“Levi’s® Made & Crafted® line is fashion-forward, but it’s also timeless and cool and a little bit rock ’n’ roll,” said supermodel Lily Aldridge last Thursday night at the celebration for the brand’s Fall collection in Nashville. “And I like a little bit of rock ’n’ roll in my life, obviously.”
Aldridge, the face of the collection and wife of Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill, certainly strikes that perfect Southern rock-chic aesthetic. And the event, cohosted by Vogue, followed suit. Held at singer-songwriter Holly Williams’s shop, White’s Mercantile—a retro gas station turned contemporary general store in the burgeoning 12 South neighborhood—the party featured a guest list that included Jen Auerbach, cofounder of skin-care line Clary Collection; musicians Jessie Baylin and Shelly Colvin; as well as the Kings of Leon family.
Attendees enjoyed entertainment in the form of local five-piece alt-country rock group Boy Named Banjo and signature drinks from WithCo Cocktails (including the Ellis old-fashioned, a warming mix of bourbon, bitters, vanilla, cinnamon, and a thick slice of orange peel, which was particularly popular on the chilly autumn night) and Belgian-style ales from Tennessee’s acclaimed Blackberry Farm Brewery. On the other side of the property—from inside a mini vintage blue and white Shasta trailer—the local S’more Love Bakery served grown-up takes on the gooey camp classic with homemade graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate ganache. Chain stitcher Tyler Kenneth was also on-site, customizing Levi’s denim totes and Made & Crafted pieces for guests. Between sets, the crowd shopped the Fall collection, which was inspired by Levi’s global design director of collections Nicolle Arbour’s recent travels to Ireland and Thailand.
“I really love the new 501-style Made & Crafted jeans,” said Aldridge, wearing the Navigator leather jacket and black 711 skinny jeans. “They’re so cool and comfortable. The fit is great and looks good on so many people. Just saying 501, you feel cool,” she added with a smile. “These are the kind of pieces you keep forever. The kind you cherish and pass down to your children.”
