Although Levi Strauss & Co. is commonly known for its creation of American
blue jean, the company’s history spans further than that. Additionally,
Levi’s was responsible for an iconic staple in one of the world’s greatest
geniuses: Albert Einstein.
Although Einstein was known more for his academia instead of fashion, he
was known for wearing a brown leather jacket. Levi’s actually had made the
jacket, entitled the ‘Cossack.’ Einstein was even photographed by Lotte
Jacobi in 1938 wearing the jacket. He also appeared in Time Magazine
wearing the brown leather piece. In 1999, he was named Person of the
Century by Time. In that same issue, Levi’s 501 jeans were also named
“fashion item of the 20th century.” Additionally to that, Einstein has been
photographed in the jacket many times and the piece of outerwear has become
somewhat legendary in the fashion world.
The jacket was descended directly in Einstein’s family down to its present
owner. Designed and manufactured by Levi’s, the iconic piece was worn by
Einstein in his years as a U.S. citizen near the mid 1930’s. Recently,
Levi’s made the winning bid for the Cossack jacket, which was auctioned off
at Christie’s in London. Levi’s acquired the jacket for a total of 146,744
dollars. “The response to Albert Einstein’s leather ‘Cossack’ jacket by
Levi Strauss & Co. in [Christie’s] has been exciting, generating
international interest,” Thomas Venning, head of books and manuscripts in
London said in a statement. “We are pleased that [Levi’s] has acquired this
iconic item of clothing for their [archives],” he said.
Levi’s acquisition of the jacket makes for a full circle for the Cossack
piece. As Levi’s reflects classic American style and effortless, cool
fashion; the jacket is a piece of the brand’s history. Since its
establishment as a company in 1873, Levi’s has gained worldwide recognition
for its jeans. Although less known for its outerwear, Einstein’s jacket
brings Levi’s roots in the U.S. even deeper than before. Currently, Levi’s
has jeanswears and accessories available in over 110 countries and through
its online website. Levi’s parent company Levi Strauss & Co. has become one
of the largest apparel companies in jeanswear. In total, the company has
over 2,800 operating retail stores.
Photo: Courtesy of Levi Strauss & Co via Business Wire