Levi’s® x Denim Tears Fourth Collection Celebrates New Orleans Culture
San Francisco, CA, April 4, 2025 — Levi’s® and Denim Tears return for their fourth collaboration, turning their attention to the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans and the enduring tradition of the Black Masking Indians.
Building on their previous collaborations, the latest collection pays tribute to the artistry, resilience and community spirit of the Young Seminole Hunters and the revered Big Chief Demond Melancon.
The result is a collection that brings together cultural heritage and contemporary streetwear while placing the traditions of New Orleans at the centre of the story.
Levi’s x Denim Tears: New Orleans Through Denim
The fourth Levi’s® x Denim Tears collection features eight new pieces, with photography and textile details used to highlight the cultural significance of the Black Masking Indian tradition.
Among the standout pieces are the Photo Trucker and Photo Jeans, which feature photographic imagery of the Young Seminole Hunters in their ceremonial regalia.
The imagery is deliberately treated with imperfections during the printing process, meaning no two pieces are exactly alike. The approach reflects the handcrafted nature of Mardi Gras Indian suits, where individuality and human craftsmanship are central to the tradition.
The Photo Trucker takes cues from Levi’s® iconic Type III Trucker jacket, reworked with a relaxed and slightly cropped silhouette. The accompanying Photo Jeans are based on the loose-fitting 568™ Stay Loose silhouette.
A Story Rooted in New Orleans
The collection continues its exploration of New Orleans through the Track Jacket and Track Pants.
Both pieces feature a mid-indigo wash with dark-wash colour blocking and cotton fleur-de-lis prints — a motif closely associated with the city’s French heritage.
Gold rope-like piping adds another cultural reference, drawing inspiration from the ornate detailing traditionally seen on marching band uniforms.
The Crewneck Sweatshirt continues the visual theme with a washed-black base and the same cotton fleur-de-lis artwork.
Meanwhile, the Baseball Tee combines a floral gingham print with dark-green three-quarter sleeves, referencing the Southern tablecloth patterns often associated with family gatherings and communal celebrations.
Denim Tears Brings the Details
Accessories round out the collection with pieces that continue the cultural references.
A mid-indigo Durag features an all-over cotton flower print, while a photo-printed hat uses the same intentional-imperfection technique seen across the collection.
Together, the pieces create a collection that feels less like a conventional fashion collaboration and more like a visual exploration of New Orleans culture.
Tremaine Emory on the Collection
“New Orleans represents a unique intersection of African, Indigenous, and French cultural influences that have shaped American identity in profound ways,” said Tremaine Emory, founder of Denim Tears.
“This collection honors the sacred traditions of the Mardi Gras Indians while recognizing their continued relevance in contemporary culture. The intentional imperfections in our printing process reflect the human touch behind these traditions – something that can’t be mass-produced or replicated.”
The New Orleans Story
The fourth Levi’s® x Denim Tears collection was photographed in New Orleans with members of the Young Seminole Hunters, creating a direct connection between the clothing and the community whose traditions inspired it.
The collaboration uses denim, photography, graphics and traditional visual references to spotlight a cultural legacy that continues to influence contemporary art, fashion and street culture.
When Does the Levi’s x Denim Tears Collection Launch?
The fourth Levi’s® x Denim Tears collection launches worldwide on April 4, 2025.
The collection is available through Levi.co.za, DenimTears.com and at select Levi’s® stores, including Sandton City and V&A Waterfront.
It will also be available at select premium wholesale retailers from April 5, 2025.
Watch: Levi’s® x Denim Tears — The New Orleans Story (Full Documentary)
