The French brand presented its latest offering at the dreamy Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego
The French brand presented its latest offering at the dreamy Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego
For Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2023 collection, the famed French house had the most important guest of all in attendance: the sun. Venturing stateside this season, Creative Director Nicolas Ghesquière showcased his latest offering of sporty, futuristic ready-to-wear at the sunset shrouded Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego, California.
Designed by architect Louis Khan in 1960, the institute specializes in a variety of biomedical research and served as the ideal setting for Louis Vuitton’s aptly timed collection: the concrete structure perfectly framed the sun’s beaming rays as Ghesquière’s pack of ultra-cool, warrior-like models passed between.
Opening the show in eye-catching fashion was Congolese-Belgian singer and model Lous and The Yakuza sporting a gray jacquard, floor length dress made complete by a dramatic draped hood. Then, Ghesquière toyed with proportion as a pair of voluminous gowns made casual by low-top sneakers signaled a strong start to the collection.
Ghesquière then tried his hand at separates seen in the form of ruffle mini skirts, goddess-like draped skirts, and metallic criss-cross blouses. Accessories-wise, the brand showcased reimagined monogram duffels, casual keepall shoulder bags, and a handful of ultra-sleek eyewear that are certain to make The Matrix lovers envious.
Pops of color— reflective yellow, royal blue, deep red—were transformed in the form of cropped, strong-shouldered tops, asymmetrical skirts, and tapered trousers. As always, flairs of futurism marked Ghesquière’s designs evident in the experimental silhouettes and dynamic pattern mixing.
Pointing to the beauty of the West Coast as reference, Ghesquière’s dreamy motifs were presented in conversation with the sun as they cascaded off of the collection’s main textiles: linen, jacquard, silk, leather. Rounding out the collection just as triumphantly as it began, the Frenchman’s sculptural design chops were on full display with a trio of fanning, wide shouldered metallic jackets boasting accents of reflective fringe streaming cascading beneath.
Blending science, natural scenery, and of course, Ghesquière’s contemporary design signatures, Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2023 collection was a welcomed journey to the future all the while embracing the picturesque beauty of Ja Jolla. See more from the collection, below.
Credits: Images Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
