If there was a sense of unease at Louis Vuitton’s first runway presentation in Seoul, it was the chill emanating from the Han River, which flows through the heart of the South Korean capital. More likely, however, the set designed by Squid Game director Hwang Dong-Hyuk on the iconic Jamsugyo Bridge reflected the incredible energy of the metropolis where past, present and future coexist in harmony.
Guests, which included various K-Pop stars, took a seat outside to watch the first Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2023 presentation. The collection started with leather pieces, with sporty blousons tucked into skirts being among the first looks, emphasizing a strong and rebellious attitude.
Instead of sneakers and heels, robust biker boots dominated, giving the impression that Louis Vuitton customers do not run away from every situation, but decide it for themselves. Especially on this windy bridge.
Nicolas Ghesquière, the womenswear designer at the French fashion house, is known for his mastery of retro-futurism. This collection also contained playful references to the Japanese animation style anime. Ghesquière often takes elements from bygone eras, such as the 1960s or 1970s, and combines them with futuristic or avant-garde elements. The result is a unique and innovative style that is both nostalgic and forward-looking, incorporating elements such as metallic fabrics, oversized shoulders and exaggerated shapes.
The prettiest pieces were more relaxed and less structured, with sensual yet robust layered prairie dresses and some exquisite pleated pieces showing why Ghesquière continues to be at the top of the fashion pyramid. The show’s stunning setting confirms the importance of South Korea to the luxury sales and Asia strategy of LVMH, the parent company of Louis Vuitton.
This translated and edited post previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk.