Nicolas Ghesquière has a flair for the dramatic. Through his decade-long tenure at the emblematic house of Louis Vuitton, he has orchestrated some of the most palatial runway shows at fantastical destinations which include the Palm Springs, the Niterói Art Museum in Rio and Louis Kahn’s Salk Institute in San Diego.
For the Louis Vuitton cruise 2024 show, the prolific creative director chose the terraced gardens of Isola Bella, a private island in Lake Maggiore that has belonged to Italy’s Borromeo clan for 500 years. Surrounded by tranquil lakes, the mountainous landscape left plenty to the imagination.
Show attendees were ferried to the spectacular venue, all eagerly anticipating Ghesquière’s vision for the season. In attendance were Hollywood names such as Oprah Winfrey and Cate Blanchett, amongst media from all over the world and some of the brand’s biggest customers. The mystical nature of the location was perhaps a hint for what was to come: an exploration of aquatic flora and fauna.
The show kicked off with separates that referenced scuba gear, from streamlined bodycon silhouettes to fin-like collars. Water droplet embellishments were also present in many of the looks, along with sequinned-skirts that were reminiscent of scales on mermaid tails. Neoprene suits were layered under luxurious robes, while various renditions of diving jackets offered the voluminous structure we have come to expect from Ghesquière.
Following the selection of diving ensembles was an array of light and soft dresses. Made of delicate silk, lace and organza, these dresses gently draped against the wearer’s body, providing a streamlined shape that flared out slightly towards the spiralled hem. Several pieces came with pillowed sleeves that were designed to resemble moss and corals found on the sea bed.
The colour palette was expectedly vibrant, with piercing shades of bright orange and navy juxtaposed against softer hues of pastel green and pink. As for accessories, theatrical baroque headpieces featuring feathers and ornate detailing proved the statement of the evening. There were several of the house’s signature bags as well, from the iconic GO-14 bag in new quilted detailing to the Atlantis bucket tote that made a triumphant return.
Lensed by Paris-based photographer Alex Huanfa Cheng, Chinese model Cici Xiang dons some of the dreamiest pieces from the collection. The result is one that is graceful and timeless, effortlessly encapsulating Ghesquière’s vision for the season.
Photography Alex Huanfa Cheng
Styling Vivienne Sun
Production editor Cherry Zhang
Executive producers Michaël Lacomblez and Léa Duboin
Production Louis2
Creative editor Vicki Liang
Fashion coordinator Yi Yang
Hair Shane Thomas
Make-up Liliana Rosetta
Fashion assistants Vittoria Brachi and Greta Fumagalli
Model Cici Xiang/Ford Models Paris
The November ‘Play’ issue of Vogue Singapore is available for sale online and on newsstands from November 2023.
