“There’s always something a little London hidden somewhere, though. This time it is the influence of Punk – albeit via Africa, where Frank Marshall’s “Renegades” portrait series of Botswana biker gangs in heavy leather depicts the fusion of two disparate aesthetics. Add a third, the French elegance of Louis Vuitton.“ says Kim Jones.
It is a metaphor – of a return to roots, to heritage, to formative influences, to the blueprint. Asserting your identity.
Punk brings edge, transparent rubber, mohair, zips and straps, all infused with African pattern and finished with the Maison’s unique techniques. Louis Vuitton’s second commission with Jake and Dinos Chapman surrenders four prints depicting twisted animals; their veldt is the Vuitton Monogram. Mohair is knitted to imitate animal markings, and zebra patterns are colored in a petroleum blue. Footwear especially draws on Punk themes, parachute straps forming sandal designs and crepe soles added to laced brogues.
