The fourth installment of Levi's® and Denim Tears celebrates the city of New Orleans

Fusing cultural heritage with streetwear aesthetics.

The latest collaboration between Levi’s® and Denim Tears pays tribute to the legacy of the Black Masking Indians, a tradition deeply rooted in the history and culture of New Orleans. This capsule, in addition to paying tribute to the craftsmanship and resilience of the Young Seminole Henares, honours one of the most respected leaders of this tradition: Big Chief Demond Melancon.

With an approach that highlights the importance of craftsmanship, the new line features eight unique pieces that explore the deep roots of the Louisiana city and its connection to African-American and indigenous culture. In this way, the collection is composed of key garments that stand as a modern reinterpretation of ancestral traditions, with a strong symbolic charge that celebrates community and cultural heritage.

The Photo Trucker jackets and Photo Jeans are, without a doubt, the heart and soul of the collection. Both items feature photographic prints that capture the spirit of the Young Seminole Hunters in their ceremonial attire, fusing Mardi Gras Indian tradition with contemporary visual language.

What makes this collection unique is the printing process, where the intention to create imperfections ensures that no two pieces are the same. This details the craftsmanship behind each design.

‘New Orleans represents a unique intersection of African, Native American and French cultural influences that have profoundly shaped American identity,’ says Tremaine Emory, founder of Denim Tears. ‘This collection honours the sacred traditions of the Mardi Gras Indians, while acknowledging their continued relevance in contemporary culture. The intentional imperfections in our printing process reflect the human touch behind these traditions, something that cannot be mass produced or replicated.’