Louis Vuitton is elevating rainy-day gear – and we’re here for It

Life in the UK means coming to terms with unpredictable weather. The sun might be shining in the morning, but by mid-afternoon we’re reaching for a coat or umbrella. It’s with these fluctuating forecasts in mind that Louis Vuitton Men’s Creative Director Pharrell Williams frames his latest collection.

The Spring/Summer 2027 Men’s Pre-Collection not only addresses the question of what to wear when nature is in a mood without sacrificing style. Built around a narrative of global travel (and the shifting weather that comes with it), Williams equips his dapper tailoring with elevated weather gear, resulting in a collection that feels both functional and refined.

At the heart of the collection is the fisherman-style yellow slicker, inspired by weather reporters. Playfully nostalgic, it evokes the childhood ritual of pulling on a raincoat before a muddy walk to school. Of course, this is Louis Vuitton we’re talking about, so the house replaces flimsy plastic with glossy yellow calfskin, brightening the mood even against grey skies.

Utilitarian wear amplifies the practicality of the collection through nylon puffers and quilted leather gilets built for braving the elements, finished with suede Monogram panels that subtly elevate the functional silhouettes with refined tactility.

Elsewhere, denim takes a more literal approach to rainy-day dressing. Trompe-l’œil mud splattering on denim sets balance the rugged with the refined, while a silver-coated denim jacket evokes the look of rain-splashed surfaces – without the wet hair.

While textural experimentation has always been a hallmark of Louis Vuitton menswear, under Williams’ guidance it takes on a more playful tone. The collection embraces its most literal interpretation of the comic-book motif, with panels printed on shirts and laser-etched onto denim, telling the story of a young businessman traversing unpredictable weather from New York City to Paris. It strikes just the right note of irreverence, breaking up the often-stuffy codes of sartorial menswear and keeping it from feeling overly self-serious.

Of course, the iconic Monogram takes centre stage of the collection, adorned on everything from the signature bag lineup (blue canvas Keepalls and Speedys), as well as lining on jeans and small leather goods.