Designer Nicolas Ghesquière is celebrating a decade of his creative leadership at Louis Vuitton with the Pre-Fall 2024 Collection, presented on Thursday, April 18th, in Shanghai. The Voyager show introduces the newest phase of the iconic brand’s evolution, fusing tradition with cutting-edge design to appeal to a global audience.
The Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2024 Collection, unveiled against the stunning backdrop of the Long Museum renowned for its diverse art collection ranging from classical to contemporary, mirrors a captivating blend of historical richness and modernist ideas. Ghesquière has used this venue to echo the collection’s deep roots in French fashion heritage while projecting a forward-thinking outlook that resonates well with the youthful vibrancy of today’s fashion lovers.
PRE-FALL 2024 COLLECTIONS
From the outset, Ghesquière’s approach to the Pre-Fall 2024 collection has been about creating contrasts and exploring tensions between different elements. The partnership with contemporary Chinese artist Sun Yitian adds an artistic flair to the collection. Yitian’s whimsical figures and creatures bring a playful yet provocative edge to the clothing, challenging traditional fashion norms while staying true to the artistic roots of the brand.
The collection itself is a sophisticated narrative of color, texture, and form. Vibrant bursts of color mix with unexpected pattern combinations, showcasing Ghesquière’s flair for blending classical elements with radical, new ideas. The collection features a dynamic range of silhouettes, from sharply tailored jackets and coats to fluid dresses that seem to challenge the conventional with their asymmetrical cuts and mixed fabric layers.
One of the standout themes of the show is the concept of renewal and reinvention. This is visible in the way classic motifs from the Louis Vuitton archive are reimagined in bold, contemporary formats. Whether it’s through the innovative use of materials that reflect light and movement, or through the introduction of modern cuts and shapes, Ghesquière respects the past while pushing boundaries into new territories.
Accessories, always a significant aspect of Louis Vuitton’s collections, also reflect this blend of heritage and innovation. The Petite Malle, Twist, and the newly unveiled Slim Trunk, each tell a story of craftsmanship and creative vision. These pieces are symbolic of the journey Louis Vuitton has taken under Ghesquière’s direction.
In addition to these newer models, the collection also sees the return of some familiar favorites, each reinterpreted for a new age. The Capucines, Dauphine, and other iconic bags appear in updated versions, featuring flexible designs that adapt to the multifaceted lives of their wearers.
The show’s setting at the Long Museum enhances its narrative. The museum’s architectural complexity and its significant cultural contents serve as a perfect parallel to the collection’s aesthetic and thematic depth. The museum, founded by collectors Mr. Liu Yiqian and Ms. Wang Wei, represents a bridge between the past and the present – a place where ancient art meets contemporary creativity, much like the collection itself.
As the Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2024 collection was unveiled, the audience could see how Ghesquière’s designs have evolved over his tenure at Louis Vuitton. What has remained consistent is his commitment to blending different cultural elements and influences to produce something uniquely beautiful and profoundly engaging. This approach has also ensured that Louis Vuitton continues to stand at the forefront of the industry, celebrated for its heritage, and for its current contributions to global fashion.
