THE JEAN: A GARMENT THAT TRANSCENDS ERAS
- Camz
- Sep 6
- 2 min read
Today, a wardrobe staple, the jean’s history dates back to the 19th century in the United States, thanks to Levi Strauss.
Strauss began selling work pants reinforced with rivets to withstand harsh working conditions, catering to the pioneers and laborers shaping the country. This practical garment quickly became a symbol of durability and resilience.
In the 1950s, the jean took on a whole new dimension, becoming a Hollywood fashion must-have thanks to icons like Marlon Brando and James Dean.
heir rebellious style embodied the spirit of independence of the era, introducing the jean as a symbol of defiance while marking a turning point in cinema and fashion history.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the jean became the garment of protest and rebellion, worn by hippies, rock stars, and feminist artists.
It became the emblem of a generation seeking freedom of expression and empowerment, turning its wear into a political statement. This adoption by social movements cemented the jean as both a fashion phenomenon and a medium for personal and political messages.
Over the decades, fashion fully embraced this now-cult garment. From overalls to flared pants, from high-waist to low-waist, the jean has continually evolved. Today, it adapts to every trend: Etro styles it as bermudas, Balenciaga makes it oversized, and Bottega Veneta favors a casual approach. Each jean becomes a blank canvas, reflecting the personality of its wearer.
Left: Balenciaga - SS 24
Middle : Etro -SS 25
Right: Bottega Veneta - Resort 25
In all its forms, the jean remains revolutionary. Among those who elevated it through its transformative power, photographer Richard Avedon stands out. In his series In the American West, he turned the jean into a timeless uniform, capturing the unique characters of his models across the American West.
From April 30 to October 12, 2025, the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation will pay tribute with an unprecedented exhibition, Richard Avedon – In the American West. The retrospective will present all 103 prints published in Avedon’s iconic 1985 book. This is the first time the series will be shown in its entirety in Europe, offering the perfect opportunity to explore the world of the jean through the lens of a master photographer. For the occasion, the book will also be reissued and available at the Foundation’s bookstore.
Through the decades, the jean has continually reinvented itself while staying true to its essence. A symbol of freedom and individuality, it has captured the spirit of the times, adapting to social movements and traversing eras with renewed boldness and modernity.
Images : Getty Images, Tagwalk & American Suburb X
