The conversation that streetwear and high fashion are basically the same thing is more and more relevant in 2017. While those who wouldn't spend $700 on a tee shirt might argue " no it's not," the fact that you could buy very convincing Louis V x Supreme sneakers (even though this product doesn't 'officially' exist), proves otherwise.
In sneaker head terms, Gucci has been a big inspiration for the past couple years. In recent months though, an even older high fashion company is finding itself in the affection of sneaker heads. That would be Louis Vuitton, arguably most powerful fashion house in the world. Specifically, the infamous LV monogram has been plastered on sneakers. So the question, what appeal does a 163 year old French fashion house have with the sneaker head and streetwear set? Maybe a better questions is how much power does a logo hold?
Now it's no understatement to say LV is old and powerful. In terms of history, the company was founded in 1854 by its namesake as a luxury luggage company. As his business grew, Vuitton began putting a specific monogram, the LV on his luggage so clientele could make it known that they were carrying their clothes in only the best suitcases and trunks (brand marketing, right?).
Roughly 163 years later, the company is a coveted luxury fashion house with an estimated $28 billion valuation. So to say LV is one the biggest player in high fashion is understatement at the very least, but their status in the high fashion world has long since been something of myth and inspiration for aspiring street wear brands.
This relationship between runway and sidewalk came to a natural head when head designer collaborated with seminal New York brand/skate shop Supreme. In it's own terms, Supreme is like the Louis Vuitton of streetwear, with a big warchest, an extremely dedicated fanbase, and a long list of collaborators that includes some of the most well-known artists in the world.
When Supreme's iconic logo, a red and white Barbara Kruger-inspired typography was combined with the LV monograph, people lost their minds. The funny thing about this meeting of the fashion minds is that it's not particularly groundbreaking, both logos are extremely simple together and individually. But perhaps that's not the point, a logo represents a culture and the two of them together represent the point when streetwear and fashion became the same thing.
(Source: @stylobrand)