Defining Luxury in Sneakers through LV and Balenciaga

Explore the evolving concept of luxury and examine how brands like Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga play a role in defining it.

Once regarded primarily as functional footwear for sports and casual activities, sneakers have now become coveted symbols of opulence and refinement. Leading luxury brands have infused these once humble shoes with intricate craftsmanship, premium materials, and exquisite design, transforming them into exclusive pieces of wearable art.

Two luxury brands that have taken this ethos and made it their own are: Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga. The former hails from the iconic city of Paris and holds a cherished spot among collectors and consumers, while the latter represents the epitome of Spanish luxury. Each of these esteemed houses boasts a distinctive and captivating collection, from exquisite handbags to elegant footwear.

A Spanish romance with fashion

Founded in 1919 by Cristobal Balenciaga in Spain, Balenciaga has since become the world’s leading luxury brand. Balenciaga gained prominence through his sleek and linear line designs, which revolutionized women’s fashion with a new trend.

In 1957, Balenciaga introduced ballroom hems and sack dresses, capturing everyone’s attention. Later, the brand’s signature collarbone and bracelet sleeve styles became iconic. Balenciaga’s innovative designs set them apart, with distinctive creations like tunic dresses, high-waisted baby doll dresses, balloon skirts, and high-waisted dresses and coats. These designs were worn by royals and continue to be popular among high-end customers. Over time, Balenciaga expanded its offerings to include shoes, purses, and accessories while staying true to their distinctive approach.

Among influencers and stylists, Balenciaga shoes, particularly the slip-on design, are favored as a fashion statement. The brand’s sneakers are unlike any other sports footwear, with a sock-like material and a large sole, offering an athletic appeal. Designer Demna Gvasalia’s influence on the Balenciaga sneakers has been significant, incorporating sportswear aesthetics, prioritizing comfort, and applying creative techniques to dismantle and recreate designs. These sneakers are made from polyamide, rubber, and elastane, with some trainers featuring leather, calfskin, and lambskin for a comfortable fit.

Parisian couture undergoes a transformation

In 1854, a 16-year-old Louis Vuitton established a luggage bag company in Paris upon his arrival in the city. Recognizing the need for secure and personalized travel solutions, Vuitton skillfully tailored bespoke trunks and boxes for individual clients. Over time, his reputation as an artisan grew, and he established his workshop in a prime location near Place Vendome.

With success in its luggage business, Louis Vuitton expanded into a global brand and diversified its product range, venturing into the fashion industry. The brand took a significant step in 1997 by appointing Marc Jacobs, leading to the introduction of a full-fledged fashion label beyond bags.

Collaborations worth collecting

Designer Virgil Abloh played a pivotal role in making the ‘Air Force 1 x Louis Vuitton’ collaboration iconic. Abloh, known for his involvement in various Nike collaborations, skillfully combined the significance of the ‘Air Force 1’ with the Louis Vuitton emblem and materials. Handcrafted in Fiesso d’Artico, these Louis Vuitton shoes incorporated Abloh’s signature quote marks and fabrics sourced from his Louis Vuitton men’s collections.

Balenciaga Sneaker Collaboration with Adidas

Balenciaga and Adidas collaborated to create an exciting collection that merged high fashion with streetwear. The partnership included a 33-piece collection, combining Balenciaga’s sophisticated shapes with Adidas’ famous 3-stripe motif and emblem. The collection showcased stylish outerwear, bags, and tracksuits, with the Balenciaga Triple S Sneakers embellished with Adidas symbols.

Balenciaga Sneaker Collaboration with Crocs

The collaboration between Balenciaga and Crocs was an innovative venture that received significant attention from sneakerheads. The collection featured a combination of Crocs rubber boots with Balenciaga techniques and materials, resulting in practical, durable, and chic designs. The Balenciaga x Crocs Madame 80mm Mules, priced at $850, quickly sold out in retail stores.

Balenciaga’s Collaboration with Vibram

The Balenciaga x Vibram partnership brought together unique shoe styles, incorporating Vibram’s FiveFingers toe design. These special Balenciaga shoes, named the ‘Toe Collection’, included limited edition sneakers and heels, with the shoes becoming incredibly popular, even worn by singer Rihanna. The Booties feature a calfskin leather upper and a contoured, rubber sole with an 80mm heel to elevate these running-inspired shoes.

The distinctive styles and shapes of luxury brands elevate their demand, and collaborations between brands create even more buzz, making them highly popular among customers. Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga sneakers, with their unique styles and limited editions, hold significant value and are highly profitable when resold. These sought-after luxury brands continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike. The allure of luxury sneakers continues to soar, redefining the boundaries of high fashion and captivating the hearts of fashion connoisseurs worldwide.