The Bags of Louis Vuitton’s Fall-Winter Men’s 2021 Collection

Virgil Abloh revisits traditional archetypes and the ‘Tourist vs. Purist’ motif

When a creative director creates a collection for a fashion show, there is far more that goes into the designs and planning then one would think. We see the finished product—the clothing and the bags, but each show and collection typically follow a very specific story, and for Virgil Abloh’s latest collection for Louis Vuitton, the story and the theme run deep.

Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton Fall-Winter Men’s 2021 Collection pulls from the storyline of common archetypes: the Writer, the Artist, the Drifter, my Parents, the Salesman, the Hôtelier, the Gallery Owner, the Architect, and lastly, of Virgil Abloh himself. While there are normal definitions for characters of society, Abloh investigates the presumptions made from how people dress, their cultural background, gender, and sexuality. Abloh focuses on this in an attempt to take down walls and stereotypes, thus creating more and the same opportunities for all.

One overarching motif of the collection is ‘Tourist vs. Purist’ which is Abloh’s comparison between the outsider who watches and aspires to be part of the fashion and art landscape (Tourist) versus the insider who already occupies this domain (Purist). With information at our fingertips, Abloh believes we are part of a larger fashion eco-system that can unite both sides.

The bags were quite delightful, ranging from everyday wearable silhouettes to the collector’s items as well. LV Monogram canvas was used to cover an airplane-shaped bag that will surely turn into a piece that’s likely to sell out and then resell for far over ask. A small portfolio bag was spotted with black LV Monogram canvas and blue letters reading Louis Vuitton which was punctuated with an exclamation point. Other designs had wording as well, and one of my favorite accessories is what appears to be a Louis Vuitton coffee cup with a keychain. There were also far more practical bags like Keepalls in varying sizes and colors, even exotic skins, which were a delight. The simplistic nature of the cornerstone designs were given Virgil Abloh’s touches like both the ombré edge coloring and the small changes to the LV logo. The bags were all interesting, with plenty of classic elements while also offering a completely new perspective as well.

There were un-designed objects and references throughout, which is Vrigil Abloh’s term for things that don’t have specific artistic ownership. And all of this begs the question, who can claim art and what defined low vs. high?

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YT

Tom Brown?? Or part of BLM movement? Just another garbage collection from Virgil A. No idea where exactly LV heading. No luxury anymore but great outfits for the Halloween party!

Haters Suck

I think this is all for the BLM movement. I really don’t know what Virgil A. has been smoking, but his LV collections have been a joke. There is no more classic LV moving forward. Everything will be suited towards political reasons.

Rod

According to The Guardian, BLM movement nominated for Nobel peace prize!!
This is such a terrible joke isn’t it?
Even though they are an organization that commits murder and looting, including children( oh of course black kids!)
Seems like everything is going in a strange direction, starting with fashion.
Anyway, I found this collection is simply hideous and almost like Tom Brown meets Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto, Fendi, Undercover and Walter V B!
Kim J you should be back.

Haters Suck

I agree. LV should be classy, not someone just thought of a design while doing drugs.

Aspen

Oh you mean like Marc Jacobs? Lmao. Please.

KangKangKang

BLM movement deserves Nobel Peace Prize.

ladyet

Hateful.

Kerry

Isn’t it freedom of speech? Unfortunately America is losing that freedom

Justice

Please enlighten us. Who’s losing freedom of speech in the US? I’ll wait.

LindaL

I’ll answer that-any conservative view point. They cut off all social media for any view point the media and it’s controllers do not share. Where are you living these days?!?!?

Justice

Oh… you mean QAnon traitors and other criminals who invaded the Capitol and caused the death of 5 people? Or do you mean those who violated the terms and conditions of private companies like Facebook and Twitter to which they agreed when they signed up for an account? Hahaha
Sit down, clown.

Irma Segovia

God I wish the United States was actually censuring conservatives bc I keep seeing you all everywhere and y’all don’t shut up

gracie gelfand

That’s not freedom of speech though. The government doesn’t control social media. Private corporations do. That’s capitalism doing that. So focus your anger at capitalism, not free speech restriction.

Sajid Bin Mohammad

I looove the white briefcase, the croc keepall and the silver miroir (?) luggage. But I wonder which one represents Virgil Abloh?

Sam

The “airplane bag”? It’s hilarious, but I also love it! I can’t imagine buying it, but it’s so unique!

Megs Mahoney Dusil

I know! I would never carry it, but I also oddly want it. I’d hang it in the corner of my room like an art piece!

Justice

The artistic vision of Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton is not my cup of tea… but a few bag shapes are quite attractive. I just wish they wouldn’t add the big “LOUIS VUITTON!” prints. Sigh.

Also, I commend their continued efforts to feature black and brown models to represent the brand.

Timothy

What a mess….

Sparky

This is a joke, right?

psny15

What a mess – the bags are even more atrocious than the hideous clothes

Sal5

Karl Lagerfeld created themed shows like this for Chanel and it always was a highlight for me. I love this, not each bag, but love the crazy cool theme and direction!

butterbox

I want to see Kyle Kuzma, Russell Westbrook and Cam Newton in these outfits!

Candice

How and why does a discussion about handbags need to turn POLITICAL? Can everyone call a truce? It’s very uncomfortable to read this angry rhetoric. Is it really necessary? ?

Lisa Goldberg

Is that a coffee tumbler in picture 4? I would love that! Can it be purchased?

Jerri R

If you see the show as a showcase of merchandise, it might not be that appealing, with the element of reality a bit pushed to the side. But I see the entirety of this as performance art, and find it very intriguing.

Tiffany

This reminds me of the “Ringarde” collection on Emily in Paris.

…Bags aside does anyone know who that model is with the duffel over his shoulder? ?

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