In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable luxury, LVMH has launched Prélude, the first-ever upcycled fashion collection spearheaded by the luxury conglomerate. Unveiled on September 29th, 2024, this innovative initiative marks a significant step in LVMH's commitment to circular fashion and environmental responsibility.
Prélude, born from an in-depth reflection on creative reuse, reimagines mainly unsold products from LVMH's prestigious fashion houses, along with fabric scraps from Nona Source (a platform created through an LVMH intrapreneurship program) and weturn (a startup awarded an LVMH Innovation Award in 2022). Created under the creative direction of pioneering upcycling designer Kevin Germanier, the collection aims to produce desirable and commercial pieces while maintaining LVMH's standards of excellence and ensuring the complete anonymity of the original products in the creative process.
The collection showcases a range of innovative techniques, including strip-cutting to weave new textiles, unravelling to re-knit original pieces, and intricate crochet work. These methods not only demonstrate unprecedented creativity but also highlight the development of new skills within the luxury fashion industry.
Prélude's aesthetic is a harmonious blend of back-to-basics and avant-garde design. The images reveal striking pieces such as a shimmering silver bodysuit paired with a metallic skirt, a vibrant yellow textured top with a draped charcoal skirt, and a unique blue and yellow gradient sweater worn with tailored trousers. A standout item is a pink textured jacket with elaborate collar detailing, showcasing the collection's commitment to both sustainability and high fashion.
This initiative aligns with LVMH's LIFE 360 environmental strategy, emphasizing the group's dedication to responsible and desirable fashion. Prélude serves as a precursor to even more ambitious sustainable creations, with plans to incorporate elements from the productions of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.
By maintaining complete anonymity of the original products in the creative process, LVMH ensures that each piece in the Prélude collection is unique and innovative, setting a new standard for luxury upcycling in the fashion industry.