Louis Vuitton x Supreme: It’s real, here’s what you need to know
By Geordon Wollner, Men’s Writer
The long-rumored collaboration between Louis Vuitton x Supreme is real – and it’s here. Debuting on Louis Vuitton’s F/W 17 runway in Paris on January 19, 2017, the collaboration features an endless assortment of co-branded accessories and apparel.
“You can’t have the conversation of New York men’s wear without Supreme right now, because it’s such a massive global phenomenon,” Kim Jones, the men’s artistic director for Louis Vuitton, shared in an interview with WWD. “I used to work when I was at college unpacking boxes of Supreme at a company in London that distributed it when it was just starting out, so it’s something I’ve known all along in my life. I just feel that the strength of their graphic versus the strength of the Louis Vuitton graphic, and that kind of Pop Art feeling — it works together perfectly,” he added.
For over 22 years, Supreme has been at the core of New York City skate culture and has successfully honed in on the spirit of generations, fueling and n numerous collaborations with other fashion houses and brands. This collab in particular was largely built on the influence of younger consumers. Streetwear brands, such as Supreme, have come to realize just how powerful a young demographic is to the fashion industry and are constantly thinking of new ways to bring streetwear and luxury together.
“It’s just forward-thinking. People don’t really expect those sorts of things and I think that’s what’s nice,” Jones told WWD. “Actually, I think it’s the modern thing to do. Everyone’s talking about it and no one’s doing it, and we’re doing it.”
According to WWD, there are six styles of handbags in the collection, including a backpack, holdall, messenger bag and fanny pack. The collection highlights three materials including red Epi leather, black Epi leather and a camouflage fabric woven through with the Supreme logo and the Vuitton monogram, the latter a nod to iconic New York artist, Andy Warhol. From small leather goods like wallets and luggage tags to skateboard decks and baseball hats, the collection hits all levels of New York men’s inspired fashion.
Immediately following the show (and during), photos were released on both the Louis Vuitton and Supreme Instagram accounts, including a number of notable industry names such as Bryanboy, David Thielebeule of WSJ Magazine, musical artist Travis Scott, David Beckham, and Kim Jones of Louis Vuitton himself.
The new line is expected to hit select Louis Vuitton stores July 17, 2017, with a possibility of more temporary locations and separate stores in areas where the collection is popular.