Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2024 presentation, led by creative director Nicolas Ghesquière, was held on the captivating Isola Bella Island in Italy’s Lake Maggiore.
Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2024 presentation took place on the captivating Isola Bella Island in Lake Maggiore, Italy, under the guidance of creative director Nicolas Ghesquière. Renowned for their exceptional choice of venues, Louis Vuitton presented their collection against the breathtaking backdrop of Isola Bella’s enchanting botanical gardens and an impressive, multi-level fountain embellished with mythical creatures. This event made history as the inaugural fashion showcase on the island, which is privately owned by the Borromeo family and celebrated for its suspended Baroque artwork above the water.
“A Cruise that gives rise to contemporary tales, populated by drifting creatures that abandon aquatic dwellings for the discovery of terrestrial wonders,” the brand writes in the show notes, speaking to the blend of mystical and surprisingly concrete references found throughout the offerings. “The Cruise 2024 collection is a narrative of transformation. Sartorial characters that renew themselves, each in contact with the other.”
Ghesquière’s vision came to life through the collection, characterized as an exploration of the future through an “archaeological” lens, set within a surreal and ethereal ambiance. The garments radiated luxury, embracing extravagant accessories and inventive silhouettes. The fusion of underwater allure and enchanting whimsy played a pivotal role, seamlessly blending elements of cruise wear with a touch of enchantment.
The Louis Vuitton Cruise 2024 collection was meticulously crafted to withstand nature’s elements. Drawing inspiration from the show’s picturesque location, aquatic motifs permeated the designs, as waterproof neoprene materials and references to sea creatures emerged from the depths of Lake Maggiore. Pleated fins adorned the underarms and necklines, models donned goggles as if prepared for deep-sea exploration, while elaborate headpieces and jewel-adorned tops added a touch of royalty.
“Imagined as a tale of the extraordinary, the collection is open to a myriad of influences, revealing a hybrid elegance of baroque opulence and neoprene. Like Isola Bella, a ship of greenery sailing between myth and reality, Nicolas Ghesquière finds the new balance of a contemporary femininity and ultra-romance in this paradoxical notion.”
The collection aimed to weave contemporary narratives of drifting creatures discovering earthly marvels. As the models gracefully glided down the runway, thoughts of Ariel and her sisters came to mind, with sheer dresses and flowing skirts imbuing an essence of weightlessness. Furthermore, the collection drew additional inspiration from the island’s aquatic surroundings, featuring ruffled embellishments reminiscent of fins and fabrics that evoked the appearance of scuba gear. The attention to detail was extraordinary, with intricately swirled beading, opulent headpieces befitting mermaid royalty, and floral sequined print dresses that resembled stained glass when admired from a distance.
The Louis Vuitton Cruise 2024 collection also presented a departure from the neutral and hardware-focused aesthetics seen in recent seasons, embracing a lighter and brighter tone. Ghesquière introduced slouchy pastel sweaters with sheer panels, elegant satin draped mini dresses in vibrant jewel tones, and breezy culottes layered with bike shorts. Despite this shift, the designer skillfully incorporated his signature elements into the creations. Cocoon-like tops, lavishly adorned layers, and slope-sleeve blazers all made appearances, but with a relaxed and effortless style that added a touch of sci-fi-meets-Bridgerton cosplay to the overall silhouettes.
