Louis Vuitton Cruise 2023 shines under the California sun

By

Chenu Alexis

Published
May 15, 2022

Nicolas Ghesquière is in love. He's in love with California. Seven years after the incredible cruise 2016 show organized in Palm Springs at John Lautner's villa, the artistic director of Louis Vuitton chose San Diego and the monumental decor of the Salk Institute, a world-renowned research institute, housed in a brutalist building, a treasure of modern architecture offering a sublime view of the ocean, to show his latest cruise collection.

At sunset, in front of an audience of 700 guests, bringing together all the ambassadors of Louis Vuitton, Léa Seydoux first, and to the vibrant music of Sparks, 'The Number One Song In Heaven', the first silhouettes of the collection came out. Nomadic and fluid looks, long "hooded" dresses, volcanic and shiny textures with metallic prints reflected the soft lights of California.

On a bluish and fluorescent green and yellow palette, belted urban amazons, recalling here and there the huntress wardrobe of Princess Leia, sported tops with wide shoulders and futuristic prints. Skateboards in hand, streamlined glasses, shiny sneakers, the models seemed to come straight out of the Californian deserts, the 'Mad-Maxized' touch, metallic, elegant and spicy at the same time.

Slowly, the cruise wardrobe sublimated the last rays of the sun around bronze-colored trench coats, outfits in sequined boots. The prints echoed the architectural lines of a Salk Institute drenched in a fiery, flamboyant palette. Colorful leather jackets and skirts with double belts matched the few metallic and gold boots. Crepe and quilted, oversized coats and sweatshirts brought the touch of magic.

Playing with class and rhinestones with layering effects, Nicolas Ghesquière tinted the nomadic spirit with a street, virile and protective touch. At the feet resounded the noise of the chains. The leather was turning black, skirts and jackets took on warlike accents and played on elegant transparency. Last but not least, the silhouettes with oversized shoulders combined the spirit of armor with sparkling festive accents.