Each garment tells a story about us, and hopefully conveys the personality traits we want others to see. If this is true, then the same goes for our underwear.
Sure, the name itself suggests something that is concealed and hidden, and it’s not the first thing you notice when you meet someone (obviously). Yet it has quite an impact on our aesthetics; just think about when you have to choose whether or not to wear a bra – with all the social and political implications that this entails.
The way we present ourselves to the outside world is closely linked to how we feel inside, i.e. whether we feel comfortable or not in our shoes. And that’s exactly why underwear plays a key role, as it covers the most intimate and delicate part of ourselves. If you wear something uncomfortable or that doesn’t fit, you might feel inadequate, nervous or even embarrassed. Let me give you an example: wearing extremely tight knickers for the entire day might ruin your mood.
However, the right piece of underwear boosts our self-confidence and makes us free(ish). Today feeling comfortable in our own skin is more important than ever. Underwear reflects our mood, our own idea of comfort and that’s why Levi’s® has launched a new line of underwear that perfectly matches your unique journey, so you can fully express your personality, whether you’re independent, self-confident, ambitious, old-fashioned, modern, serious, playful, pragmatic or whatever.
Diversity and freedom to express ourselves are the most precious values we have today, and it is crucial to appreciate them in all aspects of our lives, even the most hidden and concealed ones.
i-D Italy decided to interview four different people from all over the world and ask them what their idea of freedom is, how they question
Jean-Philippe Phiné N’DJOLI, 27, Content Creator/Stylist, Paris
Can you describe your personality with only three words?
Altruistic, creative, ambitious.
What do you miss most about life before the pandemic? And what is that one thing you do not miss at all?
There is nothing that I don’t miss because always use to do things that I like, but I really do miss the feeling of freedom.
What does it mean to be free in your own home?
It means being safe in a space that you created, where you feel free to do whatever you want.
What is the one item of clothing that best represents you at the moment?
Oversized tracksuit and comfy underwear.
They say each garment tells who you really are, what should your underwear say?
That I feel at ease and that I am charismatic.
How has your relationship with the city you live in changed since the pandemic outbreak?
I love Paris, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. That’s also why it is hard for me not to live it fully like walking around the city, exploring new spots. It was my source of inspiration and I hope it will be again soon.
Louie, 26, Creative/Model, London
Can you describe your personality with only three words?
Loud, vibrant, forward-looking.
How has your daily routine changed since the pandemic outbreak?
The pandemic has brought a whole new flexibility and let me concentrate on new areas of creativity. I value my time way more by dedicating the hours to things that make me feel good. This is now my daily routine.
What do you miss most about life before the pandemic?
I miss people. I miss interacting. I miss travelling and most all of dancing getting deep in the rave!
If I say “freedom”, what comes to your mind today, considering the situation we’re all experiencing?
Freedom to me is having peace of mind sharing moments of bliss. I mean this by being connected in what we do day to day and embracing what we go through. It currently doesn’t feel like freedom because of the restrictions but nothing lasts forever and in some way that is freedom. I’ve found freedom by going on nature walks or calling good friends to escape the bubble of confinement and to just forget!
They say each garment tells who you really are, what should your underwear say?
Underwear is my under armor, I would like my underwear to communicate authenticity.
Your city has profoundly changed over the last few months, how does it look like right now?
London is known for its fast paced lifestyle and is almost a ghost town. Although, I think the pandemic has also brought a lot of intimacy between groups and we have had the chance to see different sides of friendship.
Sissi Pohle, 28, Creative, and Patrick Scherzer, 27, Creative, Berlin
Hi! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
We are Sissi and Pat, a young couple based in Berlin. We started our vintage online shop just one year ago and since then we have been hosting pop up stores all over the world.
Can you describe your personality with only three words?
Sissi: funny, sensitive, spiritual
Pat: creative, passionate, a family human being
Is there anything about this situation that made you to rethink some aspects of your life that you didn’t care about, or just didn’t notice, before?
We do not count ourselves among people who take the life they live for granted. Everything that happens has a meaning for us, be it destructive and bad at that moment. We try to make the best out of the situation and devote ourselves to things for which we normally have no time. Solidarity and supporting each other has become even more important. Irrelevant events moved into the background.
If I say “freedom”, what comes to your mind today, considering the situation we’re all experiencing?
The greatest freedom we have created for ourselves is our self-employment. We are responsible for ourselves and only ourselves. For this we are infinitely grateful, even in this difficult times. Freedom is when you feel you can make your personal listening to your heart and feelings.
They say each garment tells who you really are, what should your underwear say?
It simply must be comfortable and made of good quality and it should convey a sense of wellbeing.
Product Details
• Comfortable elastic waistband
• Super soft cotton stretch
• No ride-up leg opening
• Stylish, quality boxers for men
• Levi’s logo detail
• 95% Cotton / 5% Elastane
The style above will be available in organic cotton this spring
Credits
Photography: Rosario Rex Di Salvo
Creative Direction: Gloria Maria Cappelletti
Editing Video: Guglielmo Del Signore
Art Direction: Maria Laura Buoninfante
Styling: Giorgia Imbrenda
Production: Rex industries
Talents: Louie Awinwale, Jean-Philippe Phiné, Sissi Pohle, Patrick Scherzer
Shoot via clos.app