Levi’s Recreates Bob Dylan’s Iconic Style in ‘A Complete Unknown’

Bob Dylan, renowned for his artistry and cultural impact, has been a celebrated figure in pop culture for decades. With a career spanning numerous hits like ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,’ it’s no surprise that a biopic about his life has been in the works. Titled ‘A Complete Unknown,’ the James Mangold-directed film, starring the talented Timothée Chalamet, is set to release this holiday season. 

Akin to Dylan’s enduring legacy, Levi’s, stands as a timeless symbol of authenticity and individuality — values that resonate deeply with the Dylan’s story. This connection inspired costume designer Arianne Phillips to collaborate with the fashion brand in recreating the signature denim styles of a young Bob Dylan.

“While researching costumes for the film, I kept noticing that Bob Dylan wore Levi’s consistently throughout his career, both on and off stage. So I worked with Paul O’Neill at Levi’s to help me source original Levi’s denim,” explained Phillips.

Paul O’Neill, design director of Levi’s Vintage Clothing, played a critical role in capturing Dylan’s iconic look. “I was honored to consult on this film and work with Arianne and the team to authentically bring Bob Dylan’s early style to life,” said O’Neill. His earlier discovery of a similar style from the archives became a pivotal resource for the costume team.

Some of the pieces Phillips recreated include bootcut 501 jeans and a reproduction of the Super Slim Levi’s worn by Dylan in 1965. Exploring Levi’s extensive archives provided the costume team with authentic references to historically accurate denim styles. 

The evolution of Dylan’s style is also traced through Levi’s iconic fits, as Phillips explains: “We see the silhouette of Levi’s change in the film alongside Dylan’s own evolution. From the fuller leg 501 jeans that Dylan wore when he first got his start in the NYC West Village folk scene in ’61, to the Super Slim jeans Dylan wore when famously going electric in ‘65.”