The very essence of Louis Vuitton is steeped in the artistry of exploration. Tracing its roots to the nascent days of the brand, when Louis embarked on his odyssey to Paris, chasing the tendrils of his aspirations, eventually birthing the iconic Louis Vuitton Travel Trunk. Travel, an ever-pervading motif in the Maison’s narrative. For the Women’s Spring/Summer 2024 compilation, Nicolas Ghesquière delved deep into the intrinsic fabric of Louis Vuitton’s DNA—the very tapestry woven with the threads of travel.
In the parlance of Ghesquière, “Vuitton epitomizes opulence but transcends mere aesthetics; it serves a purpose: to elevate the journey. Wearability becomes pivotal in garments.” Indeed, Louis Vuitton seamlessly amalgamates haute couture with utility, a testament glaringly evident in this groundbreaking collection. The runway spectacle unfolded at the iconic Champs-Élysées in Paris, a collaborative endeavor with James Chinlund crafting an immersive panorama, immersing attendees into a realm of awe. The venue, a mirroring rendition of a hot air balloon, both internally and externally. Reflecting on the spectacle, one is compelled to scrutinize the utilitarian essence of the attire, the meticulous nuances, and Ghesquière’s wellspring of inspiration.
At its core, this exhibition epitomized a theme of weightlessness, not just in design but in the emotional resonance it conjured. A homage to an unlabored grace, the garments crafted for unburdened elegance. Elongated skirts swayed with a delicate grace as models traversed the catwalk, accompanied by silk blouses radiating an ethereal, unencumbered aura. Substantial belts and leather bomber jackets injected an essence of utilitarian sophistication. And, unmistakably, Ghesquière’s distinctive contours and forms, epitomized by the balloonesque jackets, punctuated the collection.
A prominent facet of the Women’s Spring/Summer 2024 compilation is the array of prints; from perpendicular and parallel stripes to houndstooth and a chessboard motif, Ghesquière articulates a profound sartorial statement come spring. Presented henceforth are glimpses of our favored ensembles from the Louis Vuitton runway exposition, and for those who missed the live manifestation, indulge in the visual tapestry below.
