Few fashion staples embody the spirit of Americana quite like a perfect pair of Levi’s jeans. Synonymous with timeless style and cultural identity, Levi’s has continually found ways to reinvent itself without losing sight of its heritage. This spring, the brand joins forces once again with Japanese label Sacai, known for its innovative deconstruction and hybrid designs, to create a capsule collection that honors the rebellious essence of Hollywood legend James Dean.
Set to launch on May 28, the Levi’s x Sacai collection infuses classic denim staples with a fresh, modern edge. Fronting the campaign is actress Chase Sui Wonders, whose effortless cool perfectly channels the “Rebel Without a Cause” star’s iconic persona. Through this campaign, Wonders not only embodies a fashion icon but also shares insights from her own experiences working alongside some of Hollywood’s greatest talents.
Reinventing the Denim Icon: Levi’s x Sacai
The Levi’s x Sacai collaboration debuted during Sacai’s spring/summer 2025 menswear runway, offering a bold reimagining of Levi’s most iconic silhouettes. From reconstructed denim jackets to wide-leg jeans with exaggerated cuffs, the collection is a testament to Sacai’s signature style—blending tradition with innovation. Each piece pays homage to the rebellious spirit of James Dean, who famously said, “I think the prime reason for existence, for living in this world, is discovery.”
Sacai’s creative director, Chitose Abe, expressed to ELLE.com how deeply James Dean’s ethos influenced the collection. “His rebellious spirit and mindset of challenging the norm resonated deeply with me—especially expressed through his iconic American casual look of a white T-shirt and denim jeans,” she said. This nod to Dean’s effortless cool is vividly brought to life in the campaign’s gritty New York City street backdrop, where Chase Sui Wonders steps seamlessly into the role of the classic American rebel.
For Wonders, embodying Dean’s persona was intuitive. “The pieces fit so perfectly into that reference; I felt it as soon as I put the clothes on,” she told ELLE.com. Highlighting her favorites, she singled out the double-breasted denim jacket and the men’s reversible bomber as must-haves, pieces that reflect both the collection’s versatility and timeless appeal.
Learning from Legends On and Off Screen
Chase Sui Wonders’s journey through Hollywood has been as instructive as it has been exciting. Beyond channeling James Dean’s mystique, she has had the privilege to work alongside contemporary legends in the entertainment industry. Her role in the comedy series The Studio, which airs its season finale soon, has been a formative experience. Working with seasoned performers such as Seth Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, and Ike Barinholtz, Wonders describes the set as a “master class in comedy and filmmaking.”
She shares, “[Each of them] has a storied career, and they were so generous and ready to take me under their wing and teach me.” Though tight-lipped about spoilers for the upcoming season, Wonders teased that viewers can expect the continuation of a “chosen family of wackos,” a troupe of quirky characters whose lives revolve around the highs and lows of the filmmaking world. “It’s not an overly sentimental show, but the character development—how this traveling circus family holds together amid chaos—is the heart of season two,” she revealed.
A New Chapter in Horror: I Know What You Did Last Summer
Adding to her eclectic portfolio, Wonders recently starred in the highly anticipated 2025 remake of I Know What You Did Last Summer. This sequel revisits the cult classic from 1997, reuniting original cast members Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. in a storyline that promises to surprise longtime fans.
“It’s not your average sequel,” Wonders said. “The fact that Jennifer and Freddie came back—and the way they come back—is such a testament to the project.” For her, acting alongside these veteran stars was surreal. “Watching them perform together, it was one of the more surreal moments of my career,” she shared, highlighting the honor and excitement of working with Hollywood veterans who shaped the genre.
What’s Next for Chase Sui Wonders?
As Chase Sui Wonders continues to build a diverse career bridging fashion and film, her collaboration with Levi’s x Sacai marks an exciting moment where classic Americana meets contemporary cool. The collection’s May 28 release online and in Levi’s stores invites fashion enthusiasts to experience this bold fusion firsthand.
With her rising star status and growing body of work, Wonders exemplifies a new generation of artists who pay homage to the past while carving out fresh, authentic identities. Whether channeling James Dean’s rebel spirit or learning from comedy icons, she approaches her craft with a grounded openness that resonates on and off screen.
Levi’s x Sacai launches May 28, 2025, available at levi.com and select Levi’s stores worldwide.
