Jordan Brand and Levi's(R) Jeanswear Announce: 23 Meets the Original 501(R) Jean

Two American Originals Unite To Release the All-New Jordan Levi's(R)Collection

BEAVERTON, Ore. and SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, JordanBrand, a division of Nike, Inc. and blue-jean-inventing fashion house LeviStrauss & Co., announced a collaborative partnership that will create alimited number of toe-to-head fashion packages for collectors and fans of bothbrands. The resulting, jointly-developed Jordan Levi's(R) Collection willunite classic style with urban design flair, delivering freshly-interpretedtakes on iconic flagship product from both leaders. The men's only,specially designed, co-branded product will be appropriately namedthe 23 / 501(R) collection and will arrive in stores starting in March 2008.

(Photo: here )

As part of the project, the two global icons created an exclusivecollection pairing the Air Jordan Retro 1 style sneakers with a pair ofexclusive, co-branded Levi's(R) Original 501(R) jeans and a signature teeshirt featuring graphic artwork taken from both brands. All three pieces willbe sold together as a set and will come enclosed in an innovative, co-brandedpackage, specially designed for this occasion. The premium, selvage denimwill be lined with the signature Jordan Brand elephant print and include asneaker protector at the cuff, reducing the transfer of indigo dye to theshoe. The 501(R) Jean will feature a gold metallic button fly and the JordanBrand signature Jumpman logo embroidered on the pockets along with the JordanBrand name on the rear leather-measurement waistband patch. The Air JordanRetro 1's will be one-of-a-kind and will be made from Levi's(R) Original501(R) denim, printed with the traditional Jordan Brand elephant graphicdesign.

"Jordan Brand has always prided itself on being the innovator of urban,sport fashion and we are proud to partner with a true fashion icon-theoriginal inventor of the blue jean-Levi Strauss & Co.," said Fran Boller,Business Director of Apparel for Jordan Brand. "We believe that thiscollaboration with Levi's(R) is the perfect opportunity to offer thisexclusive package to consumers looking for something truly original andauthentic."

Similarly, Doug Sweeny, Director of Brand Marketing for Levi's(R)Jeanswear added: "Both brands share a kinship given the role each play withintheir respective categories. That is what brought these brands together. Likethe Air Jordan 1, the Original 501(R) jean is really where it all began. Ithas become one of the most enduring and malleable pieces of apparel evercreated."

The collaboration between Levi's(R) Jeanswear and Jordan Brand representsan opportunity for both brands to further define the sport-fashion market.The limited-edition packages will be available March 1, 2008 at selectspecialty retailers, Levi(R) Stores and Niketown locations.

Specific Levi's(R) Store locations include: Soho, NYC; the San Francisco,CA Flagship; Santa Monica, CA; Chicago, IL (Michigan Ave. location) and online at www.levi.com

About Jordan Brand