MANILA, Philippines - Some 140 years since the century-defining fashion item has become a staple in wardrobes around the world, the 501 jeans remain, to this day, relevant and universal a feat synonymous with the Levi’s name. Its jean anthology has spawned countless reinventions with every generation, becoming a symbol of self-expression for the people who wear them.
There are many ways to retell the story of Levi’s, much like the many ways one can style a good pair of button-fly jeans. Today the narratives are best told through the styles of four distinct individuals who trail blazed their way to success through passion and sheer originality.
Brent Javier
Brent Javier can rock his Levi's 501 jeans with just a white tee and boots. A pro in the modeling industry, Brent has developed a keen sense of fashion and knows what to look for when it comes to jeans. "Initially it's the look then I try it on to see how good it fits," he explains. "But the deciding factor is always the name. You just can't go wrong with the craftsmanship of Levi's. It's got that quality that never goes out of style."
Brent has gone as far as dyeing his pair of Levi's to give it a style that's uniquely his. Good thing for Brent, the Levi's 501 jeans now come in mineral red, chalk blue, ivy green, true chino and white. Whether he dons a true-blue original or goes for a pop of color, there's definitely no Levi's style that can't be pulled off by a guy like a Brent.
Luis Alandy
His presence and onscreen charisma has made Luis Alandy a scene-stealer. But you'd be surprise that this TV actor and heartthrob prefers a style that's laidback and classy — something he achieves fairly easily with his trusty pair of Levi's 501 jeans.
Luis takes his cue from his Hollywood icons Johnny Depp, Ryan Gosling and Christian Bale whose relaxed yet enigmatic vibe has captured the hearts of women around the world. What's the best thing about his 501 jeans? "It's got its own character, not to mention, a timeless and enduring style that goes well with any look."
Rovilson Fernandez
It's hard to miss Rovilson Fernandez. Height and good looks aside, his effervescent presence has made him a sought-after host, model and magazine editor. His love for adventure and travel has also led him to become a WWF ambassador and travel around the world as part of Amazing Race Asia. For a man who wears many hats, the Levi’s 501 jean is a must-have for its adaptability.
“In the morning I can wear it to a construction site, have a power lunch with them on, then in the evening, I slap on a blazer and I’m ready to host an event, attend a dinner party or 'paint the town,’†he shares.
For Rovilson, two signature Levi's styles always do the trick–boot cut for the day and slim for evenings. His tip for bros: "Perfectly hemmed jeans make a lot of difference. Throw in a cool belt and boots for extra flavor!"
Paolo Abrera
Having owned a pair of Levi's 501 since he was a kid, sportsman and environmentalist Paolo Abrera has mastered a style that's both comfortable yet versatile. He deems his 501 jeans a "blank canvas to express your mood and style. The 501 has an incredible heritage and history. That alone makes it a classic. It works just as well with a suit jacket as it does with a well worn tee.
With Joseph Gordon Levitt and Steve McQueen as his style icons, Paolo sure knows how to match his "un-fussied" confidence with a pair of lived-in 501 jeans. He dresses them up with a nicely tailored suit jacket for work but when he's off the clock and on the motorcycle, he suits up with boots and a tough workshirt. Paolo is all for mixing and matching, but a classic pair of Levi's has always been his go-to jeans. "Unlike other trends that come and go, for 501's, the older they get, the better they are cause they're built to last."