Virgil Abloh is one of the leading figures in the world of men's fashion . One of his favorite sports is basketball. Michael Jordan was the star of Virgil's youth, and he was so devoted to the sport that he followed him religiously. As if to prove this, Louis Vuitton made sneakers with a bash motif and collaborated with the NBA last year. These fashionable collaborations with the world they once admired mark a new page in the history of the long-established maison.
The second quarter of the commemorative "LV x NBA" has begun. This time, focusing on the star-studded NBA of the 1990s, we propose a wardrobe inspired by three scenes of the players: a trip, a game, and a press conference. Virgil's close friend Don C. was involved in some of the designs.
The first thing expressed in "Travel" is relaxed casual wear. Highlights include quilted blousons and pants in monogrammed flowers , and parkas in technical fabrics.
Right: Blouson ¥836,000, pants ¥213,400, bag ¥392,700, ball carrying bag ¥478,500
Left: Coat ¥443,300, pants ¥146,300, shoes ¥132,000, bag ¥627,000, necklace ¥265,100
Blouson ¥638,000, Hoodie ¥213,400, Shorts ¥146,300, Shoes ¥158,400, Bag ¥218,900
Next, the "game" features the words "LOUIS VUITTON" colored in multi-colors. This design is a reference to the logo of an "NBA" team, and gives the item a pop and sporty look.
Right: Blouson ¥836,000, Shorts ¥123,200, Shoes ¥132,000, Bag ¥218,900, Bracelet ¥64,900, Ring ¥82,500
Left: Blouson ¥638,000, Shorts ¥476,300, Shoes ¥122,100, Bag ¥726,000
Shirt ¥113,300, Shorts ¥113,300, Bag ¥460,900, Blanket ¥253,000, Bracelet ¥64,900, Ring ¥82,500
The third, "Press Conference," is inspired by mature men in black suits and overcoats. The leather outerwear, which looks like a reinterpretation of a team jacket, shows Virgil's playful side.
Right: Coat ¥443,300, shirt for reference, pants ¥213,400, sandals ¥105,600, bag ¥478,500
Left: Blouson ¥1,133,000, shirt ¥129,800, pants ¥146,300, shoes ¥132,000, belt ¥88,000, bag ¥627,000, ring ¥82,500
And one of Louis Vuitton's most indispensable products is the bag. The classic "Keypole" is clad in natural-colored leather and has a goal-like net on the side. Unlike the regular "Keypole," it has been redesigned to look like something players used to wear in the past.
Upper bag ¥532,400 , Lower bag ¥478,500
Although not shown in the photo, Louis Vuitton's first basketball ball is also in the lineup. It is a luxurious item with the "LV" and "NBA" logos, and was produced by Wilson Sporting Goods, which will provide the NBA with the game ball from the 2021-22 season. It comes in two sizes, one with a diameter of approximately 24 cm, the same as the game ball, and the other with a diameter of approximately 13 cm, one size smaller. Both are sure to be coveted collector's items, but the 13 cm ball will be sold as a set with a goal attached to a trunk-like backboard, which is very interesting.
The second "LV x NBA" collection will be available at a limited number of Louis Vuitton stores and on the official website from late May. Fans of the NBA, as well as those who missed out on the first edition, should not miss out on this opportunity.
Photo_Théo de Gueltzl, Renell Medrano
All prices are preliminary.
