The collection included elements like glossy riding boots, jodhpurs with faux fur cuffs, and variations on polka dots and ruffles.
Louis Vuitton has regularly picked architectural marvels across the world to perform their destination exhibitions, marking a decade of Nicolas Ghesquière’s vision. This year, Ghesquière chose the Hypostyle Room of Antoni Gaudi’s Park Güell in Barcelona, a renowned hall with mosaic ceilings. Park Güell, originally intended as a planned town, was repurposed as a park when World War I halted building and has since become a popular tourist destination alongside Gaudi’s famed Sagrada Familia.
Park Güell’s distinct aesthetics are consistent with Ghesquière’s established concepts of era-blending and time travel from his ten-year stay at Louis Vuitton. However, the show’s reference to Gaudi was restricted to the Spanish influence for the collection. In a pre-show interview, Ghesquière claimed references from notable Spanish artists such as painters Velazquez, Goya, and Zurburan, director Luis Bunuel, Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s film “As Bestas,” and the upcoming America’s Cup in Barcelona, which is sponsored by Louis Vuitton. The newest presentation opened with a minidress made of woven wool that resembled natural fibres and featured a pristine white lapel. What could have been an ordinary item was elevated to the 2024 level with Oakley-style reflective sunglasses, sharp-toed motorcycle boots, and a flat-brimmed boater hat suitable for Beyoncé.
With this assortment, Ghesquière attempted to look at all facets of Spanish life, from the rich history of the matadors to the flamenco tradition. Swishing dresses made of delicate flowers stitched together recalled folk ensembles. Gaudí’s ever-inspiring work showed up in geometric prints on flouncy cotton pants and in the shiny sequins mirroring his signature mosaics that adorned minidresses with exaggerated sleeves. Textural elements added life and depth—think fringed, plaid tweed on cut-out maxi dresses and grey lacquered straw hats. The tans, greys, and blacks juxtaposed well with the striking reds, greens, and blues often seen in the Catalan architect’s palette.
Standout accessories were undoubtedly the Yeti-inspired shoes, which mirrored the fringed gloves Ghesquière sent down the runway for fall/winter 2024. The last sequence of looks were draped, gathered, and bold, cinched low or high with large black and white leather belts. The dramatic pleating on flamenco-style dresses appeared sensual without being costumey. Instead, it was a great example of a designer riffing on history and making it his own. All in all, cruise 2025 was 100 per cent Ghesquière with a sprinkle of Spain—modern yet rooted in classicism, not unlike Gaudí’s approach to creating pieces that last a lifetime.
In an era where fashion is constantly seeking to innovate while honouring its past, Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2025 collection is a testament to the power of inspiration drawn from rich cultural histories. The choice of Parc Güell as the backdrop wasn’t merely for its aesthetic appeal but also for its embodiment of blending natural beauty with intricate design—a philosophy that Gaudí and Ghesquière seem to share. The Hypostyle Room, with its grandiose columns and mosaic ceiling, served as a perfect metaphor for the collection itself: robust and grounded yet ornately detailed.
The interplay between hard and soft elements in the collection was masterful. Minidresses with exaggerated sleeves were a nod to Gaudí’s bold architectural flourishes, while the reflective sequins and geometric prints were reminiscent of his love for broken tile mosaics. This dialogue between fashion and architecture highlights how the two art forms can inspire and enhance each other.
Moreover, Ghesquière’s attention to detail in textural elements brought a tactile dimension to the collection. The fringed, plaid tweed and lacquered straw hats weren’t just visually intriguing but invited the audience to imagine the feel and movement of each piece. This sensory engagement is crucial in fashion, making each item more than just clothing but an experience.
The use of colour also played a significant role. The earthy tans, greys, and blacks provided a neutral canvas that allowed the more vibrant reds, greens, and blues to pop. This careful curation of colour reflects the natural and built environments of Barcelona, echoing the city’s dynamic yet harmonious aesthetic.
Accessories in the collection were not mere afterthoughts but pivotal components that tied the looks together. The Yeti-inspired shoes and fringed gloves added an element of playful extravagance, while the wide leather belts provided structure and definition to the more fluid, draped pieces. These elements showcased Ghesquière’s ability to blend functionality with high fashion.
Ultimately, the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2025 collection was a triumphant showcase of Nicolas Ghesquière’s vision. By drawing inspiration from the rich cultural tapestry of Spain and the architectural genius of Gaudí, Ghesquière created a collection that is both timeless and contemporary. It’s a reminder that fashion, like all art, thrives on the fusion of the old and the new, the natural and the crafted, the simple and the intricate. In this collection, every stitch, pleat, and fringe tells a story—one that is distinctly Louis Vuitton.
