Japanese streetwear pioneer Nigo continues to double down on his legacy with the release of the second instalment to his capsule collection for Louis Vuitton, “LV(2)”. Reunited under Virgil Abloh’s directorship at Vuitton’s menswear, the designer has yet again elevated the chemistry & formula of the line, since last year’s bold introduction. With these new pieces, you can expect a much more cohesive offering – still with familiar elements from the first.
This time around, Nigo’s taking us to school, with a quirky & uniformed collection that still pays homage to the upscale romanticism behind the Parisian fashion house. As if straight out of a reputed boarding school; the collection features a brown LV monogram striped newsboy hat, paired with a red-stripe monogram blazer. There’s a fit for the corporate kids too. See the sleek denim logomania suit jacket, paired with a reworked traditional LV briefcase, patchwork jeans and a blue damier patterned tie. Nigo even signed the model’s coffee cup, in his famed font, just so you get the point.
From Human Made to Bape, Nigo’s affinity for animative, novelty trinkets and finishes have been well documented in his design portfolio. So it only makes sense to see the same elements run through the new collection. The calligraphic love heart badges, oversized varsity-style patches – primarily tiger motifs – and duck shaped leather bags all make for unconventional statement pieces. Not forgetting half-and-half applique sets, cut and stitched to give the effect of melted ice cream*.
Surprisingly though, the collection still manages to incorporate the classy flair and nonchalant vibe we all love about French fashion. Nigo’s lightweight knitwear, reinterpreted shawls, slim-fit duffle jackets, bombers and overcoats all equate to that airy nomadic lifestyle the streets of Paris encourage.
All in all, these are more timeless capsule items for the new school of luxury streetwear. Nigo’s masterclass is still in session.
*This is the part where we’d sidetrack and rabbit hole into the iconic ICE CREAM brand, created by Pharrell and Nigo.
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