The Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter '25 collection, unveiled at the Louvre,
is a fusion of dandyism, subcultures, and Japanese influences, seamlessly
integrated with contemporary fashion. Titled 'Remember the
Future', the collection, designed by Nigo and Pharrell
Williams, delves into cultural heritage, reimagining the past through a
forward-thinking lens. While rooted in dandyism, the designs take on a
modern edge, infused with elements of streetwear. The connection between
Paris and Shibuya, representing the fusion of Japanese tradition and
European style, remains a fundamental influence in fashion today. Whether
this approach will resonate with future generations is yet to be seen.
Pharrell and Nigo's collaboration dates back to the early 2000s, evolving
over the years from co-founding Billionaire Boys Club to leading major
Parisian fashion houses, Williams at Louis Vuitton menswear and Nigo at
Kenzo. For the Fall/Winter '25 Menswear collection, Williams invited Nigo to
co-design, resulting in a collection that highlights their shared creative
vision and enduring synergy.
Nigo and Pharrell's reinterpretation merges Japanese subcultures with
Western traditions, crafting a bold and dynamic aesthetic. 'Remember the
Future', is an invitation to explore the dialogue
between tradition and innovation. The phrase hints at revisiting the past
while embracing the transformative power of the future, a theme echoed in
the collection’s presentation, where Louis Vuitton's legacy meets
avant-garde creativity. The collection was grounded in workwear-inspired
silhouettes, featuring carpenter pants, denim, bomber jackets, and chore
coats, all elevated with intricate embellishments like crystals, Damier
motifs, and Japanese patterns, softened by a muted color palette. Leather
pieces also made a strong statement which were one of our favourite pieces.
Accessories reflected Pharrell and Nigo's personal connection, including a
lobster-shaped handbag inspired by a fishing trip in Japan. The iconic
Speedy bag took center stage in soft hues, some adorned with charms and
tags, while the 'Damier Trunk', featuring portraits of the duo, feeling a
bit like a luxurious merchandise product.
The lineup also showcased sakura-pink ski suits with 'Damoflage' prints,
gyoza-shaped clutches, origami-style bags, and Shippo weave patterns derived
from Louis Vuitton’s signature 'Dandy' monogram. A highlight was a trucker
jacket crafted from crocodile leather dyed to mimic washed denim,
symbolizing the evolution of their aesthetic. Footwear ranged from the much
anticipated 'Buttersoft' sneakers in various colorways to new styles,
including loafers with Damier-tread soles, workwear boots, and chunky
silhouettes.
The circular runway was encircled by 24 rotating display windows, each
showcasing pieces from the Louis Vuitton archive. Adorned with flowers,
monograms, and iconic symbols, these windows paid homage to the brand’s rich
heritage. Adding a modern a QR code was seamlessly integrated into the
display, enabling visitors to order pieces in real time.
While we appreciate the collaboration between Pharrell and Nigo, at times,
it felt more like being at a festival or concert, browsing an array of
merchandise designed for fans. The archival showcase was a great way to
reflect on their evolving creative partnership over the years, and there
were certainly pieces we wanted to buy. However, it also left us questioning
its overall relevance within the collection.
Collection notes:
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