The Sea, The Sea. For Spring/Summer 2013 the journey of the Louis Vuitton traveller, always one both literal and metaphorical, takes to the water.

In this way, what can be thought of as the traditional nautical theme – that classic cliché of fashion – is given new meaning and life by being playfully put through the filter of pop culture; made sporting through technical sailing wear; made adventurous through the myth of the high seas; made rebellious through the language of surf culture; made languid and insouciant through a Southern French casual finesse. Ultimately all is made sophisticated in the collection by a thoroughly thoughtful and qualitative approach to each aspect.

A reconfigured idea of luxury both through artisanal handcrafted techniques and materials, together with intense technical research and contemporary fabrications leads to a confluence of textures and tastes that can be both compared and contrasted throughout the collection, and particularly features in the bags. This mixture of texture, tech and tradition is a major motif of the collection.

The signature, textured bag leather ‘Epi’ was a starting point for much of this thought. This season the leather is utilized in clothing (transformed into a neon-yellow zip jacket for one) and shoes (Epi deck shoes are the predominant footwear in the collection) as well as in its traditional role for bags. The Damier is also given a re-invention this season appearing in waterproof nylon in technical, messenger bags and also newly and chicly contrast trimmed in the signature colour of the collection, navy blue. The check also appears in its most luxurious form as the intricately pieced pattern of the shagreen mini-trunk bags. In fact the predominant thought behind many of the bags this season is the contemporary updating of the famous Louis Vuitton trunk. Here the utilitarian inner workings of the trunk can be seen to have transposed to the outer workings of the tech bags. Elements can be switched and changed while fabrications, finishes and trims are also contrasted.

Damier Ebene

Damier Ebene Cabas
Size: 6.6″ x 14.5″ x 21.2″
Colors: Blue, Orange
Price: approx. US$2450

A relaxed elegant design, the Cabas in refined Damier Ebène canvas is equally at home as a stylish city tote or as a practical weekend bag. Its light yet sturdy enough to accommodate such versatility.

The Cabas features an adjustable and removable shoulder strap, textile and calfskin cowhide leather trim, an external iPad pocket for easy access, zipped enclosure, silver-finished brass metallic pieces, 2 interior pockets one of which is zipped.

Damier Ebene Besace
Size: 16″ x 30″ x 51″
Color: Blue
Price: approx. US$3200

Messenger bags are rarely as stylish as the Besace. In beautifully reworked Damier Ebène canvas, it not only looks elegant, it can also double up as a practical bag with its generous A4 sized interior. Besace features adjustable and removable calfskin leather shoulder strap, textile and calfskin leather trim, secure buckle closing system, silver finished brass metallic pieces, textile lining and 2 interior pockets.

Damier Ebene Sac Marin
Size: 10.2″ x 20.4″ x 17.3″
Color: Blue
Price: approx. US$5000

With no less than six different carry options, the Sac Marin is ideally suited for weekends away. Reworked Damier Ebène canvas has been used to create a light yet robust backpack.

Sac Marin can be carried on the shoulder using the top or side handle, or by hand, cross-shoulder, or as a backpack. The bag features adjustable and removable shoulders straps, textile and calfskin leather trims, silver-finished brass metallic pieces, textile lining, 2 large interior pockets, 1 zipped and another 1 for iPad.

Damier Challenge

Damier Challenge Bumbag
Size: 5.5″ x 7.8″ x 12.5″ (Kaki), 3.1″ x 7.8″ x 12.5″ (Oxygène)
Colors: Kaki, Oxygène
Prices: approx. US$4900 (Kaki), approx. US$1900 (Oxygène)

The compact Bumbag in water-resistant Damier Challenge nylon canvas is so versatile, it can be worn in a couple of ways. Whether clipped around the body, over the shoulder, or carried as a clutch, it makes a suitable companion for any adventure.

The Bumbag features a calfskin and cowhide leather trim, zipped, enclosure, an exterior zipped pocket, a zipped pocket on the belt, plastic and silver-finished metallic pieces, and nylon lining. For the version in Kaki, an external pouch in Epi leather adds to the bag’s practicality.

Damier Challenge Messenger
Size: 7.4″ x 11.4″ x 18″
Colors: Kaki, Oxygène
Price: approx. US$3200

Add a splash of dazzling color with the Messenger in Damier Challenge nylon canvas. Its designed to be effortlessly practical yet immediately arresting. Messenger features fixed shoulder strap with comfortable shoulder pad, calfskin and cowhide leather trim, plastic and silver-finished metallic pieces, velcro closure, key-holder buckles, 2 external pockets with water-resistant zippers, nylon lining, and 2 internal pockets one of which is zipped.

Damier Challenge Backpack
Size: 11.8″ x 23.6″ x 12.9″
Color: Oxygène
Price: approx. US$14,600

This limited edition Backpack is perfect for all pursuits in light, bright, water-resistant Damier Challenge nylon canvas. While the addition of a detachable A4 portfolio makes it even more versatile.

The Backpack is fully adjustable with side elastic cord and eyelets. It has velcro closable belt for greater comfort, a removable zipped cap, calfskin and cowhide leather trims, plastic and silver-finished metallic pieces, 2 interior pockets, and 1 zipped pocket.

Damier Infini

Damier Infini Keepall 45 Bandoulière
Size: 7.8″ x 10.6″ x 17.7″
Colors: Yellow, Orange
Price: US$3050

Images via Louis Vuitton