Louis Vuitton unveils LVxNBA, the House’s first menswear capsule collection with the National Basketball Association (NBA) with creations by Virgil Abloh, Men’s Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton, launching November 20. As part of the House’s ongoing relationship with the NBA, Louis Vuitton has partnered with Madison Square Garden (MSG) to present a virtual selling experience filmed inside of the iconic arena. Developed exclusively for online access, the LVxNBA digital debut at MSG is open to the public via a link on the Louis Vuitton homepage, lvnba.louisvuitton.com
The Madison Square Garden Virtual Selling Experience
Louis Vuitton and MSG created the unique combination of sport, style and technology by utilizing drone footage of the actual clothing, shoes and accessories on display inside the historic arena. To mark the occasion, MSG appears as never before: Louis Vuitton’s emblem holds center court and glows in a luminous spectrum alongside the NBA’s famous silhouette logo. Guests discover the collection inside this sensational environment by navigating around the capsule presentation using their computers or personal devices. The virtual selling experience even facilitates viewing the individual pieces up-close in full detail. For purchases, guests can follow a link to submit purchases online.
The LVxNBA Capsule Collection
Intertwining French craftmanship with American sports, Virgil Abloh created LVxNBA, a limited clothing and accessories line uniting the emblems of the two institutions. The collection adapts the Men’s Artistic Director’s codes with the iconography of the basketball universe and honors the values of relatability and inclusion key to his vision at Louis Vuitton. Three definitive expressions of style for every NBA player are represented: travel, game arrivals, and press conferences. Travel is embodied in looks such as a grey cashmere tracksuit adorned with graphics informed by the lines of a basketball. Game arrivals manifest in a variety of pieces including a blue hooded leather jacket and a Keepall featuring a netted side detail evoking a basketball hoop, while press conference looks are articulated in suits and a dress shirt.
Throughout the collection, the visual identity of the NBA assimilates into existing Louis Vuitton motifs. For example, the NBA logo is employed to striking effect in an infinite houndstooth pattern used in tailoring, shirting and a tie. It also appears on a varsity jacket featuring the LV initials on the back. Multi-functional bags draw on the red, blue and white colors of the NBA’s logo, and the collection sees the debut of a multi-pocket backpack in the classic Monogram with white contrast straps as a nod to the graphics associated with the game. In addition to the netted Keepall, a Christopher backpack and Nil messenger are likewise interpreted through the NBA lens. Shoes meld the insignia of Louis Vuitton and the NBA in classic loafers, chunky-soled leather derbies, slip-ons, and in lace- up leather boots; each recognizable by the new LVxNBA emblem embossed on the foot-bed. Continuing the conversation between sports and craftsmanship, fashion jewelry pieces employ the NBA logos as distinctive pendants.
Louis Vuitton has also unveiled the LVxNBA Trunk, an impressive double-door wardrobe trunk for precious attire, accessories and footwear. The classic Monogram exterior dressing contrasts the white lozines and golden hardware used to seal and protect the trunk’s corners. Deep blue, poppy red and crisp white interior linings reference the official colors of the NBA.
Louis Vuitton Trophy Travel Case
Commencing in 2020, The House’s partnership with the NBA includes the creation of the bespoke Louis Vuitton Trophy Travel Case for the world-renowned Larry O’Brien Trophy. Presented for the first time to the 2020 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers, the trophy was hand-crafted in Louis Vuitton’s historic Asnières workshop outside of Paris, France. Since Louis Vuitton’s founding in 1854, the personalization of its products has been an integral part of its DNA and traditional know-how. The Trophy Travel Case showcases this unparalleled level of customization, harboring the iconic « V », symbolizing « Victory Travels in Louis Vuitton », in white with blue and red details.
