Bode x Levi’s Release a Collaborative Pair of Jeans

A lot of brands claim to be about storytelling but rarely do anything that even resembles a story. Bode is not one of those brands. Their affinity with little folky details runs into their every stitch (but actually). Fittingly, Levi’s and New York–based Bode have teamed up for a limited-edition collab that’s as personal as it is historical. It makes sense that they come together: Levi’s, one of America’s oldest brands to still exist, and Bode, known for referencing Americana heritage through meticulous craftsmanship and detailing – it feels right. The result is Americana filtered through a very particular lens: selvedge denim.

Emily Bode’s starting points for this collaboration were twofold: 1) her personal vintage Levi’s collection, mined for fit and wash (Bode already owned a small archive of the Most American Brand on Earth), and 2) Barrel Racing – the only regularly recognized women’s event in professional rodeos. Emily first entered this world riding Checkers, her speckled childhood Pony of the Americas (a Shetland–Appaloosa hybrid) at local horse competitions. 

Emily translated that history into barrel-racing-trouser, not to be confused with a barrel leg trouser – it’s actually a straight leg jean. It’s available in two washes: a lighter option adorned with ’50s-inspired silver studs and red gems, and a darker version with copper studs with an antique finish. Both are crafted from pre-shrunk selvedge denim.

The storytelling is in the details: the label is customly woven to say the cute text “Mr. Checkers’s Favorite Pair.” Inside the pocket, an old halftone photo of Emily and Checkers is printed alongside her signature from that time. The hangtag features a blue ribbon motif, and a woven label reading “Blue Jeans & Chaps” nods to the local horse show where Emily and Checkers competed in 1996.

The Levi’s x Bode Barrel Racer Jean drops exclusively at Bode Tokyo on April 3, followed by Bode New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Bode.com on April 10.