Monish Das

Pape Matar Sarr Sheds Light on Racist History with Denim Tears x Levi’s Jeans

Pape Matar Sarr, Tottenham Hotspur

After a shaky few months in the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur appears to have finally regained its momentum.

They have overtaken Aston Villa to acquire the 4th position on the table. Things seem to be going well for Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham haven’t lost in their last 5 Premier League games. This positive momentum is undoubtedly seeping into the dressing room, fostering a sense of confidence and cohesion among the players.

The atmosphere in the dressing room was upbeat following Tottenham’s 2-1 triumph over Brighton, with players being in high spirits. A video circulating on the internet captured James Maddison sharing a light-hearted camaraderie with the game’s goalscorer, Pape Matar Sarr.

As Pape Sarr readied himself in casual attire before leaving the Tottenham premises, James Maddison was observed filming the Senegalese player and hyping him up by offering compliments about his attire, particularly emphasizing his stylish choice of jeans.

‘Jeans are nice,’ Maddison seemed to be all praise.

But what was so special about the jeans that caught Maddison’s eye? Let’s have a look.

Sarr’s eye-catching jeans

The jeans that made Maddison awe are of not some ordinary jeans but Denim Tears x Levi’s Cotton Wreath Jeans 501.

The Cotton Wreath Jeans 501, made in collaboration with the highly-coveted Denim Tears x Levi’s collection, was announced on July 31, 2020.

The jeans boast a light wash and a straight-leg style, adorned with an all-over Denim Tears cotton wreath print pattern, adding a unique and distinctive touch. Inspired by the 1954 cut, they feature a straight fit through the seat and thigh, a slightly tapered leg, and sit at the waist, providing both style and comfort. Crafted from premium cotton, these jeans offer a relaxed feel. Additionally, they are equipped with a button fly, classic five-pocket styling, and belt loops, ensuring both functionality and fashion-forward design.

The Denim Tears x Levi’s collection draws inspiration from the intricate story of cotton in America, intricately woven with the legacy of slavery. Designed by Tremaine Emory, the founder of Denim Tears, the collection aims to reimagine and transform the negative and racist history associated with cotton into a form of art. The Tremaine Emory-led label has always delivered when it comes to denim innovations and ensembles. The print featured on the jeans is a result of Emory’s creative vision, inspired by a cotton wreath motif he encountered on Kara Walker’s page, which he then reimagined specifically for this collection.

The printing is done by hand in Los Angeles and they undergo a vintage wash treatment and are crafted with natural indigo denim, which may result in subtle shade variations

What is the price, and where can they be purchased from?

The highly anticipated Denim Tears x Levi’s Cotton Wreath Jean 501 was launched to the public in May 2021 at a retail price of $295. You can also purchase it through Denim Tears’ online store for the same price tag of $295. Unfortunately, it is currently sold out on the website.


Alternatively, if you’re eager to acquire it, you may explore other online platforms, although be prepared for steep markups. For example, Farfetch has the jeans in stock, albeit at a considerable premium, priced at $826—nearly quadruple the original retail price.

For a more budget-friendly option, consider browsing websites like Etsy, where the item is surprisingly listed at £185.94. However, exercise caution due to Etsy’s notoriety for hosting counterfeit products; it’s advisable to thoroughly verify the authenticity before considering the purchase.

Additionally, platforms such as StockX offer opportunities to bid on the apparel, with the base price starting at $317.

Having said all that, it might be wise to wait for restocking on the official website. However, if you want it bad and do have that financial cushion like Pape Sarr, the options are plenty. It is the price you have to pay in order to stand out from the fashion crowd.