perspective to Jean-Michel’s iconic artworks,” says David Stark, founder, president, Artestar, the international brand licensing and consulting agency representing Basquiat’s estate. “We hope this collection will inspire a new generation of creatives.” 

The collection is available on Lee.com and owned stores in Asia, Europe and North Carolina, U.S. retailers, Nordstrom and Urban Outfitters, and European sites ,Zalando and Asos, and boutiques like Killiwatch, London and Craemer & Co.