Louis Vuitton's Virgil Abloh partners with Nigo on LV² capsule collection
This is Abloh’s first collaboration since assuming the role of menswear artistic director at Louis Vuitton
What happens when you marry a French luxury label with the godfather of Japanese streetwear Nigo? A kaleidoscopic artistic fusion of high fashion and street style.
For those not familiar with Nigo, he’s the Japanese designer and founder of A Bathing Ape (BAPE) as well as Human Made. A name that counts hip hop artistes such as Pharrell Williams and Kayne West as fans, Nigo has also collaborated with many designers, labels and celebrities over the last two decades.
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Photo: Courtesy
Photo: Courtesy
This new capsule collection—LV² (pronounced LV Squared)—is inspired by London Mod-era dandy as seen through a Tokyo lens, with both Abloh and Nigo leaving their marks on the entire men’s universe of product range including leather goods and ready-to-wear.
The first drop features an entire army of denim, jackets, trousers, and shirts that carry both the Monogram and Damier check patterns. New silhouettes are introduced by Abloh with cut-out, embroidered or printed Monogram pattern and Damier check featured prominently in the collection. The LV² logo is also highlighted on sweatshirts, jackets as well as subtly embroidered on the back of a white shirt.
Elsewhere, the iconic Keepall, backpacks, crossbody and weekend style bags are also given a makeover. While the shapes are retained, the two designers have reimagined the prints, with the Monogram pattern masterfully superimposed over the Damier check, a nod to Louis Vuitton’s heritage.
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For footwear, the classic Derby is given an update with a silver toe-cap, while the timeless loafers come in either sleek black with the embossed either LV² logo or rendered completely with the Monogram pattern.
Photo: Courtesy
That’s not all. Abhol and Nigo have reinterpreted the latter’s ‘Human Made’ signature into a ‘LV Made’ duck as a nod of this partnership. Available as a collector’s item in this capsule, the duck is also featured as a print on a coin purse, attached to the handles of the collection’s bags and even on the dial of the Tambour Horizon watch via a LV² animation.
The first drop was on June 26, 2020.
This second drop is now available in all Louis Vuitton boutiques and online stores.
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