During each fashion season, brands compete to deliver the most extraordinary show, and this time, Louis Vuitton stole the spotlight.
Louis Vuitton transformed the Champs Elysées into a spectacle reminiscent of Blade Runner, causing a traffic jam as approximately 5,000 pedestrians and tourists flocked to the brand’s new building at 103, the world’s most famous avenue.
Just three months ago, this monumental former bank headquarters was slated to become Dior’s new global headquarters. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Bernard Arnault, the owner of both Louis Vuitton and Dior, redirected the destiny of the building towards Louis Vuitton, now adorned with massive silvery Vuitton monograms.
Pietro Beccari, CEO of Louis Vuitton, radiated excitement as he posed with his family inside the still-under-construction building, draped in tangerine plastic sheets and a bold orange catwalk before the audience took their seats. Star arrivals were met with cheers from the crowd, including Zendaya, Saoirse Ronan, Jennifer Connelly with Paul Bettany, Cynthia Erivo in a futurist ensemble, Cate Blanchett in a checkered flag jumpsuit, Chloë Grace Moretz in all black leather, and Phoebe Dynevor in a crinkled leather cocktail dress. Alicia Vikander, Léa Seydoux, and Ana de Armas added to the floral elegance in the front row, emphasizing Vuitton’s captivating appeal.
This season, no other show generated as much excitement as Louis Vuitton, one of the 67 runway displays in the nine-day season, featuring 107 brands on the official calendar. The season concluded with two more major shows – Chanel and Miu Miu.
The models eventually graced the runway wearing an exceptionally powerful collection, a blend of futurism, French historicism, and touches of couture by Louis Vuitton’s creative director for women, Nicolas Ghesquière. The show opened with oversized baseball jackets paired with flouncy skirts, cinched with Ghesquière’s signature double-wrapped, half-tied belts.
Ghesquière seamlessly combined elements of menswear, such as Spencers, banker’s stripe shirts, and Scarlet Pimpernel stripes, with feminine touches like cinched leather corsets and miniskirts adorned with necklace prints. The collection also featured balloon-shaped plaid tops and a striking series of leather biker jackets with rolled trims and hems. The ensemble was anchored by twisted leather high-heels, resembling knotted handkerchiefs, and an array of exquisite bags. Notably, Ghesquière playfully included bags designed like vintage leather camera cases, a nod to the paparazzi world attracted by this grand show.
Enhancing the French essence of the moment, the soundtrack featured three tracks by French star Zaho de Sagazan, mirroring Ghesquière’s penchant for blending eras and influences, including synth pop, kraut rock, and Jacques Brel.
Ghesquière, who declined post-show interviews and program notes, took a humble tour of the runway in a double-breasted suit, receiving a standing ovation. Meanwhile, scores of tourists eagerly waited to enter the existing Louis Vuitton superstore at 101 Champs Elysées, fueling the world’s largest luxury brand.
This season, Nicolas Ghesquière reclaimed his status as ‘The Man’ in Paris fashion, delivering a spectacular showcase of Louis Vuitton’s grandeur.
