ARCHITECURE AND HERITAGE OF SPAIN
Nicolas Ghesquière’s latest masterpiece unfolded against a breathtaking backdrop: Barcelona’s Park Güell, the whimsical architectural playground of Antoni Gaudí. This synergy between designer and location perfectly captured the essence of the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2025 collection – a vibrant tapestry woven from Spanish heritage and the Maison’s signature forward-thinking style.
Celebrities such as Sophie Turner, Jennifer Connelly, Pharrell Williams, Cynthia Erivo, Helen Lasichanh, Pietro Beccari, Elisabetta Beccari, Chloë Grace Moretz, Saoirse Ronan, Naomi Osaka, Ana de Armas, Stacy Martin, Este, Danielle, and Alana Haim, Jaden Smith, Léa Seydoux, and Phoebe Dynevor attended the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2025 Collection by Nicolas Ghesquière at the Park Güell in Barcelona.
It was a captivating dialogue between the Maison’s modern spirit and the vibrant heritage of Spain. Staged within the awe-inspiring Hypostyle Room of Barcelona’s Park Güell – Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical architectural masterpiece – the collection unfolded like a symphony of contrasts and exquisite details.
The show, bathed in the warm glow of the Hypostyle Room, set the tone for a journey of contrasts. Ghesquière’s signature sharp & crisp tailoring with distinctive shoulders, a hallmark of Ghesquière’s vision, juxtaposed with the flamboyant spirit of Spain. But these weren’t your typical boardroom suits.
Think 80s-inspired power suits evident in the asymmetrical hemlines, sharing the runway with flamenco-tinged polka dots and flowing picador pants. Black and white formed a chic foundation, punctuated by bursts of color – royal blue, fiery red, and emerald green – reminiscent of Gaudí’s mosaic masterpieces.
Spanish influences permeated the collection, far beyond mere aesthetics. Sombreros cordobés hats, a nod to traditional Andalusian headwear, lacquered for a touch of modernity, tilted playfully atop models’ heads. Equestrian details like riding boots and jodhpur pants added a touch of Amazonian allure, further accentuated by sculptural earrings. These elements, however, weren’t mere appropriations; they were skillfully reimagined through Ghesquière’s futuristic lens. The equestrian elements were juxtaposed with futuristic touches – sleek, metallic sunglasses and garments with architectural shapes that seemed to nod to Gaudí’s organic forms.
“Even more than an architect, Antoni Gaudí is like a land unto himself that, to this day, continues to come into its own in the city of Barcelona,” the brand wrote in a statement about the collection. “The idea of a legacy in constant mutation suits Louis Vuitton. Staged within this incomparable architectural organism, the 2025 Cruise collection is steeped in the flourishing culture of Spain. As if in homage to such opulent purity, the Maison’s rigorous spirit embraces the country’s passionate character. The fervor of its colours, its loyalty to tradition elevated into artistic expression, dark and light that never appear contradictory. In sum: a style, an art of traveling, enriched by the specialness of a different land and the way one makes it one’s own; a journey of discovery.”
The collection wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a conversation starter. Ghesquière paid homage to Spanish art history, drawing inspiration from the masters like Velázquez, Goya, and Zurbarán. Sensuous sheaths and moodier tones evoked their works, adding depth and intrigue to the collection. This wasn’t a one-sided affair; Ghesquière also paid tribute to the innovative spirit of Spanish fashion, with a subtle nod to Paco Rabanne in a deconstructed lace skirt. Ghesquière paid homage to the rich tapestry of Spanish art history.
Nicolas Ghesquière reflected, “What particularly intrigued me was the oxymoron of flamboyant austerity that is so palpable in this country. The chivalric spirit. The Moorish influences. And specifically Zurbaran, for his fantastic use of color, the admirable drapery, the chiaroscuro, and this very luminous black.”
The finale was a crescendo of color and movement. Enormous, billowing skirts in silk faille cascaded down the runway, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors against the surreal backdrop of Park Güell. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an ethereal glow, the garments seemed to transform, leaving a lasting impression.
Ghesquière’s Cruise 2025 is a testament to his mastery of storytelling through fashion. It’s a collection that celebrates travel and discovery, taking us on a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Spanish culture, reimagined for the modern woman, a woman who is both powerful and free-spirited.
