Levi’s Celebrates 25 Years of ‘Pokémon’

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of “Pokémon” this year, the brand has collaborated with Levi’s has for a ‘90s-inspired collection.

“It’s so fun to hear people talk about their love of ‘Pokémon,’” says Karyn Hillman, chief product officer, Levi Strauss & Co. “Everyone has their favorite. So the fact that we had this ability to play and create with so many iconic ‘Pokémon’ and characters was a special experience. It’s such a thoughtful collection that respects and celebrates the world of Pokémon, and it was so cool mixing our icons and history with theirs – it’s nostalgic and optimistic, with

a little bit of escapism.”

Inspired by the first season of the original “Pokémon: animated series, the collection includes a range of Levi’s denim, tops, bottoms, fleece, tees and accessories that feature graphics and prints of both the characters and the woodland settings of the Kanto region. Notable pieces include the ‘90s-style Vintage Fit Trucker Jacket and 551Z Authentic Straight jean in stonewash indigo; both feature oversized embroidered Pikachu lightning bolt patches for the Electric-type Pokemon. 

Also included in the collection is the all-over print Vintage Fit Trucker Jacket and 551Z Authentic Straight jean, featuring a forest design filled with Pokémon.

“In its 25th anniversary year, the ‘Pokémon’ brand is celebrating its enduring legacy in pop culture with fans around the world,” says Amy Sachtleben, licensing director, The Pokémon Company International. “Our friends at Levi’s have developed a collection featuring icons of the

franchise that blends the spirit of the era when ‘Pokémon’ first launched with the style sensibilities of today in a way only Levi’s could. This has been a tremendously fun collaboration with Levi’s to look back at ‘Pokémon’s’ origins and offer fans who grew up with the brand and today’s trendsetters a way to infuse cute and clever ‘Pokémon’ nostalgia into their style.” 

Also included is a range of graphic tees that features throwback character art, such as Ash, Misty and Pokémon from the first season. A Levi’s Misty Short and Misty Tank, an homage to the outfit she wears in the series, is also included in the collection.

Accessories and sundries also get the “Pokémon” treatment, like a red and white trucker hat similar to the hat worn by Ash Ketchum in the series. A Pikachu knit beanie includes yellow three-dimensional Pikachu ears. There’s also an all-over “Pokémon” floral print gym bag, a Poké Ball crossbody bag and clip-on pouches with “Pokémon” characters embroidered on the front. On the sundries, the collection features “Pokémon” branding on Levi’s back patches, Red Tabs that mimic red and white Poké Balls and buttons stamped with Pikachu and Poké Balls.

The Levi’s x “Pokémon” collection will be available worldwide on Levi.com, the “Levi’s” app, in Levi’s stores and in select wholesalers on Feb. 15.