Levi Strauss has once again proven why it remains to be the leading name in the denim industry. Setting a new definitive standard for innovation, Levi's has announced that it will soon be launching its newest line, the Levi's Redwire DLX Jeans. This product is no ordinary denimwear, for it showcases the unlikely marriage of fashion and technology.

The Redwire DLX Jeans is specifically designed to cater to the fast-growing iPod-toting global population. Fit for both men and women, the iPod Jeans allow music-loving fashionistas to enjoy their tunes on the go, and hands-free. This is made possible by the built-in iPod docking cradle hidden from view within a side pocket. The pocket design promises to eliminate that "iPod bulge", thus maintaining a clean, cramped-free look. Adding funk to the design is the red conductive ribbon, which allows the user to easily pull out the iPod from the pocket.

Particularly astonishing is the existence of a special joystick remote control housed in the watch pocket to ensure maximum operation of the tunes without having to remove the iPod from the pocket. Through these "Hip Controls", it becomes easier to fast track or play back or even to adjust the volume of the music being listened to.                          

The new Levi's jeans also have a headphone unit that is retractable to get those annoying tangled earphone wires out of the way.

Coming out this fall of 2006, the Levi's Redwire DLX Jeans is sure to rock not only the world of music, but also the world of fashion.

Oh, and it is totally safe for machine wash--provided that you take out your iPod first, of course.

First came iPod belts, then iPod jackets, then even iPod ties splashed onto the scene. Now, NPD Group analyst Marshal Cohen expects the so-called wearable tech to become a billion dollar business within the next three years. As such, everyone's scrambling to get on the bandwagon.

Hot on the heels of the current hot iPod accessory, the Nike+ iPod shoe and sensor combo, comes the iPod Levis. These jeans are expected to drop this fall, and reports say that they will feature a joystick in the watch pocket. If nothing else, these jeans will no doubt bring a whole new meaning to the words "pocket pool".

I personally never bought into this whole iPod-capable clothing and accessories wave. The iPod belt? Sorry, I got a pair of jeans that have pockets. The iPod tie? It's just a tie with a pocket sewed onto the back fer cryin' out loud! I can do that myself IF I EVER WORE TIES!

Let's all pause and take a deep breath. Wooo saaaaaah.

Personal opinions aside though, this whole trend seems to be gaining momentum. The wearable tech phenomenon even made it to an episode of The Apprentice. Maybe in a few months we'll eventually see iPod underwear and iPod braces. And iPod wigs. Yay.

 Apple aren't the only people announcing new products at MacWorld San Francisco. Levis are to launch a new line of denim jeans with iPod docks built-in to the pockets.

The Levis Redwire DLX Jeans incorporate a docking cradle attached to a red conductive 'ribbon' inside a specially iPod-shaped pocket, designed to make the iPod bulge virtually invisible. A small joystick is built-in to the watch pocket, with four-way controls allowing the wearer to play, pause, skip tracks forwards or backwards and adjust the volume. Once the iPod is disconnected, the jeans are machine washable.

A white leather patch and joystick, bluffed back pockets with hidden stitching, and minimalist buttons and rivets supposedly reflect the design of the iPod.

[Via Reuters]