Louis Vuitton is Getting Sporty
High fashion and pro sports may seem an unlikely pairing, but the Louis Vuitton x NBA capsule collection proves that these unlikely bedfellows can actually blend beautifully—a slam-dunk collaboration, you might say.
The partnership, which was announced last year, is a three-year agreement overseen by the brand’s artistic director Virgil Abloh. The deal was sealed when the Larry O'Brien trophy was presented to the Los Angeles Lakers, the 2020 NBA champions, in a custom-made Louis Vuitton Trophy Travel Case.
Drawing on Louis Vuitton’s history as a malletier, the travel case resembles a suitcase cased in the label’s famous monogram canvas with hints of brass hardware. It also features a large V design to symbolise victory, in the NBA logo’s colours of white, red and blue.
Part of Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2021 Pre-Collection, the capsule (LVXNBA) has been roughly arranged in three sections based on NBA players’ in-season wardrobes.
“Game arrival” gives athleisure a luxury twist, with track pants, hoodies, jackets, T-shirts, sneakers and boots with the NBA logo and stitching evoking basketballs.
“Travel” is a range of Louis Vuitton’s classic bags with splashes of red, white and blue.
“Press conference” includes the more formal pieces, such as shirts, blazers and trousers printed with the NBA logo in a houndstooth-style pattern, a tie and smart shoes. The collection is offset with pieces of jewellery, scarves and even a blanket.
Keep scrolling to see a few of our favourite pieces, or you can explore the full LVXNBA collection here.
Our Picks From the Louis Vuitton X NBA Collaboration
LVXNBA Christopher Soft Trunk
The Christopher Soft Trunk is a combination of two other famous Louis Vuitton bags—the Christopher Backpack and the Soft Trunk—styled with the NBA logo and colours. It’s got a sporty feel but a luxe finish.
LVXNBA Solitaire
Because everyone needs a handy game set, right? This solitaire set fuses elements of the label’s classic luggage and basketball imagery. It’s crafted from leather, plexiglass and Monogram canvas, with engraved marbles and a leather case.
LVXNBA Abbesses Derby
This iteration of the Abbesses derby is made of glazed calf leather printed with the iconic Monogram that fades out at the front, for a party at the back, business at the front effect. The tongue is embossed with the NBA logo and the shoe also features a rubber tag with the NBA logo in full colour.
LVXNBA Player Leather Mix Jacket
We love the luxe athleisure vibe of this calf leather and wool jacket. With both the label’s Monogram and the NBA logo, as well as piping that evokes the design of a basketball, it’s a true street style piece.
LVXNBA Suit Jacket
This blazer employs the NBA logo as a tonal jacquard weave on a wool-and-silk blend to create a houndstooth effect for a subdued but fun finish. It’s a clever nod to the theme for a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
LVXNBA Basketball Keepall
Louis Vuitton’s classic soft travel bag gets a courtside revamp with the collection’s basketball keepall. The bag has an internal flap to show off your basketball (or whatever you travel with) behind a layer of net. The colours are all NBA, but look closer and you’ll find the Monogram printed on the leather in a subtle grey.
The collection is selling out fast, so you’ll have to move quickly to get your hands on one of these pieces.
Looking to enjoy some peace and quiet in the countryside? Check out the best Australian Agritourism for an ideal weekend (or week) away!