Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2018 collection is an alpine-inspired luxury range.
Many of the pieces feature mountain climbing-inspired details like functional carabiners and nylon rope or strap accents. The color palette is rooted in Louis Vuitton's classic canvas monogram print – but vibrant blue, yellow and red accents give the luggage pieces a more sporty vibe. One canvas pouch bag has a lanyard attached and layered over the zipper. This serves as an added performance feature as well as a stylistic decision. Metallic utility buckles and matching sunglasses are direct references to climbing culture.
Louis Vuitton's creative director Kim Jones cites a recent trip to Hawaii as the inspiration behind this collection. These smaller accessories are great ways of bringing the middle class into the fold as a luxury consumer. The smaller accessories in this alpine-inspired luxury collection are great options for budget-conscious consumers looking to own a bold fashion accessory.
Alpine-Inspired Luxury Lines
Louis Vuitton's Spring Collection Takes Athleisure to the Next Level
Trend Themes
1. Alpine-inspired Luxury - Luxury brands are incorporating functional outdoor wear attributes to high fashion, creating disruptive opportunities to their traditional markets.
2. Athletic-fashion Fusion - High-end brands are integrating sports and athletic wear into traditional luxury fashion, creating a trend for a new market of individuals who value both style and performance.
3. Middle-class Luxury - Brands are using smaller accessories and lower priced items to introduce luxury to middle-class consumers and create new opportunities for growth.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion and Luxury Goods - Traditional luxury brands are innovating their designs and branching out into athletic and outdoor wear to stay competitive and appeal to new markets.
2. Sports and Athletic Wear - High-performance athletic wear is being integrated into luxury fashion, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation in both industries.
3. Retail - As high-end luxury brands continue to expand into the sports and athletic wear market, traditional retail will need to adapt to accommodate these new lines and consumers.