Denim Tears and Levi’s are back this Spring 2025 season with their fourth collaborative collection.
For this collection, Denim Tears founder Tremaine Emory collaborated with Demond Melancon, a New Orleans-based needle-and-thread artist and Big Chief of the Young Seminole Hunters. Melancon is known for his massive Black Masking Suits, an African-American art form and Mardi Gras tradition that emerged during the era of slavery, drawing from West African, Afro-Caribbean, and Native American cultural practices. His suits are composed of intricately beaded patches depicting actual and imagined events from African and American history.
Big Chief Demond and Denim Tears have been working on this collection for over four years, aiming to highlight the African-American history of Mardi Gras and the lively culture and story of New Orleans. Honoring the artistry, resilience, and community spirit of the Young Seminole Hunters and Big Chief Demond Melancon, the Denim Tears x Levi’s collection consists of eight thoughtfully designed pieces that merge heritage with contemporary craftsmanship.
The Photo Trucker and Photo Jeans feature photo-printed garments capturing the Young Seminole Hunters in their ceremonial regalia. These styles undergo an intentional imperfection process during printing, ensuring that no two items are exactly alike—much like the handcrafted nature of Mardi Gras Indian costumes themselves.
Drawing further inspiration from the New Orleans heritage, the Track Jacket and Track Pants feature mid-indigo wash with dark wash color-blocking, adorned with cotton fleur de lis prints. Gold rope-like piping evokes the ornate detailing of marching band uniforms, another significant element of New Orleans cultural expression.
The Crewneck Sweatshirt features a washed black base and is adorned with the same cotton fleur de lis artwork, while the Baseball Tee combines floral gingham print with dark green 3-quarter sleeves, evoking Southern tablecloth patterns that symbolize family gatherings and communal celebration. Completing the collection are two accessories: a mid-indigo Durag with all-over cotton flower print and a photo-printed hat.
To learn more about Big Chief Demond Melancon and the history of Mardi Gras Black Maskers, check out the accompanying documentary film Across the Canal below.
Denim Tears x Levi’s Season 4 drops Friday, April 4th, available on levi.com, the Levi’s app, at select Levi’s stores, as well as on the Denim Tears website and in-store at African Diaspora Goods in NYC.
Denim Tears x Levi’s Season 4
Release Date: April 4, 2025
