The inside line on fresh trends and casual classics

By Caleigh Ostrom

crowd pleaser
Why the Louis Vuitton x Supreme collaboration created a global frenzy

Collaborations challenge brands, artists, and designers to try something new, and arguably the most monumental collaboration of last year was Louis Vuitton’s x Supreme. In 2000, LV sued the Orange, CA based skate wear brand Supreme for knocking off its logo; now the two have blended logos, colors, and craftsmanship for a collection that consists of denim outerwear to hoodies, tees, track pants, fanny packs, baseball jerseys, sneakers, belts, and more, with the LV x Supreme monogram pattern prominently displayed.

This past June, a limited edition of the line was released at pop up stores in Paris, London, Miami, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Beijing, Seoul, and Sydney. Celebrating the style of New York, it sold out in the blink of an eye. After being bought by Carlyle in October, Supreme is now valued at $1 billion and devoted fashion followers eagerly await what coveted items will be released next.

Practical Purpose
Many Milan designers have focused recently on creating menswear collections for everyday life. Fendi was one the house deriving its newest inspiration from gym bags, sports fields, college kids’ wardrobes, and hiking attire. Its array of vibrant colors including tangerine, bubble gum pink, bright green, and cobalt, which brought optimism and energy to the collection. Animal prints were given a Pop Art spirit, while patchwork and artful furs added a luxe touch to lapels and collars. Nylon was a key fabric used for puffers, trousers, and jackets to convey a sense of lightness and practicality. Most designs were reversible, with inside out topstitching, giving these actually quite pricey pieces more value. Watchwords like “Think,” “Try,” and “Fantastic” were etched onto loafers, headbands, and bags—helping to produce one of the most clever and positive collections of the season.

COLOR OF CHANGE
The eco movement has inspired designers to go green, literally and figuratively

Burberry Fur Lined Parka Coat
This parka is constructed from water resistant gabardine fabric and lined with natural rabbit fur for extra coziness. Its hooded neckline is trimmed with fox fur and the button placket zip front provides a classic fit. $3,495, neimanmarcus.com

Givenchy Canvas Star Combat Boots
Known for its military style and accents, Givenchy has come up with this awesome design applying army stars on canvas, then adding a leather lining for durability. $690, saks.com