For this season, creative director Nicolas Ghesquière asked his studio, “What is French style?”
Inside a ballroom of the Musée d’Orsay on Monday, Louis Vuitton sent its Fall/Winter 2023 collection down a runway installation, crafted by Philippe Parreno and James Chinlund, that mimicked a cobblestone Paris Street, with the sounds of the hustling-and-bustling French capital in its backdrop. Designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, the line concocted a cosmopolitan character that was pushed forward by its cityscape context. He posed the question — “What is French style?” — to the young designers in his studio, which boasts talent from across the globe. Their answers were wide-spanning, and thus, in the spirit of championing French pride, so was the collection.
“The idea was creating a reflection of the current state of modern Paris and France and kind of creating this live document of the street.” Read a video narrative in the brand’s Instagram teaser. “We talked about capturing these ghosts, this vibration of this moment in Paris.”
“What is the French style? The question itself is an enigma, kindling endless fascination. An irresolute fashion residing above an oxymoronic foundation of audacious tradition. An evolutive fashion, like the palimpsest of multiple currents from all over, in which couture conventions embrace an astonishing mix of cultures to become what is known as the French exception. This style of ineffable magnetism still intrigues the world; that too is paradoxical: sophistication with a dilettante’s air. French allure is a trompe l’oeil. The French touch never fails to captivate.” – From Louis Vuitton.
On the runway, the designer focused on playing with volumes of clothing and trompe l’oeil effects. He also wanted to reinterpret formalwear to create a fresh French silhouette by reverting to a lot of classic, wearable tailoring but still applying his own singular creativity and luxury style. He even introduced some 1920s-inspired footwear to some looks. Besides, Nicolas presented draped elegant blazers, leather coats, knit scarves, trompe l’oeil dresses, suits packed with scarves and attached to sports coats, and thick knits formed both angular dresses and cardigans alike. He also emphasised creating his designs by paying attention to details, as well as, distinctive fabric combinations, including sequined, leather jeans painted with pinstripes, glittering beaded dresses, and web-like three-dimensional shape dresses with thousands of metal coils. Certain elements and bold accessories were also included in some of the pieces, such as pointed collars, important shoulders, belts in the waist, rounded shapes with rounded sleeves, luminous glasses as futuristic elements, and more. Fashion design certainly wrapped vintage and glamorous style.
Apart from the incredible collection, a long list of stars attended the front row to witness the runway show, including Zendaya, Alicia Vikander, Lea Seydoux, Antonella Roccuzzo, Chiara Ferragni, Venus Williams, Jaden Smith, Rayssa Leal, Bailey Bass, Sarah Catherine Paulson, Emma Stone, Bernard Arnault, Deepika Padukone, and recently named “artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear” designs last month Pharrell Williams was also in attendance.
For instance, Deepika Padukone, who’s been a global brand ambassador for the label, also attended the Louis Vuitton’s Fall-Winter 2023 front-row. For the occasion, Deepika was seen wearing a black faux-leather structured black mini blazer dress. She teamed this head-turning look with a pair of textured black stockings, a black handbag, and sleek thigh-high boots. For glam, she opted for Smokey eye shadow, kohled eyes, black eyeliner, bronzed cheeks, and nude lip colour. She left her curled hair open, adding to the gothic appeal of her look.
Take a closer look at the Louis Vuitton’s Fall-Winter 2023 collection below.
