Shepard and his crew are in Paris!  Check out this video trailor and read below for events and information.

156 years ago, Levi Straus and Jacob Davis turned serge De Nimes, a simple fabric worn by French sailors, into the denim jean.  What followed was a new uniform of progress adopted by freethinking people around the world. Since then, French and American cultures have continued to inspire, learn and borrow from each other.  This transatlantic friendship has propelled both countries collectively forward,giving birth to many important movements in music, film, art and fashion. The new Levi’s® store arrived on the Champs Elysees this May, we are celebrating the relationship between USA and France and the progress it has inspired. As part of this celebration, we dedicate our new home in Paris to a series of collaborations between French cultural leaders and their equally-esteemed American friends. Over the course of 2 months, music legends Pedro Winter from Ed Banger Records (Paris) and James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem/DFA Records (New York, USA) as well as street artists Andre Saraiva (Paris, France) and Shepard Fairey (Los Angeles, USA) will share their love for each other’s countries, cultures and creative spirits through elaborate music and art-themed installations, limited edition collaboratively-designed apparel, hand-selected merchandise and a series ofevents, screenings and interactive workshops.

Vive les Friends Events

Friday, June 15th: Artist Talk

We often see their art but we rarely hear them talk about it. As part of our Vive Les Friends celebration at the Levi’s Flagship Store on Champs Elysees, we are hosting a talk between the transatlantic friends Mr ANDRÉ and Shepard Fairey. Moderated by Michael Dupouy of LAMJC, the hour-long talk beings at 20:00.

Saturday, June 16th: DIY Workshop with Mr. ANDRÉ and Shepard Fairey

 

Although they may now be two of the most famous contemporary artists in the world, Shepard Fairey and Mr. ANDRÉ have always operated outside of the larger art establishment. And like many other outsider artists of their generation, their humble beginnings forced them to make do with what they had. It’s this distinctly “Do-it-Yourself” ethos that ultimately influenced their respective styles while forming a common bond between the two of them that has lasted for over 15 years.

As a tribute to the DIY origins of our Vive Les Friends collaborators, Levi’s® is hosting a very special “Do it yourself” workshop in the new Levi’s® Flagship store on the Champs Elysees.

From 10am-2pm on June 16th, guests will have the opportunity to join Mr. ANDRÉ and Shepard Fairey to create their own customized T-shirts, stickers and buttons.

The event is free and open to the public, while supplies last