The gothic grandeur of the Palais des Papes in Avignon set the tone for Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2026 presentation, bringing a sense of architectural gravity to a collection grounded in structure and restraint.
Nicolas Ghesquière, ever the architect of dualities, chose this UNESCO World Heritage site not only for its cinematic resonance but for the raw power it lent to the silhouettes he sent down the courtyard runway. The result was a striking conversation between medieval echoes and future-form, a fashion pilgrimage that neither began nor ended with time.
As the sun moved behind the castle’s stone arches, silhouettes emerged in pleated fabrics and cape-like forms, some edged with flame embroidery, others finished in soft metallics. Chainmail-inspired textures were paired with sharply tailored pieces, while mirrored boots caught and scattered the geometry of the setting. Ghesquière’s use of historical reference was measured and deliberate, framing the past through a contemporary lens of structure and surface.
On the runway, Mathilda Gvarliani walked with her usual composure and exactness. Dressed in one of the collection’s more sculptural looks, she delivered a quietly commanding moment that aligned seamlessly with the show’s architectural tone.
The front row reflected a range of individual choices. Brigitte Macron wore a navy tailored suit. French cinema icon Catherine Deneuve chose a black leather coat with shearling cuffs and brown paneling. Cate Blanchett appeared in a white blouse printed with red lightning bolts and structured shoulders, paired with high-waisted black leather trousers. Each look aligned with the setting and the tone of the collection.
Louis Vuitton ambassador Emma Stone chose a flowing, blue-and-white floral dress adorned with crystal embellishments, balancing softness with a sculptural sense of movement. Alicia Vikander wore a black velvet mini dress with a high neckline and bold red bow, a look both playful and composed.
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Sophie Turner appeared in a navy short suit printed with bold gemstone motifs. Her presence echoed the show’s broader themes: historical setting, contemporary execution.
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