A season of freedom, fun and nostalgia

I am amused by theories that analyze how fashion can be a mirror of society.

The shorter the skirts, the better the economy. That is what some analysts like to believe. Skirt hems rose highest in the 1920s when flappers were in fashion, and then again in the l960s, the era of Mod minis. The stock market was up during those times, economists argue. But fashion dictators certainly know better than to examine financial graphs when they design clothes. Because they are much too talented and equipped with their own visions.

When current fashion lord Marc Jacobs designed Louis Vuitton’s Cruise Collection 2008, he empowered his clothes with freedom — lots of it. Surely he wasn’t inspired by upheavals in certain countries where freedom exists only in the anguished consciousness of the shackled.

Freedom is written all over Jacobs’ sassy dresses, flirty skirts and cropped pants. He is breaking rules and defining new ones — his own. You can mix the wildest of color combinations — violet with olive green, fuchsia with yellow, pink or blue or brown with whatever you like. Match linen plaids with silky prints. Put feminine ribbons on masculine shirts. Your skirt can be an A-line, a pencil, a ballerina. It can be pleated or gathered on the knee or way below it. Ah, freedom! Was fashion ever this relaxed and liberating?

Yes, you can feel the free spirit of the Seventies running through Jacobs’ threads. The rebellious soul in you enjoys it. But the glamorous side of you aches for something chic and sleek from the Fifties. Such as cat’s eye sunglasses, and silk scarves with vintage prints. Which brings me to my favorite Vuitton accessory this season — an oversize neckpiece that is partly chain, partly scarf.

While Marc Jacobs brings his very modern innovations to every Louis Vuitton creation, he never forgets that rich LV heritage. LV began as a maker of distinguished luggage for the stylish and finicky traveler. It still is. This cruise collection is highlighted by nostalgic motifs of speedboats and liners, anchors and airplanes. It was designed to take the traveler from the city to the beach, from day to night.

That is why this Vuitton collection glows with hues of silver and gold. LV Philippines communications coordinator Pamela Picazo adds that it was designed to fit the 2007 holiday mood as well. Bags come in an array of shiny hues, all roomy and stylish. The Monogram canvas appears in several colors, sporting a crisscross pattern with glossy red leather. Shoes bask in the brightest shades, shimmering with sequins or glossy alligator. Button-embellished leather ballerinas are fabulously detailed.

Details, in fact, are the defining crown of any Louis Vuitton product — or event. Every event unveils elements of surprise. Every detail is carefully designed. During the centennial celebration of the Vuitton Monogram in seven cities in l996, we were brought by then LV Philippines publicity manager Edd Fuentes to the Hong Kong Country Club which was transformed into an amazing fashion landscape. We walked down a path lined by walls containing dioramas with amusing vignettes. Then came a panoramic series of tents, each one with a story.

Vuitton’s launch of its pens in l997 at the University of Hong Kong came with erudite touches worth writing about. There was a bit of literature, history, art of calligraphy in the picture-pretty event.

When LV introduced its Tambour watches in 2002, every minute counted as we gazed at display areas ticking from the ceiling, and every unexpected source in a Hong Kong exhibit area.

During the inauguration of its Landmark store in Hong Kong, Vuitton led guests from the store to a magically lit pathway towards the event party itself, so filled with stylish treats for the senses.

For this Cruise Collection 2008 launch, members of the Asian press were given that cruise feeling by transporting us via a sleek, fast boat to the exhibition area located at Cyberport located just off Pokfulam, so warmly embraced by the sun and caressed by the sea breeze.

The spacious exhibit area showed a long line of mannequins wearing Marc Jacobs’ couture collection, so rich in interesting details. There are embroidered buttons, bracelet-sleeved suits, neckpieces that come with almost every top, metallic belts to accentuate the return of the waist, and hammered gold chains on shoulders.

Freedom is in the details. It’s a season to have fun. To feel free, relaxed and happy. Louis Vuitton says so. No need to analyze why.

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In the Philippines, Louis Vuitton is exclusively distributed at its store in Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati.
For details on the Louis Vuitton Cruise Collection 2008, call 889-9430 or 756-0637.