Louis Vuitton’s 2014 men’s spring/summer collection reminds us of a frame from the 1950s TV series Magic City, set in mid-century Miami Beach. It evokes the iconography of classic American sportswear, infused with the luxury that characterizes this brand. Shown at Paris Fashion Week, the collection is informed by symbols of Ivy League campus culture, youth, freedom, and love of nature.
“Clothes should reflect the attitude you want to put forth every day,” said Kim Jones, design director of Louis Vuitton’s men’s line. Under the direction of Marc Jacobs, Kim has given a new dimension to a particular selection of garments: traditional denim jackets made with a soft blue suede, silk bandanas, light reversible jackets and classic shoes made with exotic skins.
The selection of accessories feels like a road trip through the United States. Louis Vuitton filled our trunks with a variety of bags in flexible, ultra-light leather: a combination of suitcase and backpack with a dramatic, nomadic vision, with caramel as the predominant color for accessories and other key items in the collection.
The soundtrack for the show was by REM, one of Kim´s favorite rock bands: “I was eager to collaborate with Michael Stipe (leader of REM), and this was a very appropriate collection for their music. I grew up listening to his songs. Besides Michael is also a Louis Vuitton client who wears our designs, so it was a perfect choice”. ■
