With Timberland, Louis Vuitton Men’s Workwear Capsule Marks A New Era
Workwear is back — that much is obvious. Yet, with countless designers launching pocket-ridden cargo pants and rugged denim chore coats, “back” feels almost… inadequate. Given how utilitarian fabrics exploded during Fashion Week — see the checkered Damier denims from Louis Vuitton, or watch Gucci capture the feel of corduroy with embossed leather — we seem to have entered a new age of workwear. What started as an ’80s-inspired, gender-versatile revival has transcended its nostalgic roots. Of course, work boots and straight-cut denim jeans still reference the past, as all fashion does, but with Louis Vuitton Men’s Workwear Capsule, workwear is more than a nod to retro styles. With versatile fabrics and fluid silhouettes, today’s workwear captures the modern zeitgeist.
Scheduled to drop on August 8th, 2024, the ready-to-wear capsule is filled with craftsmanship. Western dress plays a major role, evidenced by leather appliqué motifs and even steel-forged flasks and cigarette cases. With eccentric adornments — they range from pearls to studs to embroideries — Louis Vuitton makes its distinctive presence felt, embracing the polarity between function and fashion.
In fact, the gulf between utilitarian Americana and French haute couture acts more like a fertilizer than a cause for fragmentation. The Capsule doesn’t try to hide this discrepancy — rather, it plays with the contrast. The Louis Vuitton x Timberland 6-inch, for instance, borrow a dash of woodsy grit from the New England-based collaborator. The 6-inch synthesizes premium materials (supple Italian nubuck leather is hard to miss) with function-focused qualities. A durable insulation system and rubber lug outsole complement tightly-sealed waterproof seams.
Beyond the base model, however, there’s an ostentatious, bespoke run of 50 pairs — called the Exceptional Edition, naturally —which feature the classic Monogram pattern coupled with luxe details (including an 18K gold Louis Vuitton tongue initials). Elsewhere, the Louis Vuitton x Timberland Boot augments the 6-inch silhouette; one ankle boot is adorned with leather tags, while another — a pull-on, harness version — features chic side buckles.
Rounding out the Louis Vuitton Men’s Workwear Capsule is the Keepall 50 Toolbox: a classic bag, remixed and revisited to suit modern needs. Coated Monogram Canvas lines the interior, while the outside is laden with pockets. It’s a decidedly contemporary design; the utilitarian contour embodies a forward-thinking functionality, while quality, natural leather nods to the Maison’s heritage.
Coming off the heels of Louis Vuitton Fall-Winter 2024, the collection is a bold indication of what’s to come. We’ll stop short of prediction, but given the latest drop, it seems like workwear is here to stay.