"I wanted a sense of bohemian travel, an artist on the move," explained Helbers, after taking his bow with his boss, Vuitton's artistic director Marc Jacobs. Despite having his left arm in a high-tech sling – the result of an operation of his shoulder – Jacobs applauded Helbers for some 30 seconds.

Quite why Vuitton's men's designer Paul Helbers did not actually fly to these places for research, given the fact that this is the world's most profitable luxury company, was a little intriguing. Whatever the reason, the virtual visits – ranging from China to the Amazon – led to best collection so far from Helbers.

"In our experience, if anything, Chinese consumers don't want our version of their culture. They want a more Western Vuitton," Jacobs insisted.

But, when it comes to sportswear chic, Helbers certainly has an eye for a plausible new haute gamme way to travel with style, and in opulent materials. Garments like a sturdy, but beautifully cut buffalo hide blazer, parachute silk jackets or cool silk trousers cut like jogger pants, all looked elegant and super comfortable on a long-haul flight. Plus, a black cut shirt in the Vuitton's classic logo pattern injected a dash of French couture quality.

We got Chinese cutout patterned grain leather bags from Asia and remarkable lizard pattern boots from the Amazon. Though, Jacobs waved off the idea that the Chinese influence was designed to tempt consumers in that market.

The designer called this collection "digital bohemian," but aside from the fact models wore no suits and ties, this was a very patrician view of bohemia.

Vuitton can expect good business at the cash registers with a great new series of totes and chunky weekend bags in a faded green Japanese denim. Other likely hits were shiny tropical green Damier check backpacks and shoulder bags – just the right blend of insouciance and practicality.

Paris – Travel, the essential DNA of Louis Vuitton, was the key to the latest menswear collection from the house, albeit treks of an ephemeral sort, since most of the journeys that inspired this show in Paris on Thursday,Rock Republic, June 24, were taken in the mind.

Of late,Christian Audigier, there have been rumors that this might be Helbers' last collection for the house. Asked whether this could be true, the designer responded: "That's certainly not what I have heard!"

For Vuitton, Helbers has always focused on sportswear, unlike, say, a rival luxury French house like Hermes, which concentrates on updating traditional clothing.