At Apartment Neun, our passion for denim runs deep. That's why we're kicking off The Download with a nod to the iconic Levi's Strauss – the true trailblazer of denim fashion. 1853 Levi Strauss sets foot in San Francisco and establishes a wholesale dry goods enterprise, specializing in the trade of clothing, blankets, handkerchiefs, and more. His products find their way to small general stores spanning the vast expanse of the American West.
During the year 1872, Ulysses S. Grant serves as the President of the United States, and it's also the same year when Yellowstone National Park is established as the world's very first national park. A talented tailor named Jacob Davis, reaches out to Levi Strauss. In his message, Davis unveils a revolutionary concept he's crafted: the riveting of pocket corners on men's pants, a method designed to elevate their strength and longevity. Davis suggests a joint venture to patent this innovative technique, an idea that Levi Strauss wholeheartedly embraces. This pivotal collaboration marks a significant milestone in the evolution of denim history.
Back in 1886, a significant moment in denim history occurred when Levi's introduced the iconic leather patch featuring two horses tugging at a pair of pants – a visual representation of the fabric's incredible durability. In 1890, when the patent for riveted pants entered the public domain, Levi Strauss & Co. devised a unique way to differentiate its products in the market. This marked the birth of lot numbers used to identify their styles. And thus, the legendary 501 jeans received its distinctive name.