10-8-26 Denim Jacket Bale Opening Event and Live Auction!

Where: 411 S. Hewitt St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
The Arts District and The Denim Institute collaboration.

When: THURSDAY, October 8th, 2026 at 10am
Preview starting at 8am. Auction starts at 10am

Hosted by The Denim Institute & Museum In collaboration with American Blues Trading Co.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Vintage Bale Opening Reception 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Thursday, October 8, 2026 Live Auction Begins at 10:00 AM.
RSVP Required: Email “Auction@TheDenimInstitute.org” Bidder registration is required for auction participation.

Steven A. will be the featured auctioneer for this once in a generation event!

For more than thirty years, a vintage denim jacket bale has remained unopened in the archives of American Blues Trading Co.
On October 7, 2026, The Denim Institute & Museum will open the bale before a live audience for the first time.
Each garment will be examined, identified, and cataloged as it emerges, revealing an unprecedented cross-section of vintage American denim.
The contents may include everyday workwear alongside exceptionally rare examples from historic makers such as Levi’s®, Lee®, Wrangler®, and other significant denim manufacturers.
Guests attending the Bale Opening Reception will watch the unveiling as it unfolds, enjoy cocktails and music, preview the collection, and have the opportunity to register as bidders before the auction.

On October 8, every jacket uncovered during the opening will be offered at live auction.
The sale will begin with the first cataloged lot and continue until every garment has been presented to the highest bidder.
Collectors, designers, historians, dealers, and denim enthusiasts are invited to be a part of this singular event, and acquire a remarkable piece of denim history.

www.thedeniminstitute.org @thedeniminstituteandmuseum @americanbluestrading