Levi’s “Only in Jeans” Party — Nude but Not Rude Collection, Sixties London
Photographer: Michael Joseph Date: 1970s Medium: Advertising photograph Format: Postcard Size: 154 × 154 mm
Drawn from the lively energy of London nightlife in the 1970s, this square-format advertising postcard captures a spontaneous, high-spirited moment from Levi’s “Only in Jeans” party — part of the provocatively titled Nude but Not Rude collection. Commissioned by a London-based promotional agency, the image reflects an era when fashion marketing embraced irreverence, freedom, and social experimentation.
Michael Joseph’s strength lies in his subtle handling of light and composition. As noted by a contemporary in The Complete Photography Course (1990s), he “lit the people, not the clothes,” ensuring that emotion, attitude, and individuality take precedence over product alone. Denim becomes a unifying presence rather than the subject itself — a backdrop to personality, movement, and connection.
Whether added to a collection of vintage fashion advertising or displayed within a creative workspace, this postcard exemplifies the raw charisma and inventive marketing language of the decade. It stands as a confident reminder of a moment when advertising trusted atmosphere, attitude, and human presence to do the work.