*SS21; Major Moment | Louis Vuitton - Citizen of the Planet

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SS21; Major Moment | Louis Vuitton

For the Spring-Summer 2021 collection, Louis Vuitton’s Nicolas Ghesquière – like many of us – dreamt of freedom.

But the freedom that Ghesquière envisioned was a freedom in all forms of the word.

He explains, “My question this season was less about one theme; it was about this zone between femininity and masculinity.”

“This zone is highlighted by non-binary people, people that are taking a lot of freedom dressing themselves as they want, and, in turn, giving a lot of freedom to all of us.”

“I found it inspiring to explore what the items are that represent this wardrobe that is not feminine, not masculine. I wanted to zoom in on that section in between.”

An interesting, and very contemporary take given the current state of the (fashion) world.

Many designers have noted that the pandemic has created a desire in consumers to dress for themselves, to provide their own personal happiness given the constraints of physical immobility.

Added to this are ideas of sustainability – and in turn reusability – and inclusivity.

So as Ghesquière focused on this sentiment, he and his team crafted comfortable but boldly expressive, “genderless” garments.

There are jackets that can be worn fitted for a feminine silhouette, or looser depending on one’s preference; trousers were cut with similar versatility.

These were smart clothes; t-shirts worn as dresses when cinched at the waist, and knits with adjustable straps, this collection featured somewhat-everyday garments taken to another level.

People *love* personalising their clothing and making things their own.

Reviewers were divided – some thinking the clothes were too pedestrian, others believing that Ghesquière is so in-tune with the “now,” that the collection is one of the best for the season.

I have to agree with the latter.

Design is an art form. And art should reflect society.

Ghesquière has found a way to combine comfort and practicality while being cognisant of the present social climate and people’s attitudes towards dressing, and that definitely should be applauded.