In Italian, ‘Ricostru’ means ‘reconstruction,’ but designer Rico Manchit Au was constructing an entirely new notion of designer Chinese fashion when she launched her label in 2011.
Louis Vuitton S/S2017 Mens Collection
Warm weather induces refined style, and Louis Vuitton returns with a line that’s not only refined, but avant-garde in its approach to incorporate a distinctive vision this time around. Turning to Africa for a stroke of motivation and originality, the Spring-Summer 2017 collection infuses African and Punk aesthetics, accented by the classic French elegance known globally as Louis Vuitton.
Variegated animal prints, textile patterns, and exotic skins compose the design of hand-crafted tops and woven leather jackets that educe the spirit and rich visual culture of Africa. Combined with sandals and the classic Steamer bag, the collection’s design pays homage to the curious “gentleman traveler,” look, only stylish with an aura that brings its roots with it. Meshing quite subtly with African aesthetics is Punk—throwing London into the mix—with a biker jacket, angled zips, and the iconic choker, identified in the collection as the “Baxter,” which all but goes unnoticed as it blends symbiotically with the multitude of outfits.
The theme of the collection, according to epresspack.net is “asserting your identity.” I’d like to mix that up and, by highlighting that the line nods to Africa not only for motivation but innovation, state that it’s, rather, a discovery of identity. Returning to “roots, to heritage, to formative influences” not only unlocks a palette, but causes different cultures to find links to one another, as the collection’s new series of trunks help illustrate the line’s theme by linking Africa to Paris and London to Africa, via safari-accented colors on trench coats, patterned dress pants, and button ups; a deeper look to origins only touch the beginnings of a fresh perception.
WRITTEN BY Jéan-Claude Quintyne
PHOTO CREDIT: LOUIS VUITTON
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