The Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2021 show that caused a controversial riff between the label’s artistic director Virgil Abloh and Antwerp Six member Walter Van Beirendonck seems like a lifetime ago. However, the luxury brand has just started releasing items from its SS21 collection — alongside a preview of its SS21 capsule staring 21 Savage — and leading the way is its LV Fusion Derby Trainer.
This hybrid smart-casual design sees the traditional Derby shoe style combined with the sole unit of a sneaker. Served in either black or white glazed calf leather, the Derby features a very traditional upper that’s contrasted with details that only appear after a second glance.
For example, the LV-emblazoned tongue is made from mesh just like you’d find on a sneaker, while plastic eyelets at the top and bottom add yet another sneaker-imbued edge. Elsewhere, we find a thick formal midsole, but contrasting that — most evidently in the bold green and red colorway — is the sneaker-informed sole unit.
The sole unit features rubberized and plastic elements throughout, while Louis Vuitton’s signature monogram flower motifs appear in a trio on the lateral side midsole. At the rear, the two worlds of smart-casual combine, as the midsole merges into the sneaker outsole.
Take a look at the Louis Vuitton LV Fusion Derby Trainer above, and pick up all three colorways from Louis Vuitton stores worldwide or online now. The shoe costs $1,330 USD.
For more hybrid footwear, check out the COMME des GARÇONS x Salomon collab that just dropped at Dover Street Market.