Louis Vuitton’s Paris Fashion Week Extravaganza: A Journey Through Time and Imagination
1. A Night to Remember: Louis Vuitton’s Grand Fashion Show
Just days after the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb near Paris’ Gare du Nord made headlines, the city’s attention shifted to a different kind of spectacle: Louis Vuitton’s highly anticipated fashion show during Paris Fashion Week. On Monday evening, the brand transformed the historic Gare du Nord into a backdrop of elegance and creativity, showcasing its latest ready-to-wear collection. The event was nothing short of extraordinary, with designer Nicolas Ghesquière’s runway presentation igniting a frenzy of both excitement and imagination. As Ghesquière took his final bow, the audience erupted into applause, with French first lady Brigitte Macron even rising to her feet to give him a kiss—a rare display of public enthusiasm from the typically composed public figure.
2. The Setting: A Hidden Station Steeped in Mystery
The show was held in a historic 1845 building originally constructed for the Compagnie du Nord railway company. Louis Vuitton described the venue as “L’Étoile du Nord,” or “The Star of the North,” a secret station where past and future travelers converge. This setting was meticulously transformed into a grand train station waiting room, evoking the golden age of railway travel. The atrium’s upper windows featured shadowy projections of ghostly figures, creating an eerie yet captivating nod to Vuitton’s roots. The brand’s history is deeply intertwined with the dawn of the Orient Express and haute couture, when luxurious travel required elaborate wardrobes and, of course, Vuitton’s iconic trunks. The setting perfectly encapsulated the themes of travel, anticipation, and adventure that define Louis Vuitton.
3. Front-Row Glamour: A Star-Studded Audience
The event attracted a plethora of A-list celebrities and fashion insiders, all seated front-row to witness Ghesquière’s latest masterpiece. Among them were Emma Stone, Jennifer Connelly, Ana de Armas, Chloë Grace Moretz, Lisa, Jaden Smith, Ava DuVernay, and Sophie Turner. The audience watched in awe as the runway came to life, blending the past with the present in a cinematic celebration of fashion. The choice of location and theme was a deliberate nod to Vuitton’s legacy, highlighting the brand’s role in shaping the art of travel and style.
4. A Cinematic Runway: Ghesquière’s Narrative of Journeys
Nicolas Ghesquière, known for his cinematic approach to fashion, crafted a narrative that transported the audience to train stations both real and imagined. The runway was a celebration of different characters and journeys, with models dressed as detectives in trench coats, campers in bulky New Wave sweaters, and party girls rushing to catch the last train in ruched velvet. The collection was a testament to Ghesquière’s ability to weave together filmic inspirations, from classic whodunits to fantasies and comedies. One standout piece was a deep fuchsia tulle skirt with layered cascades, paired with a contemporary architectural knit top and sleek, futuristic hairstyles. The look was a masterful fusion of centuries-old elegance and modern innovation.
5. When the Collection Hit a Bump
While the collection was rich in storytelling, some looks felt a bit off track. A particular ensemble—one that combined an oversize fisherman’s hat, an enveloping scarf, a shapeless dress, and a misplaced horizontal belt buckle—left even seasoned fashion insiders scratching their heads. The styling, while ambitious, occasionally veered into chaos. However, other pieces, such as fluid, translucent trench coats and cleverly constructed jumpsuits, showcased Ghesquière’s brilliance. The problem seemed to lie in the balance between artful dishevelment and mere haste, with some looks feeling overworked.
6. A Synthesis of Fashion and Music: The Kraftwerk Collaboration
One of the standout moments of the show came from a capsule collection inspired by the electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk. This collaboration seamlessly merged Louis Vuitton’s travel heritage with Kraftwerk’s vision of modernity and movement. The band’s iconic song “Trans-Europe Express” adorned pinstriped jumpsuits and accessories, emphasizing the rhythm and flow of the journey. To complement the collection, Vuitton also revived its 1988 ceramic-bezel watch, a nod to precision in both travel and design.
As the last model exited the transformed train station set, the audience was left pondering whether Ghesquière, after 11 years at the helm of Louis Vuitton, has begun to lose steam. While this season’s collection was undeniably evocative, it occasionally lacked a clear destination. Yet, the sheer creativity and ambition of the show left no doubt that Ghesquière still has so much to offer. For now, the journey continues—and we’re all excited to see where he takes us next.
