Dear Shaded Viewers,
On May 23rd, Louis Vuitton transported the fashion world to the enchanting Park Güell in Barcelona for the unveiling of their Cruise 2025 collection. Creative Director Nicolas Ghesquière, once again collaborating with set designer James Chinlund, transformed the stunning Hypostyle Room into a runway that resonated with Barcelona’s unique architectural character. The venue overlooking the city was the perfect setting for the collection, which is part of an ongoing celebration of Ghesquière’s 10 years at the helm.
The show kicked off with a seemingly classic minidress. Crafted from a natural-toned woven wool, featuring a crisp white lapel and ultra-modern touches layered on. Reflective sunglasses, channelling Oakley vibes, added an edge to the look. Whilst sharp-toed biker boots injected a touch of rebellion, alongside a flat-brimmed boater hat, reminiscent of Beyoncé’s iconic style, that completed the look. A nod to the 1980s, the collection featured sharp-shouldered tailoring and asymmetrical hemlines in sand-tone beige. Ghesquière, however, never dwells on the past. Soon, the collection shifted gears, embracing the era’s love for bold statements with lace, sequins, feathers, and dramatic puffball skirts.
Leather, a Louis Vuitton mainstay, was given a fresh twist. Classic Epi leather was reimagined with a high-shine metallic finish, while glossy leathers and tweeds added depth to the accessory line up. Hints of exotic materials peeked through, a subtle ode to the brand’s heritage of travel and exploration.
Drawing inspiration from Barcelona itself, Ghesquière paid homage to Spain’s rich cultural tapestry. Flowing dresses, reminiscent of town folk wear, were crafted from a surprising material: delicate, hand-stitched flowers. This delicate touch contrasted with flouncy cotton pants which were adorned with eye-catching geometric prints, inspired by Antoni Gaudí’s architectural marvels. It’s clear that the city’s architectural influence wasn’t just present in the venue, as Ghesquière’s use of bold colours and playful textures mirrored the city’s vibrant spirit.
The overall collection was a show of strength from Ghesquière, not just in the accessories and the leather goods the brand is so well known for, but in the area of ready to wear. Making this Cruise 2025 collection a statement to the world that dressing up is a casual affair.
Later,
Bethany
