Louis Vuitton bravely battled the torrential rain on the Italian island paradise of Isola Bella as the French luxury brand unveiled its cruise collection on Wednesday night. The weather sent the prominent guests under umbrellas and broke one or the other hairstyle. But when you’re the flagship within the LVMH portfolio, with a guest list that includes actresses Catherine Deneuve, Cate Blanchett and Emma Stone, what’s a little rain?
Louis Vuitton doesn’t let the rain spoil their mood
Bad weather was probably not an issue as the famed luxury label, helmed by Nicolas Ghesquiere, chose tiny Isola Bella, a jewel of an island in the azure Lake Maggiore, as the appropriate venue for its Cruise 2024 collection. But the rain came anyway, forcing the designer to move the show, originally planned for the island’s formal terraced gardens, to the baroque Palazzo Borromeo.
“The weather is the only thing Nicolas can’t control,” Vogue Thailand editor-in-chief Ford Laosuksri told AFP after the show, while guests sipped on champagne and hoped (in vain) for the rain to stop. Laosuksri wore a crocheted floral top and sandals – an endearing if somewhat foolhardy gesture amid the torrential rain. “I didn’t want to ruin my velvet shoes,” he confessed.
Diving suits, fencers and a centuries-old palazzo
Ghesquiere, who has served as creative director for Louis Vuitton since 2013, sent his models through the ornate, high-ceilinged rooms of the 13th-century palazzo in the eclectic, futuristic creations for which he is celebrated. Some looks were reminiscent of diving suits adorned with avant-garde ruffles, while others were reminiscent of fencer’s uniforms, which featured thick quilting across the chest.
The fabric was gathered like an accordion at the bodice of a sleeveless dress with color blocks in royal blue and yellow gold, adding texture and movement, while a lustrous black dress evoked a favorite handbag from the brand. Jumpers were made airier with a sheer stripe at the waist, while three bias-cut chiffon dresses – in dusty rose, sea green and baby blue – with lush puff sleeves evoked Edwardian memories. “It was beautiful, it was loose but still powerful,” said Filipino actress Heart Evangelista.
From fishing to fashion
The Louis Vuitton event was the first fashion show to be held on Isola Bella, a former fishing village transformed into a sumptuous paradise for royalty by the Borromeo family. Kings, Queens and Emperors have stayed at Palazzo Borromeo over the years including Queen Victoria, Napoleon and Josephine and even Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1985.
Celebrities and influencers from around the world – including US actress Jennifer Connelly and Felix from the K-pop group Stray Kids – descended on the island on Wednesday. Trying not to slip, the guests took shelter under the transparent umbrellas provided by the brand before escaping into the palazzo. After the show, some guests stood on benches and posed for photos under the watchful gaze of the centuries-old Borromeans, whose portraits line the walls.
Cruise collections are designed to provide a warm weather wardrobe for jet setters lucky enough to escape to sunny places during the dreary winter months. In recent years, they have become events where brands choose increasingly exotic locations as the backdrop for their luxury looks. The Louis Vuitton show follows Dior’s show, which showed a Frida Kahlo-inspired cruise collection in Mexico City on Saturday, and Chanel. The show took place at Paramount Studios in Hollywood earlier this month. (AFP)