BTS Graces Louis Vuitton Men’s FW21 Show In Seoul As House Ambassadors
Louis Vuitton presented a Fall/Winter 2021 spin-off collection by men’s artistic director Virgil Abloh in Seoul starring house ambassadors and pop icons, BTS. The group’s participation marks their first official appearance as brand ambassadors as they grace the “stage” at Buncheon Art Bunker B39, an art and culture space. They were previously invited to the Fall/Winter 2021 show earlier this year and wore all Louis Vuitton suits at the Grammys red carpet.
The event features a dedicated moving-image performance by the septet—RM, Suga, Jin, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook—each decked in FW21 pieces. Directed by Korean director Jeon Go-woon, the film stages a conversation between space, movement and the global connectivity central to our moment in time by making use of the venue’s various floors. It also explores the city of Seoul through the lens of diversity. As we move from member to member, they gaze at each other as if they’re conversing and showcase their explosive visuals.
Expanding on the original idea proposed in the Fall/Winter 2021 collection, the 41-look spin-off also included 34 new looks. BTS wore seven looks individually and another seven in a group shot—all of which were originally presented in the performance art film back in January 2021. Shot in slow motion, each member flaunted the pieces as they gracefully move around the industrial venue—echoing the film’s central theme of space, movement and global connectivity. The soundtrack featured an original score written and produced by Cifika, Kim Kate and Net Gala.
See also: BTS Announced As Louis Vuitton’s New Global Brand Ambassadors
BTS and Louis Vuitton’s New Fashion Film Is a Game Changer
If you thought the menswear season had officially wrapped, Virgil Abloh and BTS have news for you. The Louis Vuitton designer surprised the world this morning with the release of a spin-off fashion film dedicated to his fall/winter 2021 menswear collection and modeled by the members of the world’s biggest boy band. Back in April, the members of BTS became Vuitton house ambassadors and have filled their wardrobes with monogrammed pieces ever since. The fashion film marks their first big project for the brand. In the Jeon Go-woon and Park Sye-young directed clip Jin, Suga, j-Hope, RM, Jimin, Jungkook, and V each don a never-before-seen look designed by Abloh as they navigate an industrial space filled with Vuitton-clad models, an illuminated indoor skyscraper, and a seemingly endless maze of staircases.
The futuristic film gets points for originality and its interpretation of each member’s style—those engraved wraparound logo shades never looked as cool as they do on Jimin. Still, its impact goes beyond the visual. Less than an hour after the clip hit YouTube, it had racked up more than two million views, introducing everyone who tuned in to a collection they may have only glimpsed in lookbook images or on social media.
The endeavor wouldn’t be effective without the band’s presence. Fashion shows—and their corresponding advertisements—often rely on celebrities to drum up excitement, but BTS’ Vuitton moment is more than a cameo. When the group was announced as ambassadors, Abloh hinted at a collaboration that goes beyond the band wearing his clothes. “I am looking forward to this wonderful partnership which adds a modern chapter to the House, merging luxury and contemporary culture,” the designer said back in April. “I can’t wait to share all the very exciting projects we are working on.”
Though Abloh remains coy on the subject, collaboration is an essential part of Vuitton’s heritage. Over the years, the brand has joined forces with artists like Takashi Murakami, Jeff Koons, and Yayoi Kusama, streetwear icons Supreme and Nike, and fellow fashion labels like Comme des Garçons and Azzedine Alaïa. Each collaboration has resulted in sold-out collections and lines around the block. A full-scale BTS collaboration would be a first for the luxury house, and would certainly qualify as exciting. No matter the direction that LV and BTS take with their collaboration, the first of their special projects was a clear success.
Luxury Athleisure: Best Items to Shop This Summer
Luxury Athleisure has never been more popular. From sunglasses, to sneakers and stylish co-ords, here are some of our favourite items to stay active in style.
Louis Vuitton
French luxury giant Louis Vuitton’s second collaboration with the NBA expands on the inaugural range of luxury athleisure, formal styles, casual-wear and men’s accessories — from sports outfits that work on and off court to a ’90s basketball influence. Think oversized logo shorts and graphic embellished leather bombers
that nod to the game’s hero jackets. The range of bags featuring basketball-net detailing and NBA insignia now includes ball pouches and basketball carriers. Men’s artistic director Virgil Abloh fuses LV trademarks with the NBA’s own inimitable style in a welcome celebration of pop culture, fashion and sport.
Coming soon to Hong Kong
Loewe
In buttery nappa leather, the Loewe Flamenco bag comes in sizes from Nano to XL. Red is our favourite colour, reminiscent of the Spanish dance attire from which the model takes inspiration.
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Sweaty Betty x Halle Berry
Perhaps the celebrity collaboration we’ve all been waiting for? Fitness label Sweaty Betty has launched a crossover with Bond girl and all-round goddess Halle Berry and her rē•spin wellness brand, inspired by boxing and jujitsu. Sculptural silhouettes, raw edging and modal slit detailing give an edge to fashion-forward lifestyle pieces aimed at busy, active and empowered women.
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A|X Armani Exchange
A|X Armani Exchange offers a selection of casual sporty outfits in multiple shades of blue. Run around town in these comfortable, wider athletic fits optimised for movement — an update on the label’s take on street-focused athleisure.
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Saint Laurent
Get summer ready and protect your eyes from UV rays, with these Saint Laurent ombre sunglasses, featuring a light, subtle frame.
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Hermès
A summer shoe that’s versatile enough for casual days out and evening events? Look no further than the Hermès slip-on loafer in a luxurious neutral shade of linen canvas.
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Mazu
Hong Kong men’s brand Mazu offers these delightful Distant Shores print swimming trunks made from recycled plastic bottles. They’re perfect for the beach and sustainable to boot.
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Mr P
Mr Porter’s own brand Mr P launches a 23-piece golf collection with ready-to-wear, accessories and footwear inspired by heritage golf styles, and emboldened with quality detailing, an easy attitude and enduring Mr P style.
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Christian Dior
Whether it’s surfing, wakeboarding or swimming, hit the sand in style with the latest collection of beach and activewear from Christian Dior. We love the sunshine-yellow logo print version — the sleek zip-up shorts, sports bikini top and zip-up jacket pair well with a matching floral headscarf.
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Zimmermann
Hit the pool or beach and channel some Ursula Andress energy with this Zimmerman contrast string bikini. The crotchet top works wonders paired with the pink floral bottoms and beachy seashell embellishments.
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Off-White
Show some skin, but still remain comfortable. There’s no need to compromise on stretch and movement with this body-skimming dress by Off White.
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Chloé
The light fabric logo straps and tan leather soles make Chloé’s wonderful designer summer sandal a perfect match for every outfit.
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Alexander McQueen
You won’t want to take off these Alexander McQueen statement sunglasses all season.
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