Louis Vuitton // Menswear SS21 Collection

Held at the port of Shanghai, Sun Ra’s dreamlike intonation informs SS21 collection design ethos, with punchy colours and nuanced craft. 

Disjointed seams weave through hoodies and blazers, M65-inspired jackets are realised in shocking pink and matching sets are realised with cloud patterns that recall Fall/Winter 2020. This isn’t merely a callback, however — it’s actually recycling. Louis Vuitton’s new upcycling program will everything LV finding new life under Abloh’s purview. “Ideas – the very foundation of fashion – are no longer disposable,” explains a press release, outlining this initiative as Abloh’s “next chapter” at the luxury house. 

SS21 garments are pieced together from overstock textiles, previous seasons’ clothing and refurbished ideas. Out of the entire show, only two models wore garments made of new material. 25 others wore clothing that features recycled material and another 25 wore items directly lifted from past shows, celebrating the design team’s favourite creations. 

Along with its signature LV Trainers — shown here with crystal embellishment — Louis Vuitton also delivered eyebrow-raising eyewear, patterned soft Trunks (including versions embedded with speakers) and plenty of fur outerwear. Tailoring again plays a big part in the collection but the clean lines are interrupted by vivid plaid patterns, monogrammed puffers and “Zoooom With Friends” plush figures attached to the garments. Also in the mix is a “Homework” capsule comprised of designs that the Louis Vuitton menswear design team dreamed up during quarantine, showcasing individualistic graphic whimsy.  

Check out the full looks from the show and watch Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2021 menswear presentation below.