Kim Jones makes a grand exit with exciting finale
Sailing towards the horizon, searching for adventures on the other side of the world is what the Louis Vuitton spirit of travel is all about. Designing for the Parisian house since 2011, men’s artistic director Kim Jones’ collections have continued to push the travel aesthetic. The British designer always mixed his collections with streetwear flair, bridging the gap between loyal customers and upcoming millennials crowd.
Just one day after, Jones shocked the fashion world by announcing he was leaving Louis Vuitton. Over the years, the designer has breathed extraordinary new energy into the luxury French fashion house. He has collaborated with artists Chapman brothers, punk-era artist Christopher Nemeth, Fragment Design of Japanese icon Hiroshi Fujiwara, and the cult New York-based streetwear label, Supreme.
Jones’ last show for Louis Vuitton took place at the Palais Royal. On this rainy day, international guests such as David, Victoria and Brooklyn Beckham, football superstar Neymar, F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, singer Joe Jonas, film director Xavier Nolan and actress Gwendoline Christie were welcomed into the 18th century garden. Fashion designers such as Olivier Rousteing, Humberto Leon, Virgil Abloh, Heron Preston, Stefano Pilati, Craig Green and Chitose Abe sat in the front row.
Entitled “Overview”, the Louis Vuitton autumn/winter 2018 collection was inspired by exploration and travel, featuring multiple landscapes from the Wild West to the Far East.
“It’s about clothes that can change, about fabrics that can travel on the body – and transform. Discover something new. It’s a constant voyage,” Jones says.
The key print represented travel, with aerial images taken from a helicopter over the Kenyan landscape. Africa, especially Kenya, has been a recurring theme for the Louis Vuitton shows. since he was born in Africa. Rock-textured prints and snake skins in neutral earth tones such as desert, sandstone, light olive and slate were featured.
Blending themes and cultures, Jones was inspired by American rodeo with flankman-shorts worn over high-performance leggings for pro-athletes. Russia and Siberia were evoked through the shearling and intarsia mink. There were also luxurious fabrics such as cashmere and vicuña with technical details of mountain climbing.
The natural colours of the collection were sometimes electrified by energetic neon yellow or fluo orange backpacks or bags. Most models were sporting trekking boots in python skin, Louis Vuitton-embossed monogram and finished with precious titanium.
The show ended with a surprise appearance of supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell sporting matching vinyl LV-monogrammed trench coats.
Accompanied by the two supermodels, Jones received a standing ovation from the crowd. In years to come, Jones will be remembered as the designer who brought luxury streetwear to Louis Vuitton.
Rumour has it that Jones might be headed to Burberry or Versace. On the other hand, it is said that one of the hottest designers, Off-White’s Virgil Abloh, might be replacing Jones.
The British designer will always be remembered for bringing streetwear to Louis Vuitton