The master of collaborations, Nigo, has once again proven why he is a defining tastemaker and cultural curator of contemporary fashion with his latest project in tandem with Virgil Abloh and Louis Vuitton. No less than a month ago we were announcing that Nigo had become the newest artistic director of Japanese fashion house Kenzo following the tragic death of the brand’s founder Takada Kenzo. Now, Nigo is continuing his meteoric trajectory to the pinnacle of prestigious fashion houses with his second LV collaboration, titled the  “Louis Vuitton²” collection.

Set to hit stores across October and November, the “Louis Vuitton²” assemblage will feature a standout reimagining of the archetypal elegant sneaker, the LV Trainer. The design is comprised of an all-white calf leather structure that makes for the perfect canvas for bold red ‘LV Made’ typography, all of which are layered delicately amongst a splattering of lionised Louis Vuitton logos.  Crisp and seamlessly integrated all-white soles and mudguards effortlessly blend together the busy construction of the upper with a more peaceful and clear aesthetic that makes this rendition of the LV Trainer perfect for the road or the runway. 

Like countless of Nigo’s creations before, this collection seeks to merge the unmistakably boundless imagination of Japanese street fashion with the unparalleled construction quality and attention to detail characteristic of  LV in order to craft a design that reflects the worlds of streetwear and luxury that begot his love of designing.  Much like how Nigo’s first collection with Virgil fused a 1950’s style of European tailoring with the underpinning elements of Japanese fashion like preppy uniforms and boldly detailed blazers, this collection will echo a similar cultural cohesion between eastern and western design reference points.

Every piece in the new Louis Vuitton² line is a reimagining of trademark designs in LV’s storied back catalogue but with a Japanese twist that infuses lavish tapestries, honest and humble silhouettes, military iconography and a number of Kawaī Kimonos. Even the classic LV cruiser bag will feature an east-asian accenting with the addition of a small scarf knot that pays homage to the effortless elegance of the patterns adorning original furoshiki wrapping cloths.