“I thought of specific islands – New Zealand, Easter Island, and especially Hawaii – but I was also inspired by the idea of an island, and of travel. Of moving easily from place to place, and experiencing these different pockets of civilization, these different identities simultaneously.” – Kim Jones, Men’s Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton.
The Spring Summer 2018 collection is inspired by the wanderlust that characterizes’ Louis Vuitton. The luxurious pursuit of island infuses a collection of hybrids and juxtapositions. The geographical reality of an island allows distinct cultural identities to flourish. Hawaii, is a major source of inspiration. Its signature Fabrics are lightweight, modern and fluid. Colours contrast the signature Monogram palette of earth tones with shades of khaki and flashes of sports-inspired neon, all ‘surrounded’ by the deep ocean blue.
The key theme of fusion is echoed in the accessories. The new style, the Monogram Split, contrasts different colourways of Louis Vuitton’s iconic Monogram canvas, emphasised with a centre seam. The style is offered in classic Keepalls, re-engineered with a lateral seam; or the tote with an oversized style split vertically, including the handle, which is taken from those traditionally used on the trunks.
New colourways and treatments of the iconic Monogram are introduced . The importance of the sportswear is underscored by a new technical, sports-inspired line, The footwear cross-breeds these clogs with hiking boots, Harajuku with Honolulu. The construction of Louis Vuitton trunks inspire soles in dovetailed lightweight ash and nailhead metallic details . The soundtrack is as unique as the clothes, Drake has recorded a song inspired by this collection, to be premiered at the show.
