Nicolas Ghesquière’s latest collection is a journey through the ages, challenging perceptions of style and seasonality
Louis Vuitton Focus
Louis Vuitton continues to cement its position at the forefront of luxury fashion as the innovative and visionary Nicolas Ghesquière’s latest Spring/Summer 2015 collection transports us on a journey through various decades of style. What is familiar becomes new once more, as Ghesquière’s time-travelling trope encompasses four key silhouettes, from the fluidity and romance of the 50s, to the neo vintage graphic prints and bohemian aesthetic of the 70s, A flamboyant, mod-inspired look with biker jackets, leather and playful pop art references starkly contrasted against refined tailored pieces draw inspiration from British culture with its traditional yet sophisticated flair.
The romantic aspect of the collection is shown through a variety of comfortable and functional pieces. A casual military styled parka jacket with a detachable feather lining is given a chic eel leather finish to add a more refined style to an otherwise casual look, demonstrating how Ghesquière enjoys combining the two worlds by creating wearable luxury. Overstitched knee-length Bermuda shorts made from a classic indigo denim adds an androgynous touch – a look best paired with a light cotton poplin tailored white shirt, inspired by 70s singer Patti Smith. Another highlight is the simple floaty cocktail dress, mixing openwork jersey stripes with the richness of leather.
Comparatively, the neo-vintage looks present a retro sensibility, such as the lightweight psychedelic cropped trouser, reinterpreted with an animal wallpaper print on crushed velvet. A biker-inspired jacket is made from silk mixed with lightweight viscose velvet that is printed, quilted, and then assembled. The 70s inspiration is evident from the bouquet of floral prints, yet the contrast of leather and printed velvet adds an unexpected finish, giving classic pieces a groovy reinterpretation of the decade.
The strong visual language of the 70s continues with emblematic art prints providing a flamboyant yet edgy look. Key pieces from the collection include thick textured spider lace leggings; these versatile patterned tights are easily paired with sequined or leather mini dresses from the collection. Meanwhile, sticker prints add a sense of humour to a classic shift dress infused with a contemporary finish through eel and calf leather detailing. A semi-sheer knitted top’s chevron pattern echoing crochet is definitely a highlight of the collection.
Finally, Ghesquière exhibits a range of elaborate, refined pieces representing the Louis Vuitton eye for fine craftsmanship, exotic materials and contemporary tailoring. Case in point: a reinterpreted classic biker jacket featuring eel skin, gathered to create a lightweight bi-coloured striped effect, its gleaming finish wonderfully complimented with a soft nappa lambskin. Or, the Rachel Couture sleeveless crochet dress that is testament to the art of advanced craftsmanship – the piece is created by hand-weaving thin strips of four different fabrics and leather in a manner that gives the mini-dress an uncanny resemblance to delicate lace. Finished with a washed denim colour, the feminine piece is infused with an edgy look, making it the ultimate style statement – the epitome of British flair, where tradition mixes with innovation in Ghesquière’s forward-thinking collection.
Essentially, Ghesquière’s latest effort challenges the conventions of classicism and construction. Ghesquière’s reign at Louis Vuitton is without a doubt an indication of his ability to demonstrate how the Louis Vuitton woman is someone who can effortlessly blend separates from different eras to create a polished, contemporary look.
Louis Vuitton’s Spring Summer Collection is further evidence of Nicolas Ghesquière’s continual effort to push the envelope and rewrite the rules that were laid out before him, challenging the norm through his creation of a luxurious yet functional collection.
Discover Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2015 Collection
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