For the occasion, Nicolas Ghesquière conceived a collection that embraced a greater sense of softness, characterised by draped designs and vibrant hues, showcased before a celebrity-studded front row.
Set to the tunes of French singer-songwriter Zaho de Sagazan, the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2024 collection came to life within the walls of 103 Champs-Élysées Avenue, presently undergoing renovation to accommodate the impending Louis Vuitton project. The fashion world has been buzzing with questions about the grand plans for this Art Nouveau-style building, and Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton’s creative director of womenswear, shed some light on the subject during his spring women’s fashion show.
Ghesquière’s Spring/Summer 2024 presentation is, to put it mildly, transportive – inherently in the spirit of travel that the Maison clearly enjoys in all of its storytelling. Initially, the initial few glimpses entice you to explore a new environment. The soft billowing shapes, particularly the long flowing skirts with two separate designs and charmeuse, provide a sense of lightness and magic. The deliberate layering of black over white, plaids over stripes, and dark over light has a whimsical feel to it.
Ghesquière showed the huge idea for this new Louis Vuitton pavilion while taking over the building site for his show. It will be a hybrid idea built by famous architect Peter Marino that will include a retail, a cultural venue, and a hotel. This multifunctional facility aspires to be a hub for all parts of the Louis Vuitton brand, including cultural, artistic, economic, and hospitality components. Ghesquière emphasised the relevance of luxury brands in all aspects of entertainment, designing locations that provide a comprehensive brand experience.
This captivating set design, bathed in the warm glow of summer light, transports guests into the world of Louis Vuitton and immerses them in the wonderful environment. Ghesquière’s enormous vision and ability to transport them into a realm of timeless perfection left attendees speechless.
“Vuitton is about function; it’s a luxury that aims to serve, to make travel an exhilarating experience,” Ghesquière shares, reflecting on the brand’s inherent romance with journeys. Louis Vuitton, after all, is a narrative not just of luxury but of explorative elegance, where the artistry of clothing merges with the practicality of travel.
Nicolas Ghesquière’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection for Louis Vuitton weaves a compelling narrative. Each ensemble graced the runway can be likened to a visual sonnet, enchanting onlookers with its delicate beauty.
Mousseline and charmeuse fabrics move with ethereal grace, while the combination of bomber jackets and silk blouses exudes a breezy elegance. These designs were adorned with leather belts positioned low on the hips and off-the-shoulder corset tops, epitomising a fearless pursuit of innovation.
Ghesquière reflects on the grandeur of the space, acknowledging its historical significance while embracing the excitement of the future. His visionary prowess as a fashion architect allows him to seamlessly incorporate the poetic essence of the Élysée Palace’s walls into every intricate stitch and fold of fabric.
The Parisian elegance of yesteryears, characterised by patrons with trolleys laden with Vuitton luggage, is not just a nostalgic memory but a profound inspiration. Ghesquière’s Spring/Summer 2024 line effortlessly merges luxurious ease with unstructured jackets and taffeta shirt dresses, embodying the essence of Louis Vuitton’s craftsmanship. Sumptuous, elegant, and effortless, each piece reflects the extraordinary journey that Louis Vuitton embarks upon with every creation.
VIP guests such as Zendaya and Regina King attended this extraordinary unveiling – a spectacle where fashion and history converge in perfect harmony. Nicolas Ghesquière’s creations, whether it is a fully beaded jumpsuit with slip-like ease or the impeccably laser-cut jackets, beautifully blend the legacy of Louis Vuitton with its unwavering focus on the future.