If you’re obsessed with cult Japenese streetwear or at the very least, Uniqlo, then you’ll head over heels in love with Louis Vuitton’s latest collaboration with Japanese Designer NIGO.
When Louis Vuitton initially teased everyone with its collaboration between its artistic director Virgil Abloh and NIGO back in December, a lot have already wondered what marriage of two design greats would be like. You have Virgil Abloh’s aesthetic who’s known for his come-as-you-are aesthetic that revolutionized the industry’s perspective on streetwear. In fact, he has succeeded in blurring the barriers of street and luxury.
So, it was only fitting for Virgil’s first collaboration since joining the maison in 2018 to join forces with NIGO. The illustrious creative and standard of Japanese streetwear has been Uniqlo’s creative director for its UT line (the T-shirt arm of Uniqlo) ever since 2014, but it with his establishing of the cult Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape and Human Made that really made him a legend within the subculture.
Virgil has been open about his long-standing friendship with NIGO, describing him as his mentor. According to an interview he did with Vogue earlier this year he said, “me being at Louis Vuitton is directly attributable to work Nigo’s done in the past…he’s among the first real mentors I had in fashion.”
Now, while we’re all expecting a collection that’s pure street, the two creatives thought of staying true to Louis Vuitton’s iconic codes for their collection titled, “LV²”—a nod to the dual design approach enacted by the Abloh and NIGO. For this endeavor, they chose to fuse their individual approaches to style by revisiting the entire product range—from leather goods, RTW, footwear, to accessories.
The iconic Monogram pattern is superimposed over the Damier check, which reminisces the early days of the storied fashion house’s heritage. This travel-centric heritage is evident in the ready-to-wear pieces. NIGO’s influences meet Virgil Abloh’s design codes to create a decidedly new silhouette.
This debut release from LV² is composed of denim pieces for a cool, raw total look. The Monogram pattern and the Damier check are crafted—cut out, embroidered, and printed—on shirts, jackets, trousers, and bobs.
In footwear offerings, classic Derby shoes are joined by black or Monogram leather loafers. The iconic Monogram design is also adopted on ankle boots in beige and ebony-colored suede and leather. The LV² logo stands out like a jewel on the buckle of the denim mules, echoing the belt in Damier check leather. It also features black acetate glasses, a key holder, and a gold chain.
And for all the Louis Vuitton collectors out there, this special collaboration features the “LV Made” duck. It symbolizes a reinterpretation of the world of NIGO and hi “Human Made” signature, transformed in Louis Vuitton style.
The first release of Louis Vuitton’s LV² collection is out now. Follow Louis Vuitton on Instagram @louisvuitton for more updates and offers.
