101 Years of Lee, Reborn: The Feng Chen Wang Collab Makes Its Western Debut
The collaborative collection honors the 101st anniversary of Lee’s legendary denim line through architectural deconstruction and Eastern design philosophies.
Summary
- Lee Jeans and Feng Chen Wang’s collaborative collection is out in Europe and North America now
- The landmark capsule celebrates the 101st anniversary of the iconic 101 series by blending American cowboy silhouettes with avant-garde tailoring
- Design elements are heavily inspired by bamboo, utilizing natural motifs, gradient dyeing, and asymmetric seams
WWD reveals that the Lee Jeans and Feng Chen Wang’s SS26 101 series is officially out in Europe and North America. This landmark collection honors the 101st anniversary of Lee’s most legendary denim archives by blending traditional American cowboy silhouettes with the London-based Chinese designer’s signature deconstructed aesthetic.
Centered around the legacy of the Lee 101, the collaboration utilizes the 101J Rider Jacket and 101 Jeans as its primary canvases for innovation. Feng Chen Wang re-engineers these classic styles through a design pillar labeled “Architectural Deconstruction.” The resulting pieces reinvent standard proportions and introduce asymmetric seams while strictly preserving heritage details, such as the traditional cinch back and double leather patch. The partnership ultimately serves as a meaningful dialogue between Eastern and Western design philosophies, exploring the delicate balance between structure and absolute freedom.
The collection draws heavy conceptual inspiration from the symbolism of bamboo. According to the brand, bamboo represents strength and flexibility, perfectly mirroring the evolving character of denim as it is shaped by time and wear. This motif is brought to life through organic visual effects, including intricate leaf patterns and specialized gradient dyeing in shades of blue. To ensure each garment remains distinctly unique, the apparel range integrates elevated artisanal treatments like laser printing and advanced tie-dye techniques throughout the wash process.
The Lee x Feng Chen Wang collection is available now via the Lee and Feng Chen Wang webstores, and select Lee brick-and-mortar stores.
