Meet the New Formal: Louis Vuitton’s Case For Dressing Up
After a shimmering display of evening-wear last fall, Louis Vuitton Studio Prêt-à-Porter reaffirms its tailoring prowess with the aptly-titled menswear collection, “New Formal.” Considered a follow-up to the Fall-Winter capsule, “New Formal” integrates contemporary accents into classic formal attire without showing a seam. Single-breasted suiting and slim-cut trousers transcend trend cycles, cast in subtle shades of navy, white, and black. This is the type of quality that affords Louis Vuitton its enduring status as a top label for tastemakers — seasonal styles are no match for well-made clothing.
Spring’s budding leaves and cheerful daffodils set the stage for a new age of ‘formalwear.’ Louis Vuitton defines the term with fresh contours and slick functionality. In the past, sophisticated styles may have had a sharp edge — rigid dress codes conjure the restrictive feeling of tight-collared shirts and flat-soled shoes — but Louis Vuitton’s “New Formal” polishes these edges until they’re smooth and inviting. Navy suede leather blousons take a soft, layered approach to outerwear while plush shearling collars adorn pea coats.
“New Formal” makes suiting as playful and versatile as streetwear. Cigarette-cut wool trousers balance slim tailoring with an innovative fit, while monogram cufflinks retain a traditional sense of glamour amidst an otherwise understated collection. These are the looks you’ll see at patio parties or outdoor weddings — refined but unrestricted, bold without being flashy.
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Plenty of tonal accessories follow this trend, too. Taiga cowhide leather composes the Porte Documents Voyage bag, sanded and smoothed to give its slick leather tag and hooped handles an extra shine. Meanwhile, the Fastline Messenger elevates the petite crossbody bag to fit in with the timeless “New Formal” ethos. Footwear doesn’t fall short either: monogrammed derby shoes reflect classic Louis Vuitton savoir-faire, while shiny Chelsea boots substantiate the collection’s array of staples.
Elsewhere, nuanced values round out the neutral palette. A checkered wool cardigan offers textured navy-black subtleties, giving the collection a full-bodied flavour. Reversible reversible belts and bombers — along with silk shirts, cutaway jackets, and graphic scarves — argue that dark shades can be just as interesting as their technicolour cousins.
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Louis Vuitton “New Formal”
Though Louis Vuitton’s “New Formal” collection paints futuristic portrait of formalwear, it uses a brush from the past; heirlooms like the Damier motif and grey-charcoal Monogram patterns pay their dues to Maison’s history. Meanwhile, the Voltaire derby shoe recalls Pharrell Williams’ June 2023 debut with a gradient Damier finish.
The collection leaves us with a full-circle feeling — a fitting energy for the season of buds and blossoms. Released on the heels of Fashion Week, it reminds us that high fashion can be just as functional as it is flamboyant. Browse the entire Louis Vuitton “New Formal” collection online or in stores.
