Nicolas Ghesquière has a tender spot for Barcelona. The French designer chose the historic Spanish city as the location for a number of major events this season, starting with the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2025 show, which took place in Antoni Gaudí’s mosaic-covered Park Güell (a choice befitting the architecture-loving Ghesquière) on May 23. The performance is a warm-up of sorts, the beginning of a summer extravaganza that includes an LV pop-up kiosk and event, an educational program and the grand finale, a sailing extravaganza also known as America’s Cup Louis Vuitton 37 August 22. On February 27 interview in collaboration with Women’s Wear Daily, Pietro Beccari, president and CEO of Louis Vuitton, predicted that the latest Cruise collection “will capture in the most definitive way Louis Vuitton’s long-standing relationship with Barcelona and the Catalonia region.”
It seems he was true to his word, as the collection and set (designed by James Chinlund) evoked the drama of the cultural epicenter, from askew boleros to caped outerwear, lace-covered gowns and ruffled skirts. Indeed, Spain’s romantic influence on the Venerable World is sprinkled throughout the brand’s latest iteration, skillfully combined with current and futuristic elements – another signature Ghesquière strategy – such as prismatic shield sunglasses, light-reflecting patent footwear and gigantic, armor-like jackets with rounded statement accents. arms.
(+)
(+)
The increasingly popular bubble skirt, which quietly appeared on the catwalks last year, has been given the Louis Vuitton treatment. Balloon mini dresses and skirts with puffy bottoms are combined with atmospheric colors. In fact, Ghesquière took the on-trend style a step further with oversized, cropped versions of the jodhpur pants, which were also recently featured in Altuzarra’s fall/winter 2024 collection. For his latest installment, the French designer styles long bubble shorts with thigh-high riding boots , topped with an accordion-style strapless top with a belt for an elegant finish.
Accessories were a robust point of the Cruise 2025 collection. In addition to the previously mentioned wide-brimmed hats and space sunglasses, constant elements throughout the 20-minute procession were elegant leather belt bags with criss-cross details, wide waist sashes, gigantic fan-inspired brooches and iridescent ankle boots with fringes.
As a whole, the collection featured a mostly neutral palette that ranged – and started – from tender white, beige and heather gray to deeper shades of charcoal, navy blue, black and silver. Pops of color and metallic accents crept into statement draped blouses, studded waist belts and a fresh structured handbag that was shown in a spirited yellow shade. Fun accents also appeared in print, with lighthearted polka dot and check patterns on dresses and suits.
Here are the most compelling TZR products from the Louis Vuitton holiday collection.
