OUT OF AFRICA

As Hedi Slimane takes the helm at Céline next month, Kim Jones presents his final collection for Louis Vuitton after seven years of being the French fashion house’s men’s artistic director. YStyle delves into the Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall 2018 collection that’s inspired by transformation — a reflection of the designer’s own itch for change. Present in his lineup were his trademark mix of lush tailoring and a swish underground aesthetic. Prints were no stranger to the collection, copped from the British designer’s own aerial landscape photographs taken in Kenya last summer. Walking down the runway was an ashy palette used as a basis for the lava landscapes, craters and stalagmites seen during his trip.

Zeroing in on the ensembles: the high gloss burgundy aviator jacket, patchwork-printed monogrammed leggings, titanium metallic parkas with graphic injections of neon and mirror coating and high-shine finish of the monogrammed trench coat worn by Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss added to a collection that echoes exploration and discovery — themes that resonate with the designer’s abiding love for travel.

From his highly successful collaboration with cult New York skate brand Supreme, to inspiring Drake to write a custom track, Jones’ time in Louis Vuitton made the luxury line into one of the most coveted brands of all time. Don’t take our word for it, but this could possibly be an end of an era, and we’re certain that whoever takes his place will have big shoes to fill.

In today’s Look of the Week, we draw inspiration from the designer’s love affair with traveling, particularly his trip to Kenya, which sparked the inspiration for his vibrant farewell collection.