rain logo
Soft Power: The Buttersoft Sneaker by Louis Vuitton x j-hope
news

Soft Power: The Buttersoft Sneaker by Louis Vuitton x j-hope

19 May 2026

By The Fashion Editorial Team

Launched globally on April 30, Louis Vuitton unveils its latest boundary-pushing creation: the LV Buttersoft Sneaker, designed in collaboration with K-pop icon j-hope. Conceived as a 2000s skate-inspired silhouette by Menswear Creative Director Pharrell Williams, the design was originally imagined as a custom piece for the BTS star, now reintroduced to a global audience.

Blending ease with elevated craftsmanship, the Buttersoft sneaker champions comfort without compromising luxury. Crafted in exquisite Italian leather and finished with hand-painted detailing, the shoe delivers a softened, almost tailored sensibility. Its layered rubber outsole and ultra-soft calf suede upper echo j-hope’s warmth and personality. Wide woven laces, adorned with a Monogram cloche-clé, are printed with the phrase “Your, My Hope,” a subtle yet intimate nod to the artist’s identity and connection with fans.

LOUIS-VUITTONXj-hope-LV-BUTTERSOFT-SNEAKER-IMAGE-1-1779218499723

j‑hope in Louis Vuitton, featuring the Buttersoft Sneaker. Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

Rich in detail, the design incorporates signature Louis Vuitton elements with personal symbolism. A textile label borrowed from the Speedy P9 appears beneath the tongue, while an embossed leather patch on the outer side marks the exclusive capsule. Hidden beneath the heel’s enchape, a discreet set of charms, squirrel and acorn emblems, offer a quiet tribute recognizable to fans.

Since joining the House as an ambassador in 2023, j-hope’s creative energy has captured Louis Vuitton’s spirit of innovation and artistry. First unveiled in December 2025, the collaboration culminates in a worldwide release on April 30th, following an exclusive pre-launch in South Korea on March 25th and marking a global moment for the House and the artist.