EYES ON THE WORLD

The latest happenings at this fashion giant bear testament to its wide-ranging global approach to business.

May 2017

The latest happenings at this fashion giant bear testament to its wide-ranging global approach to business.

With multiple collaborations with creatives of various nationalities (such as Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami and American streetwear label Supreme), and a well-travelled menswear creative director known for seeking inspiration in far-flung locales such as Botswana and Nigeria, French luxury label Louis Vuitton certainly believes in throwing open its doors to the world. The brand affirms its global influences and approach to business with some of its recent endeavours.

If you’re reading this early enough in the month, for instance, you might be able to catch Louis Vuitton’s pop-up store within high-end streetwear boutique Surrender (268 Orchard Road). Starting late April and ending May 7, the temporary space will host the premiere of Louis Vuitton’s Autumn/Winter 2017 men’s pre-collection – largely created in partnership with Hiroshi Fujiwara, founder of Japanese streetwear label Fragment Design. Including leather goods and ready-to-wear, the capsule collection will also be available at Louis Vuitton boutiques, although certain items will be exclusively offered at the pop-up space.

Additionally, get ready to spend more even before you leave for your latest vacation: Next January, Louis Vuitton will inaugurate its first Changi Airport store at the departure transit hall of Terminal 3. As Michael Burke, the company’s chairman and CEO, says: “We are happy to offer this new store, not only to our Asian customers but also the international travellers who transit by this airport. Louis Vuitton is a brand intrinsically related to the history of modern travel.”

FLIGHT CLUB

After 37 years in Singapore, Louis Vuitton will soon open its first Changi Airport store.

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

Fact: In an age when competition is keen and brands exhaust means to differentiate their product offerings, it can be incredibly difficult to seek out items that are simply designed, yet well-made. Dunhill’s Hampstead collection of leather goods are designed for those who simply want functional, good-looking items without attention-drawing bells and whistles. Sleek and softly structured, items such as a travel bag, document case, messenger bag and rucksack come in versatile navy or brown.

PRIMED FOR ACTION

From afar, Hermes pieces can look deceptively simple: For example, a T-shirt, on closer inspection, might turn out to be crafted from lightweight crocodile leather. The brand’s Spring/Summer 2017 accessories continue this theme of highly elevated basics, but with a sporty spin. A handy duffle bag in a colourful print is crafted from waterproof technical silk, while bull calf leather and cowhide are used for a messenger bags with neon straps. Footwear choices include sporty sandals in technical canvas and calfskin, as well as sneakers in matte or nubuck calfskin.

WEAVE ITS MARK

How many ways are there to interpret Bottega Veneta’s intrecciato weave? A good number, judging by the latest additions to the label’s eyewear collection, which sees new riffs on the motif each season. Simpler designs include double-bridge Wayfarer-style models featuring engraved intrecciato patterns around the edge of the lenses, while more flamboyant styles include acetate cat’s eye sunglasses where the engraved pattern runs the entire perimeter of the frames. A BV15 limited edition takes the spotlight with a titanium frame, and handcrafted silver or solid gold inserts with the house’s iconic weave.

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