The evolution of chunky dad sneakers was a slow one. From sports brands like Adidas developing the early ones to high-end brands like Balenciaga embracing them, chunky sneakers are still here to stay — at least for Spring/Summer 2018. That was proven solid with the Louis Vuitton Archlight Sneaker, a prominent feature in the brand’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection.
Most designers would incorporate the chunky sneaker into athleisure outfits. However, Nicolas Ghesquière went the other direction by making his models walk the runway in 18th-century French aristocratic-inspired garments. It was a fusion of past eras and modern-day trends, bringing to mind an 18th-century retro-future spectacle.
If there’s one word to describe Ghesquière’s interpretation of the chunky sneaker trend, it’s “exaggerated”. At a glance, the unusual silhouette is obvious. The turbo design sneaker has a wavy oversized sole and an exaggerated high tongue.
Yet, the design remains feminine (chunky mom sneakers, maybe?) with a low ankle cut, while the wave detail on the oversized sole gives an elongated illusion.
Despite channelling modern street style vibes, Louis Vuitton remains true to its high fashion identity by incorporating luxe details into the Archlight Sneaker. Calf leather and the iconic LV monogrammed canvas are used to craft the upper part of the sneaker. A mix of technical fabrics is included, making the shoes comfortable and flexible on top of being aesthetically astute.
Down on the soles, Ghesquière fashioned a high and bouncy outsole, giving both stability and height to its wearer — something not many sneakers can provide, other than the unfortunate sneaker wedge trend circa 2012. Comfort is further elevated with a padded insock.
Maybe colourful sneakers aren’t your thing. That was kept in mind, which is why the Archlight Sneaker is available in multiple colourways. From retro white-yellow-blue combinations to the cool all-black sneaker, the range is plenty. All these qualities combine to bring you the chunky sneaker trend that you’ll not want to take off this Spring/Summer 2018.
PohNee Chin
Editor, Kuala Lumpur
Poh Nee is the editor and writes about travel and drinks. When she's not living out her holiday dreams via Google Earth and sipping on an Old Fashioned down at the local bars, you can find her snug at home bingeing on Netflix and mystery fiction.
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