Cult 50s Lee Westeners Makes Comeback
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There is something in the air these days about the word “vintage” and “bundle”. 10 years ago most of you wouldn’t want to be caught dead dressed in 2nd hand threads unless you were a poor uni student paying ridiculous foreign fees. Purist jeans collectors however would relish the idea and meticulously search every bundle store across the country to find the rarest and most authentic of vintage jeans. If only they had waited. Now owning vintage jeans has been made eay as brands like Lee Cooper reissue vintage designs.
Lee Originals have created a capsule collection of rare replica pieces from their archives called Lee Westerners, which were originally released in the 1950s and worn by actor/legend James Dean in his last movie Giant.
Lee Westerners also called Lee Whites are remade in Westweave Sateen. The Westerner pant is a version of Lee’s most revered jeans shape, the slim 101Z, which is joined by a slim style jacket and the Westerner shirt in the same fabric. The all-cotton fabric was designed specifically for dressing up for nights out and it marked the moment in which Lee Jeanswear went from utility wear to fashion.
Lee Originals’ Archives is a means of keeping Lee’s 120-year heritage alive. The brand has an unparalleled history in jeanswear and denim and all items from ‘The Archives’Â are lovingly made in Japan.
Lee is offering 3Â versions of the Lee Westeners in black, khaki or tan available from mid-September exclusively through www.oki-ni.com until the main launch of the Lee Westerners in February 2010. Go get yours first, cowboy.