Louis Vuitton, the highly esteemed Parisian fashion house, is breaking new ground by venturing into the world of skate shoes. This is a significant move for the brand, considering its long-standing reputation and history since its establishment in 1854. The release of these skate shoes showcases Louis Vuitton’s willingness to explore new territories and tap into the growing popularity of streetwear.
To further emphasize its commitment to the skateboarding community, Louis Vuitton has partnered with renowned skateboarder Lucien Clarke. Clarke, who has been seen front row at Louis Vuitton shows and walking on their runways, has recently signed as the brand’s first official ambassador. As part of this collaboration, Clarke has been given the creative freedom to design his own unique version of the skate shoes. This partnership follows Louis Vuitton’s successful collaboration with New York label Supreme, which received widespread acclaim.
Leading the promotional campaign for this unique collaboration is Virgil Abloh, the creative director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collections. Abloh, who has also recently unveiled a new project for his own label Off/White, has dedicated the past year to developing and strategizing the campaign for these skate shoes. As part of the launch, Louis Vuitton has secured exclusive advertisement placements in Thrasher, a highly respected skateboarding culture magazine.
From the initial images shared on Instagram by Lucien Clarke, it is evident that the collaboration embraces the Louis Vuitton aesthetic. Clarke is seen dressed in head-to-toe denim, embellished with the iconic Louis Vuitton monogram. He is also pictured with a skateboard that features both Louis Vuitton and Palace logos, further emphasizing the brand’s dedication to partnering with relevant figures within the skateboarding community. As for the skate shoes themselves, they incorporate key elements of professional skate shoes, such as a combination of mesh and suede materials, a striking transparent sole, a tongue adorned with the brand’s logo, and the unmistakable Louis Vuitton branding. These sneakers hold the potential to become the new favorite for the Millennial and Gen Z generations, possibly inheriting the throne from the popular “Dad Shoes” trend.
With this venture, Louis Vuitton demonstrates its ability to evolve and adapt to changing consumer interests, while still preserving its legacy as a timeless luxury brand. The collaboration with Lucien Clarke and the inclusion of Virgil Abloh in the creative process solidify Louis Vuitton’s commitment to bridging the gap between high fashion and street culture.
As requested, here are two useful links related to the article:
1. Louis Vuitton Official Website: Visit Louis Vuitton’s official website to explore their latest collections and learn more about the brand’s history.
2. Thrasher Magazine: Discover more about the esteemed skateboarding culture magazine that features exclusive advertisement placements for Louis Vuitton’s skate shoe collaboration.
