Future Present: The Louis Vuitton 2054 Collection
Most of us have probably, at some point in our lives, hoped that we could somehow catch a glimpse of the future. Wishful thinking, in most cases, but not for Louis Vuitton. The luxury house has just released its 2054 collection, a line of performance-inspired and technology-driven apparel that imagines what people will wear 35 years from now (assuming climate change doesn’t wipe us out by then).
Realised by artistic director Virgil Abloh, the collection takes its name from the year the maison will celebrate its 200th anniversary, and banks on the designer’s “accessomorphosis” methodology, in which accessories can be turned into garments. Drawing on the concept of camping equipment, each of the 14 ready-to-wear pieces is 100% water-repellent, and features pocket detailing that allows them to be compressed for travel purposes. A padded overshirt morphs into a pillow, a windbreaker wraps up into a pouch, and parachute trousers come with removable cargo pockets.
Several new codes of branding mark the futuristic collection. Three-dimensional logos evocative of car insignias appear on chest and trouser pockets, while synchronised airplanes in the shape of the LV branding adorn the front of a hoodie. The signature house monogram is reworked in debossed trompe l’oeil reliefs on camouflage rainbow, as well as black and white.
Accessories are no less transmutable. Messenger bags are expandable, while the maison’s iconic Keepall is here reinterpreted as the Sleepall, which transforms into a fully functional sleeping bag. Other accessories in techno fabrics, mixed embossed, or puffer leather are complemented with see-through plastic hardware and multiple pockets.
A pair of goggle-like sunglasses has interchangeable lenses – one a classic black and the other clear with a reflective monogram effect. An extra-large scarf can be rolled up into a mat, and a bucket hat can be packed into itself. Military-style shoes and boots include a black nylon boot with a trail sneaker sole and a black leather utility sneaker with nylon details.
The Louis Vuitton 2054 collection is available now at the Marina Bay Sands and ION Orchard boutiques. Selected items are available on the e-commerce store.
