Louis Vuitton AW14

Initial reaction:

The refined Louis Vuitton gentleman on his gap year, fifty years from now.

References:

Style director Kim Jones was said to be inspired by travels to South America, in particular, the Atacama desert in Chile and its exposed rocky outcrops, and sandy plains. A swirling marble landscape backdrop, like an abstract earth from space, spread from the catwalk, over walls and show goers seats. As the first models stepped out it became clear this wasn’t just a travel diary of the present, these were urban explorers of a future land.

Digital travel:

Polarised sunglasses wrapped the face, feeling both futuristic and oddly eighties at the same time. South American references were reduced and reimagined to a minimum: animal hides for mountain dwelling became shearling fur panels down the front of jumpers and the side of wool coats, while coats and scarves flung over shoulders mimicked Peruvian blankets. Rich oxblood reds became fine lines on coats, while sand brown and sun bleached sky blue were worn with city boy pinstripe suits. Metallic wave details sewn to a jumper like crystals could have been bought from a dusty street market.

Stand out looks:

Where a traveller’s wardrobe met the Louis Vuitton touch: windbreakers with a fine chinchilla hood, or made entirely from supple black python, and pristine walking boots. A blue-patched leather and shearling jacket fell in soft, architectural curves from hood to sloping shoulders and sleeves. A white wool knit hid the subtle embroidered outline of a monkey.

The LV leathers:

The collection premiered the cobalt blue Damier canvas, adorning folded envelope clutches, back packs and duffel bags. Buffed silver leather expedition bags had camping flasks attached, while the final miniature framed tan clutch bags saw our explorer return to the urban everyday.