Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2024 Line Brings Italian Culture And Fantasy To The Runway
Isola Bella is an ethereal island that is a part of the Borromean Islands in Lago Maggiore. Looking at the island, it is understandable why Nicolas Ghesquière, women’s creative director at Louis Vuitton, chose this fantastical place.
Photo: Alessandro Lucioni via Vogue Runway
Ghesquière took inspiration from the lake itself. Surrounded by fairy-tale villages with unique cultures that differentiate themselves from the Italian mainland.
We’ve all heard stories of lakes and the mythical creatures, out-of-this-world monsters that inhabit and hunt their waters, which have inspired countless of tales and this time around a fashion show.
A site that breathes mystery and exhales tradition. The unknown of the lake and the hypothetical creatures that could live there where the main inspiration, perfect fro Louis Vuitton as the lake is also synonym for Italian luxury and beauty.
“I was very attracted by the story around the lake, its fairy-tale creatures. The feeling they are coming out of the water, they are the explorers of the lake, beautiful creatures, almost like the mythological lake mermaids with dragon wings.”
The lake and its infinite amount of inspiration has a rich history, from being a fisherman town to being bought by the Borromeos who transformed the whole island into a baroque oasis.
“Honestly, I could have done 15 collections with this environment.”
Photo: Alessandro Lucioni via Vogue Runway
While being in one of Italy's most beautiful spots, he wanted to use the culture and its history and relay that to the audience.
Photo: Alessandro Lucioni via Vogue Runway
After the fin-like looks that begin the show, the models seem to become more human-like with more dresses and boots coming out on the runway. Additionally, there was a very feminine aspect to these garments with light and airy fabrics and lighter colors that matched the model’s skin tones perfectly.
As the end of the show nears, the models morphed into more majestic beings, with voluminous and detailed gowns. The gowns were more pastel colors than bright and vibrant, giving an elegance and subtle dominance. “These are characters that could be in a movie, and I like the idea of pairing the ordinary with the extraordinary,” Ghesquière said.
Photo: Louis Vuitton
Some of the celebrities in the audience included Oprah Winfrey, Emma Stone, Jaden Smith, and Gemma Chan. After the show, Gemma Chan commented,
“I loved the headpieces and the showstopping gowns at the end, it was incredible and I have already got my eyes on a few things.”
