Louis Vuitton Fall Winter 2024-25 Fashion Show

In the vibrant heart of Paris, anticipation swirled as the fashion world geared up for a monumental occasion: Nicolas Ghesquière's 10-year anniversary at the helm of Louis Vuitton. With the city abuzz with rumors and speculation, the event promised to be a spectacle of style and innovation.

The attendance of France's First Lady, Brigitte Macron, known for her affinity for Louis Vuitton attire during official duties, had everyone talking. Adding to the glamour, Blackpink's Lisa Manoban, previously a face for Celine, was also among the expected guests. The rumors held true, setting the stage for an eventful evening.

Despite the star-studded guest list, the entrance scene was unusually calm, perhaps attributed to the presence of a police officer stationed nearby with a machine gun – a silent sentinel at the fashion fortress. Guests entered a transparent tent in the Louvre Museum's courtyard, swiftly ushered to their seats in a meticulously orchestrated manner.

The ambiance was otherworldly. A bright, spaceship-like light periodically swept over the crowd, part of a sci-fi installation by artist Philippe Parreno at the room's heart. The majority of the 4,000 guests, however, were seated around the room's periphery, away from the center's pulsating orb.

Ghesquière's personal touch was evident in the typewritten notes left on each seat, reminiscent of his first show for the brand. These notes, signaling his recent contract renewal and ongoing journey with Vuitton, set a tone of introspection and anticipation.

The collection itself was a nuanced reflection of Ghesquière's tenure at Vuitton. It wasn't a mere retrospective but a distilled essence of his vision. Futuristic sportswear, like the two-tone windbreaker with its curved zipper, and a silver flight suit marked with scarification, showcased his knack for reinventing the everyday with a hint of tomorrow. The show also featured K-pop star Felix from Stray Kids, adding a layer of global pop culture appeal.

Brigitte Macron's favored tailoring was on full display with pieces like a steel gray skirt suit with curved shoulder pads, resonating with her sophisticated style. In contrast, a pearl-gray satin coat with feather-like embroidery harked back to the brocade frocks of the spring 2018 collection, exemplifying Ghesquière's ability to weave historical references into modern designs.

The collection pushed boundaries with its audacious embroidered jackets and stark leather skirts, alongside enigmatic pieces like the feather shrug of dramatic proportions. Each piece, though baffling in isolation, contributed to the tapestry of Ghesquière's vision.

Yet, the elusive Ghesquière remained a mystery, absent from post-show interviews for five years. His silence only adds to his enigma, a paradoxical blend of high visibility and quiet introspection in the loud world of luxury fashion.

For those eager to delve into his creative process, Louis Vuitton's YouTube series, “Nicolas Ghesquière: Shaping Fashion,” offers a glimpse into his world. But the palpable sense of exclusivity at the event left many feeling like outsiders looking in, especially as the press was gently guided away from the post-show celebrations.

In a fashion landscape often dominated by loud voices and bold statements, Ghesquière's quiet, yet impactful, presence at Louis Vuitton remains a testament to his unique position in the fashion world – visible yet unheard, influential yet introspective.