Creative director Nicolas Ghesquière, marking his tenth anniversary with Louis Vuitton, unveiled the Voyager Pre-Fall 2024 collection at the breathtaking Long Museum in Shanghai. The star-studded front row was a testament to the brand’s global appeal, with A-listers like Cate Blanchett, Jackson Wang, Chloë Grace Moretz, Jennifer Connelly, and Paul Bettany in attendance.
Ghesquière presented a collection that masterfully blends vibrant colors, contrasting silhouettes, and a joyful salute to the stylistic vitality of China’s youth. In collaboration with post-90s Chinese artist Sun Yitian, whose whimsical animal prints adorn accessories and garments, the collection exudes a youthful, playful energy that perfectly complements the star power in attendance.
Ghesquière’s designs pay homage to Louis Vuitton’s rich heritage while pushing boundaries with unbridled freedom of tone and form. Short confronts long, refinement unites with audacity, and classicism takes a tangential turn, resulting in a fast-paced, charming collection. Iconic Louis Vuitton accessories, such as the Petite Malle, the Twist, and the Noé, return in flexible versions, while the new Slim Trunk joins the illustrious ranks of the Maison’s timeless bags.
The choice of the Long Museum as the venue for the show holds special significance. Founded by renowned collectors Mr. Liu Yiqian and Ms. Wang Wei, the museum boasts China’s richest collection, showcasing traditional, modern, and contemporary Chinese art, as well as works from Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Louis Vuitton’s groundbreaking “see-now, buy-now” strategy allowed China’s VIP clientele to instantly acquire their favorite pieces, elevating the runway experience into an exclusive retail opportunity. With the collection’s global release set for May 17, the brand’s re-see schedule across seven Chinese cities ensures sustained excitement and anticipation.
The show’s online impact was equally remarkable, with the #LVbigshow hashtag amassing 970 million views on Weibo and the event securing the second spot on the platform’s “Hot List.” As luxury brands navigate the challenges of an uncertain economic landscape, Louis Vuitton’s Voyager Pre-Fall show in Shanghai, graced by the likes of Cate Blanchett and Jackson Wang, demonstrates that Vuitton’s consistent transformations focusing on cultural relevance, customer experience, and innovative design can yield extraordinary results.