Levi's is famously associated with Flat Eric, an iconic puppet character who starred in their commercials during the late 1990s.
Who is Flat Eric?
Flat Eric is a distinctive yellow, furry puppet created by French musician and filmmaker Quentin Dupieux, better known by his stage name Mr. Oizo. He gained widespread recognition as the central figure in a series of highly successful advertising campaigns for Levi's, particularly promoting their Sta-Prest One Crease Denim Clothing line.
Origins and Collaboration
The character of Flat Eric was brought to life by the renowned Jim Henson's Creature Shop, a testament to the high quality and memorability of the puppet's design and movement. His appearances for Levi's were set to Mr. Oizo's hit electronic music track, "Flat Beat," which further propelled both the song and the character into pop culture prominence. These commercials were instrumental in showcasing Levi's innovative denim products, making Flat Eric an unforgettable face associated with the brand's contemporary image at the time.
Flat Eric's Enduring Legacy
Beyond the Levi's advertisements, Flat Eric transcended his role as a mere marketing tool. His quirky appeal and the catchy soundtrack led him to appear in music videos, on album covers, and even in various media appearances, solidifying his status as a cultural phenomenon of the era. While Levi's does not have a single, official long-term corporate mascot in the traditional sense, Flat Eric stands out as arguably the most recognizable and beloved character ever associated with their advertising efforts, becoming a de facto mascot for a significant period.
Here's a quick overview of Flat Eric's key attributes:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Character Type | Puppet |
Creator | Quentin Dupieux (Mr. Oizo) |
Builder | Jim Henson's Creature Shop |
Associated Brand | Levi's |
Campaign Focus | Sta-Prest One Crease Denim Clothing |
Musical Theme | "Flat Beat" by Mr. Oizo |
Flat Eric's impact demonstrates how effective and memorable a character can be in defining a brand's advertising and capturing public imagination, even if their tenure is limited to a specific campaign.