As we reported when it was announced, Off-White designer Virgil Abloh is the new creative director of Louis Vuitton‘s men’s division, and his first collection will debut tomorrow, June 21, at Paris Men’s Fashion Week Spring 2019. Abloh was a buzzy name in fashion long before he was appointed to the position at Vuitton because of his trend-perfect blend of streetwear ideas with designer fashion, and many in the industry are curious to see exactly how those tendencies will meld with a historic house like Vuitton. Earlier today, Louis Vuitton gave us a sneak peek on social media.
The photo in question is a shape that will look familiar to anyone who loves bags—it’s Louis Vuitton’s longtime duffel, the Keepall—but the fabrication is entirely new. The surface is finished in both embossed monogram like LV’s Vernis patent leather, as well as a color-shifting iridescent oil slick finish. Most interesting to me, though, is that the bag appears to be translucent, which suggests Abloh is going in guns blazing to transform LV in his image. The bag is finished with a clear plastic chain strap, and I believe the use of chain would also be a a first for the Keepall.
Check out the full image below, and check back on Monday to see our review and more images after the collection debuts.
