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LEVI'S Vintage Clothing Japan (LVCJ) |
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mr randal ![]() ADMIN ![]() ![]() MDLD Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Status: Offline Points: 50863 |
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![]() ![]() LVCJ s702XX
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mr randal ![]() ADMIN ![]() ![]() MDLD Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Status: Offline Points: 50863 |
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I've been able to confirm that the LVCJ 1960s jean was actually a Valencia street model, and have revised the timeline for several models. See the first two posts and also page 2 for a new 1996-1999 entry.
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mr randal ![]() ADMIN ![]() ![]() MDLD Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Status: Offline Points: 50863 |
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LVCJ 2000-2009 The two s702XXs (33 & 37) disappear by 2000. The 50sXX jean continues for some time then also disappears, leaving the Japan original Vintage models as: 502XX 702XX 503BXX These three models continue in production until Levi's pulled the plug on their Levi's Japan division in 2009. After 1999 LVC US introduced many new models over the span of 2-3 years. LVCJ also produced most of these from 2000 or 2001 through 2009. Not all models were in constant production during this time. Some were made every season or every other season (1947J, 1955J, 1966J) but others were produced more sparingly (the 1922J model I have only found from 2002 and 2007, but this is only from what I have found on yahoo.jp offerings, so may have missed some seasons of production). LVJ models that aligned with their LVC US counterpart models were: 1873 (Lot 125) 1917 1922 1933 1937 1944 1947 1955 1966 1968 606 1967 505 506 jacket 507 jacket Models added late in this period, 2007/08, are: 1927 501 1954 501z Notable absences, so far as I have been able to find evidence of Japanese production of, are: 1890 1901 1915 1976 (debuted after 2009) 1978 1983 This is the most typical tag for this period- the only real variance was a longer version that appeared around 2007 on some models for a year or so, reverting back to the standard by 2009. Front: ![]() Back: ![]() Manufacture date 10/09
Edited by mr randal - 19 Mar 2020 at 10:38pm |
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robroy ![]() whiskered ![]() ![]() Joined: 28 Aug 2012 Location: N. Cal Status: Offline Points: 2917 |
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Mark, I plead ignorance to LVCJ. What’s the nickel version? I too have been spending some time on yahoo.jp looking for deals and see plenty of good deals on LVCJ that makes me curious.
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mr randal ![]() ADMIN ![]() ![]() MDLD Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Status: Offline Points: 50863 |
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rob- it all depends on your outlook.
Are you dedicated to a particular LVC model and are curious about the difference? Try a 2000-2009 LVCJ of the same model in near new condition and see the differences (in japan LVC dead stock has soared in expected price, I wouldn’t pay asking for any of those, but if you are careful and patient you can find jeans in nearly new condition, sometimes unworn but detagged, for reasonable prices). If you want something different than LVC US, try one of LVCJs big three unique models- the 702, 503, or 502. If you want a piece of LVC history, the very early stuff would be the place to go, or you could look for a rarer model like their 50s Jean or one season numbers like their 551zxx or 1954 501z. Hopefully we will talk eventually about the differences in manufacture for the various periods- the standard wisdom has always seemed to be that LVCJ has better construction and hardware, sometimes materials (patches can be of nicer leather), while US LVC often has more authentic detailing and, sometimes, more interesting denim, especially when something was specially woven for a particular model by Cone.
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robroy ![]() whiskered ![]() ![]() Joined: 28 Aug 2012 Location: N. Cal Status: Offline Points: 2917 |
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What purpose did Levis japan serve? Was it a subsidiary, was it a unique company that licensed the Levis name? Why were some (seasons? Models?) produced in the USA and some made in japan? Did they use cone?
I’m over dead stock, the prices are crazy. Right now I’m picking through the “washed once” (and hopefully not hemmed) for good deals. I’ve pretty much given up on models that aren’t the 47s. Do you have any idea fit wise how LVC USA and LVCJ compare? |
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mr randal ![]() ADMIN ![]() ![]() MDLD Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Status: Offline Points: 50863 |
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I think Levi’s Japan was established in 1965- it was a regional branch of Levi’s and oversaw shipping throughout the Far East and later domestic production of some lines. That branch was the first part of Levi’s, so far as I can see, to recognize and respond to the vintage boom of the ‘80s. That branch started the idea and production of Levi’s Vintage reproductions seemingly independently from Levi’s headquarters (though presumably with approval).
I suspect Levi’s headquarters really only got involved when they saw the potential profit in the idea. So LVCJ led the way, and LVC US capitalized on their work and philosophy, expanded it, ran with it, then crushed it in 2009, iirc it was cost cutting to facilitate stock buybacks. Edited by mr randal - 20 Mar 2020 at 12:23pm |
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Maynard Fried-San ![]() whiskered ![]() anonymous Joined: 21 Jan 2012 Location: Londinium Status: Offline Points: 17210 |
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Measurements (BiG style) for a size 33 503 BSXX after a couple of washes and very little wear. Waist: 33.25" FR: 12.5" BR: 15.5" Thigh: 12.75" Hem: 8.5" Inseam: 33.75"
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Helixing my inner beanie
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Mr. Q ![]() whiskered ![]() Joined: 29 Aug 2014 Location: SF Bay Area Status: Offline Points: 10851 |
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Thank you for this very informative post, Mr. R. I really like the looks of those 702s!
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mr randal ![]() ADMIN ![]() ![]() MDLD Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Status: Offline Points: 50863 |
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Glad to do it, Q.
Thanks Maynard, let me have the knee measurement and I will plug that data in. |
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