While there have been many famous cartoon cats over the years, few are as iconic as favorite feline Felix. With his black and white coloring, his great big eyes, and his wide grin, Felix the Cat is one of the most recognizable cartoon characters in film and TV history. Levi’s and Felix the Cat collide in an homage to Felix’s college years with the launch of the Levi’s x Felix the Cat collection, affectionately titled Felix the Graduate – a new take on this fun-loving classic.
Inspired by the popular cartoon TV series of the 1950s and ‘60s, this collection playfully explores the idea of Felix in college. Felix the Graduate features the iconic cartoon cat re-imagined at Felix University, wearing a contemporary spin on classic collegiate and varsity style sweaters, rugby shirts, hoodies, jackets, pants, and tops. It’s collegiate prep meets ‘90s streetwear, in a range of modern shapes and silhouettes. A perfect past-meets-present, pop-culture-infused collection.
“We wanted to do a collaboration with Felix that felt unexpected for everyone. And so we came up with this concept of Felix the Graduate, and what Felix would be wearing as a student. The preppy, varsity look is so relevant for today, and we like that it felt crisp and smart but still really relaxed and easy. There’s definitely a sense of humor about the
collection, which of course is perfect for Felix. We had so much fun putting our spin on the collegiate elements and making them feel fresh and modern, and then combining them with iconic imagery from the Felix archives,” explained Karyn Hillman, Chief Product Officer at Levi’s.
Designed as a fresher, smarter take on classic Levi’s, the collection includes the Levi’s x Felix Boxy Cardigan, a check cardigan based on a classic Felix the Cat toy puppet, and the Levi’s x Felix V Neck Sweater Vest, a women’s argyle patterned sweater vest with “Felix” knitted into the collar. There’s also the Levi’s x Felix Letterman Jacket, a reversible jacket in medium wash denim with contrast sleeves, a chenille Felix patch on the front and embroidered Felix graphic on the back, and a quilted rainbow lining on the other side. For bottoms, there’s the Levi’s x Felix Pleated High Loose for women’s, a lightweight 10-ounce denim trouser-style pant based on the original 1920s Levi’s Balloon pant, featuring a loose, slightly oversized fit, and a crease down the center. For men’s bottoms, there’s a similar pleated version of that relaxed fitted denim pant, called the Levi’s x Felix Pleated Pant, as well as the Levi’s x Felix Straight Crop Chino in a cabernet red for a tailored collegiate look.
“Felix the Cat has a true, one-of-a-kind caché that’s timeless,” said Marc Low, Senior Vice President and General Manager, global lifestyle, Universal Brand Development. “He’s widely considered both a pop culture icon and anti-hero, appealing to a younger generation that may not be familiar with his cartoon roots, yet recognize him through his mark on fashion. The Levi’s x Felix collaboration taps into Felix’s playful swagger through a stylish collection that re-imagines him as a fashion icon for the college crowd.”
Every element in the collection takes cues not only from classic Felix archival graphics, but from classic collegiate elements too. There’s a half-n-half collared Levi’s x Felix Rugby Shirt featuring rugby stripes on one side and a Felix graphic embroidered on solid grey on the other. There’s also a range of hoodies featuring not only varsity style Felix graphics, but also gym locker labels on the cuff and the bottom hem of the sweatshirt. Sundries get the college treatment too, like the Levi’s x Felix backpatch, which features a graphic of the iconic cat alongside the Two Horse label
and are embossed in gold on either dark green or burgundy, to simulate the look of an old college yearbook. Fans will also notice the commemorative Felix University pennant and the back of bottoms in the collection as well as a fully functional iron-on patch included with select pieces.
Accessories in the collection include a denim Levi’s x Felix Campus Carryall Tote with an embroidered Felix graphic at the top and a Levi’s x Felix Reversible Campus Bucket Hat.
