Make Noise for the Undercover Take on Levi’s Classics

The second rendition of the Levi’s x UNDERCOVER collaboration is a fusion of Americana style and Japanese subculture.

Photographed by his daughter Clara Balzary, Red Hot Chilli Peppers bassist Flea is seen prancing around the street and beaches of his Malibu neighborhood, dressed in a Texan tuxedo looks with an Undercover spin.

Undercover, also known as Undercoverism, is Jun Takahashi’s brand of high-end streetwear. He’s one of the original advocates of the “anti-Japanese fashion” movement alongside Rei Kawakubo, immersing himself into the global punk movement in his youth.

Each season is inspired by a particular work, such as music, cinema, television or an artistic movement, symbolizing culture through the protest of dress. He studied at the Bunka Academy of Fashion, and his fellow peers gave him the nickname of “Johnio,” due to his resemblance to Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols.

Flea in the Type I Trucker Jacker and 501 Jeans. Photographed by Clara Balzary. Courtesy of Levi’s

As a fellow peroxide devotee, it’s no wonder he chose modern punk star Flea to model his collaboration with Levi’s to mark the 35^th anniversary of his label. The nine-piece collection includes signature staples with Undercover references; detachable zip-detailing on trucker jackets, graphic prints of box nails and peering eyes on t-shirts, and “Light, Darkness” emblazoned on 501 jeans.

This collection marks the third time Jun has partnered with Levi’s, initially for his cult classic “Small Parts/Exchange” collection in 1998, and then in 2022, with a small drop of upcycled vintage Made in USA garments.

The Levi’s® x UNDERCOVER Collection is available to purchase worldwide on Levi.com, the Levi’s® App, select Levi’s® Stores, undercoverism.com, and select UNDERCOVER Stores.