Taking all our post-pandemic travel plans to a whole new level, Nicholas Ghesquière cruise collection for Louis Vuitton executes his vision for space tourism. The resort line, Space Colony, is far from your easy-breezy floral vacation trousseau. Think structure, colours, shoulder pads and futuristic prints for this one.
Image via: Louis Vuitton
Even the choice of location plays its part in his advanced imagination. With no prior theatrics, the runway show begins at the monumental masterpiece Axe Majeur, near Paris. Designed by the late artist Dani Karavan, it expresses her innovative architectural concept through 12 large open-air installations. Blending the power of water, light, wind, sand, concrete, stone and steel; these sculptures are accurately positioned to depict the interconnection between nature, space and time. Connected to the gigantic red bridge, which served as a never-ending platform for the models to strut on, created an illusion of a portal that leads to a different world.
Image via: Louis Vuitton
Drawing from his childhood in the 80s, Ghesquière’s idea of futurism stems out of the sci-fi content he watched and the comic books he read during that era. Imagine Star Trek but as space cowboys in 2021. Right from the palette to the fit; each element went beyond what met the eyes, with details smartly executed around its escapist theme.
Image via: Louis Vuitton
The chosen opening look was a fiery red leather coat, styled with a pink monogrammed cross-body Louis Vuitton bag, setting the tone for the travellers waiting to catch the next spaceship. Followed by parachute pleated dresses, balloon-styled mini numbers, cape-like coats, textured shackets, animal printed bombers, metallic trousers, faux-fur sleeved blouses and American marching band inspired broad-shouldered jackets.
Image via: Louis Vuitton
Apart from the funky-yet-functional silhouettes, the combination of vibrant prints of images from a basketball court and a roadside motel designed within an alien landscape added to the eccentric composition of the whole presentation. No mention of a Louis Vuitton show is complete without speaking about the new accessories they’ve launched on the radar. Colour-blocked, country-style, calf-length boots were a common memo amongst all the looks. The bags ranged from pillowy mini totes to boxy sling with chunky chains and checkered details.
Image via: Louis Vuitton
In his signature way, Nicholas managed to create an alternate reality of wearable clothes; by defining a sharp line between costume and clothing regardless of the inspiration.
