Written by Nicola McLaughlin​

Wed. 20. Feb.

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Thanks to the amazingly talented Mr. Kim Jones, it is not just the weather getting brighter this season. Under the artistic direction of Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton’s SS13 collection is adding a flash of colour to every stylish Man’s wardrobe and I got to witness it first hand. Attending an exclusive launch preview last week in Dublin as the Merrion Hotel found itself taken over by all things LV. Although primarily there to lust after the ladies collection, my eye became persistently drawn to the Men’s.

Inspired by the ocean, this collection screams Summer, provoking thoughts of long lazy days at the beach and cool evening strolls along foreign promenades.
The collection is a modern take on the style of the classic gentry, combining a nautical theme with a neutral colour palette, shaking it up a little with dashes of bold and beautiful neon’s. Subtle detailing arriving in the form of anchors, seahorse motifs and mother of pearl embellishments, adding playful finishing touches to maritime themed adornments.

As well as the more dashing styles on offer, this Spring/Summer collection also features an adventurous side.  Waterproof materials, sturdy travel bags, rope sandals and the introduction of the “Damier Challenge Bum-bag” means that not only can Men wine and dine in style this Summer, but they can also get in touch with their inner caveman. Enjoying the wonders of the great outdoors, all the while with their Louis’ at their side, or in this case, around their waists.

Of course, the traditional classic elegance of the fashion house remained in every luxurious accessory yet each one exuded a fresh and exciting new perspective.
I immediately created a mental wish-list for my Brother, Boyfriend, Uncle, Neighbour, the Postman… every man I could possibly think of… as this collection was so versatile there was something there to suit every man.

The signature LV ‘Epi’ leather appears to have been a starting point in the creation of this collection, taking inspiration from its long established role in the creation of the handbags with variations being seen from the clothing to the accessories. The Epi deck shoes are in fact the predominant footwear for Spring/Summer’13. As in the Women’s collection, the Damier print has also been given a makeover appearing in new materials, colours, styles and for the first time ever, taking precedence over the original LV monogram.

As a girl who loves to travel, is a fan of the androgynous look and has an obsession with oversized arm candy, I was more than a little tempted with the “Damier Ebene Cabas” bag. Orange is a colour of major focus from a few seasons past but it is a colour of timeless proportions standing the test of time and becoming a recurring catwalk theme in the process.  The neon twist is the perfect nod to this eye-catching trend and an ideal way to make you stand out from the crowd this summer.

Louis Vuitton never fails to grasp my attention and absolutely never disappoints. Most season’s they only ever try to challenge my bank balance with stunning items from their Women’s collection’s, however, this year with my long lust list from both the Ladies and the Men’s, I fear they have conspired to bankrupt me entirely!

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Nicola McLaughlin is the editor of the Sequin Cinderella. You can check out her glamorous adventures at her blog www.thesequincinderella.com.

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Images courtesy of the Sequin Cinderella.