5 Visionaries Are About to Change Everything

These visionaries were tasked with adding their own creative touches to the same pair of 501®s, which travelled from Indonesia to the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and finally to Thailand. The end result? A one-of-a-kind denim masterpiece, made right here in our region (stay tuned on our Instagram @levis_singapore for the big reveal!).

We recently checked in with Diela, Issa, Yung Raja, Sheena and Pearypie to learn more about their customised 501®s, and how they’ve learned to embrace change.

ISSA PRESSMAN

PHILIPPINES • MODEL / DESIGNER • @pressmanissa

WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR 501® DESIGN?

As I represent the Philippines, I wanted to paint something to do with me being Filipina. I thought about one thing I love the most about my country, and the first thing that popped into my mind were the sunsets we have. My artwork shows a play on different lines, movement and colours. If you look closer, you’ll see that I painted the word “PINAY” which means two things: One, a Filipina and two, me!

HOW DO YOU EMBRACE CHANGE?

By acting on it and moving with it. When you accept change, you are exploring and evolving, with an understanding that things from the past are to learn from. At the same time, we shouldn’t forget them as we progress.

HOW WOULD YOU STYLE YOUR 501®️S?

With a basic white tee or a black tank top. The whole basics-on-basics vibe is a clean and sleek look that I would rock.

SHEENA LIAM

MALAYSIA • VISUAL ARTIST • @sheenaliam

WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR 501® DESIGN?

I wanted to customise a pair of jeans that I would personally wear on a day to day basis. Subtle, not too kitschy despite it being embroidery. My work is very body language-driven and hands have always fascinated me. There is something very intimate and emotionally transparent about hands; you can always read how a person is feeling. Here, I embroidered my own hands with the palms out, open to the audience. I surrender, this is me, take me as I am.

HOW DO YOU EMBRACE CHANGE?

I’m learning as an artist to go with the flow more and be grounded in my values and beliefs. I believe being open to change is being open to learning, and only by learning do we grow as people.

HOW WOULD YOU STYLE YOUR 501®️S?

I’d like a cropped or halter fitted with an oversized jacket and sneakers. Always sneakers.