LOUIS VUITTON CRUISE 2025
GHESQUIÈRE’S DREAM SHOW
Louis Vuitton’s relationship with Barcelona this year is truly an affair to remember. First, there was the unveiling of the 2025 Cruise Collection last Thursday, followed by the upcoming 37th America’s Cup set to begin at the end of August and continue through October. Nicolas Ghesquière’s journey, which began a decade ago at Monaco’s Place du Palais with the intent to showcase the Cruise Collections in various iconic locations, reached a majestic chapter last week at Park Güell. This venue, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, hosted around six hundred guests, including celebrities like Jennifer Connelly, Léa Seydoux, Ana de Armas, Nicole Wallace, Jaden Smith, Sophie Turner, and Felix Lee, whose name was eagerly chanted by a crowd gathered outside the park early in the afternoon.
However, not everyone was pleased. Neighborhood protests have gained media attention over the past few days due to concerns about private events in public spaces and the overwhelming tourism Barcelona has endured for years. This issue, which affects many cities, complicates the already delicate balance between residents and visitors. But let’s focus on the event. As applause greeted each new arrival from the numerous transfers, guests inside were treated to a photocall with champagne in hand. The welcome cocktail lasted until nearly eight o’clock, when the entourage slowly made its way to the Hypostyle Hall, a stunning area of the park with eighty-six columns and a ceiling of small mosaic domes. This setting was meticulously prepared by James Chinlund, who previously collaborated with the Maison during Paris Fashion Week for the Fall/Winter 2024-2025 season. Chinlund, who divides his time between fashion and film, has worked with directors like Darren Aronofsky, Todd Solondz, Gus Van Sant, and Spike Lee, and on films such as The Avengers, The Lion King, and The Batman.
With five minutes to the show, anticipation peaked. Music for Chameleons by Gary Numan played, its synthetic pop contrasting with the first looks: neutral-toned coat-dresses and skirt or trouser suits, elegant and sophisticated, with models sporting wide-brimmed hats reminiscent of Cordoban styles. The collection featured nods to Spanish culture and fashion, with ruffles, fringes, lace, and polka dots on sheer dresses, and direct references to Gaudí’s work, such as a mosaic-patterned skirt. Ghesquière’s eclectic collection, as usual, mixed sculptural silhouettes with an ’80s aesthetic, refined looks with urban wear, and draped, voluminous pieces with more streamlined designs. Mostly in neutral colors like black, gray, and beige, the collection included occasional bursts of electric blue, olive green, purple, and passionate (Spanish) red in the final, more festive evening looks. Accessories were a highlight, with stylish metallic glasses in various colors, thigh-high boots, fringed booties, iridescent bags, and wide belts cinching waists.
As Ghesquière stepped out to applause and cheers, the event concluded. Guests then moved leisurely to Espai Corberó for the after-party. Pietro Beccari, CEO of Louis Vuitton, shared in La Vanguardia that when he suggested a Barcelona show to Ghesquière, the creative director revealed his dream of hosting it at Park Güell. Living in someone else’s dream, even briefly, has rarely felt so gratifying.
