Africa, as the home of modern civilization, is the inspiration for Louis Vuitton’s Spring-Summer 2017 collection presented in Paris on June 23. It is a metaphor of a return to roots, to formative influences. This African heritage is combined with a touch of London Punk and the emblematic savoir faire of the Maison. The journey between these destinations and influences evokes the spirit of travel, which is the very essence of Louis Vuitton. Africa is evoked through rich, intricate textile treatments, exotic skins and a menagerie of animal prints. In a continuation of his first Louis Vuitton show about his childhood in Kenya and Bostwana, Kim Jones, Men’s Artistic Director revisits Africa expressing notions of the safari and the gentleman traveler. The palatte is dominated by Savannah-bleached shades; jackets have Saharienne detailing. Punk, on the other hand, brings edge, transparent rubber, mohair, zips and straps, all infused with African pattern. Louis Vuitton’s second commission with Jake and Dinos Chapman surrenders four prints depicting twisted animals; their veldt is the Vuitton Monogram. Mohair is knitted to imitate animal markings, and zebra patters are colored in a petroleum blue. Footwear especially draws on Punk themes, parachute straps forming sandal designs and crepe soles added to laced brogues.
