Palm Springs, Rio de Janeiro, Kyoto and New York, are just some of the far-flung destinations that come to mind when picturing recent Louis Vuitton cruise presentations. Where is the travel-focused house heading next? Nicolas Ghesquière's studio.
Poetically described as a “a departure inwards,” Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2021 collection is inspired by a stationary journey of one’s own territory. Set in the surrounds of an abandoned studio, located at LV’s Pont-Neuf headquarters in Paris, the cruise collection is presented against a humble filing cabinet, a photocopier and empty clothes rails; objects that have become almost nostalgic for those of us still working from home.
This familiar, yet faraway, setting serves as a blank canvas for the clothes and accessories which take us on a lighthearted adventure. Inspired by a game of cards, the cruise line-up (titled “Game On”) uses graphic motifs such as clubs, hearts, spades and diamonds to decorate covetable bags and colour-block dresses.
Playing with illusion and fantasy, the designs blur the lines between the house’s monogram flowers and the four suits of a card deck to reveal a more frivolous side to fashion (in a time when we need it most). While the playing card carriers are a particular highlight, the cargo pants, frilly collars and sailor-striped leggings are also noteworthy.
Here, Ghesquière reimagines cruise wear for the woman who isn’t jetting off to JKF, but focused on the everyday; showcasing something for work, a local city break or a trip to a nearby gallery. The cruise 2021 collection offers wearable silhouettes and playful styles, which prove to be a winning combination.
