Saturday, April 4, 2009

Blast from the past: Levi's 'laundrette' by Bartle Bogle Hegarty



The year is 1985, and the Levi's brand is perceived as old fashioned and, at a time of much anti-American feeling, uncool.

The launderette commercial, promoting Levi’s classic 501s, was the breakthrough.

John Hegarty and the writer Barbara Nokes recreated an image of 50s Americana that presented 501s as alternative to punk’s scruffiness.

The spot wasn’t only beautifully shot but had humour and sex appeal in the form of teen idol Nick Kamen.

It was also an early example of successful integrated marketing. Marvin Gaye’s I Heard It Through The Grapevine soundtrack was re-released with the Levi’s logo on the record sleeve and shot into the charts.

As for Levi’s sales, they had soared by 800 per cent within a year of the 501s re-launch.

4 comments:

Marie said...

Responsible for the revival of the boxer short as well. Bloody hell Nick Kamen was gorgeous - where is he now?

Karen Cinnamon said...

I have no idea but did you know he was born Ivor Neville Kamen ?

Marie said...

*speechless*

Jill said...

I remember this one and you've made me smile again. I can't remember how I found your blog, but I'm so glad I have. It's a ray of sunshine ! Thank you.