Riding on the success of the New Classics line-up comprised of four bags: the Steamer, the Soft Trunk, the Mini Soft Trunk and the Pochette Volga, Louis Vuitton unveils the New Formals, a norm-defying collection which aims at giving traditional businessman style a dose of contemporary twist.
By introducing the range to the existing, fast-evolving Louis Vuitton universe of men’s leather goods, the French luxury brand imagines it to suit the desires and necessities of a modern businessman – in suit and tie, no less – be it he works at the office or from home, catch up with clients over coffee or reaches out to them from the phone. The classic Louis Vuitton briefcase is reinterpreted and redesigned into four different designs of varied sizes with a trendy touch.
One of the key highlights has got to be the Soft Trunk Briefcase. Exhibiting Louis Vuitton’s trunk-making tradition, it hangs on tight to certain iconic codes such as the lozine and metallic finishes. Look closely and you could even spot some design elements from the New Classics range. Which are the features that turn it from being a mere briefcase to an elegant business bag? They’re the removable leather name tag, adjustable shoulder strap and external patch pocket for easy access to documents.
The Sac Plat Horizontal Zippé bag shows off two versions with a zip closure system, which calls to mind the good old Serviette briefcase. With two narrow top handles and a discreet LV signature, the handsomely crafted Ombre Acajou leather version is accompanied with a monogram canvas name tag whereas the Monogram Eclipse model comes with a black leather name tag.
For those who are constantly on the go, the multifunctional Cabas Business bag might be a good option. The top handles and detachable shoulder strap ensure maximum comfort in any situations, while the front pocket allows instantaneous access to essential documents. Besides the undeniably sleek and ultra-modern design completed with either a black Taurillon leather or the Monogram Eclipse leather name tag, there are plenty of pockets inside with enough room to hold a laptop.
Taking cues from the masterpieces that of Louis Vuitton menswear artistic director Virgil Abloh, the New Formals collection plays on the concept of effortless elegance with newfangled materials and shades so to present a selection of bags that guarantee easy transition from serious board meetings to impromptu business trips from one city to another. While staying true to the spirit of the Maison, the briefcases embrace the continuously more fashionable style of the contemporary gentleman.
Discover more about the Louis Vuitton New Formals here. This story first appeared in the March 2020 issue of Men’s Folio Malaysia.
