Louis Vuitton Cruise 2022: the fashion show of the new women’s collection designed by Nicolas Ghesquière was staged in Axe Majeur, near Paris. The futuristic location sets the tone for the collection: a thrilling adventure along with the creative director Nicolas Ghesquière, who wants everyone to travel to the moon with him, with references that resemble the iconic LV’s collections from the 60’s. An epic futuristic art environment in the Paris province of Cergy-Pontoise designed by Dani Karavan, the collection dove head first into the themes of space and time, global and universal, and the past, present and future. “Today, with what we’re experiencing, it’s a different approach. It’s in the scale of the presentation that I can define the term ‘cruise’: making people fantasize and see what those clothes are designed for. In reality, it’s a global collection that’s totally seasonless,” Ghesquière said.
The location is simply stunning: the colossal masterpiece made by the artist Dani Karavan turns into the French maisons. A utopian area where time and space fuse together and enter into an almost symbiotic relationship with natural elements, creating a suspended moment, an illusion. “I like the concept of a stargate – an imaginary portal – that can transport us, our feelings and our wishes to someone or something we love,” Ghesquière said, referring to the Axe Majeur. “I wanted to give this jaunt of energy – a pure fashion moment in less than eight minutes – to show that those connections weren’t lost with what we experienced.”
Nicolas took inspirations from what seems like a festive parade. The Louis Vuitton Cruise 2022 collection looks consist of colourful looks, a mix of prints and details that recall the event itself, with clothes that are followed in a crescendo of joy and optimism.
The short coat in red varnish lacquer from the first release is followed by a mini dress with a sporty taste; an innovative look in 3D knitwear; bomber jackets and miniskirts with a multicoloured jacquard fabric; a striped plumage; a blazer and suit trousers with sharp silhouettes; draped evening tops and metallic cocktail dresses.
I like the concept of a stargate – an imaginary portal – that can transport us, our feelings and our wishes to someone or something we love
– Ghesquière
The accessories were not to be neglected. The bags are available in different models and materials; the soft multicolored patchwork bags are particularly unexpected for the house, but merge beautifully with the aesthetics of the collection. The shoulder straps with the new LV Monogram pattern are to die for, and the new shoes for the season bring back the sling back models, decorated with metal beads and styled with tubular bows. Last but not least, biker-inspired boots that retain femininity and artisanal savoir faire in its intricate details and in the wooden heel.
“It’s this expression of enthusiasm,” Nicolas Ghesquière told British Vogue about his collection for the final frontier. “The term ‘cruise’… I won’t say it’s dated. It has a charm. It’s the fantasy of going somewhere,” he said on a video call from Paris after the screening.
Words By Tommaso Donati, Graphic By Emily Chapillon
