PARIS (AP) — Designer Nicolas Ghesquière transformed the Louvre into an artificial mountain landscape, sending his models traversing the peaks for Louis Vuitton’s latest show.
The designer brought Paris Fashion Week to a close Tuesday evening with a collection that elevated mountain folklore into luxury fashion, featuring flowing capes, traditional cowbells, warm shearling headwear, and hiking poles accessorized with designer handbags.
Dubbing his line “Super Nature,” Ghesquière explained his goal was to discover the common threads among mountain communities spanning from the Alps through Central Asia to the Andes — garments molded by harsh weather conditions, high elevations, and the necessity for mobility.
A-list celebrities including Zendaya, Ana de Armas, Jennifer Connelly and Jaden Smith occupied prime viewing spots in the front row.
Production designer Jeremy Hindle, known for his work on “Severance,” reimagined the Louvre’s historic Cour Carrée courtyard into a setting that blended science fiction aesthetics with Alpine imagery.
Models emerged wearing textured capes with dramatic shoulder silhouettes to begin the presentation.
Oversized fur shoulder pieces enveloped the models’ arms while pointed headpieces evoked childhood paper boat crafts. Several models balanced massive wicker baskets above their heads, while others carried tree branches as props.
Animal motifs including wolves, sheep and rabbits decorated jackets and skirts throughout the collection.
Ukrainian artist Nazar Strelyaev-Nazarko created lamb paintings for the pieces. Ghesquière updated a classic Man Ray parure previously worn by Catherine Deneuve, incorporating the signature nail head details from Louis Vuitton luggage.
The iconic Noé bag appeared in its original 1932 silhouette. The Mini Malles debuted in softer iterations. Shoe heels were sculpted to resemble antler forms.
While the clothing ventured into artistic territory, the accessories maintained practical grounding.
Formal tuxedo pants featured fluffy trim instead of traditional satin stripes, and weatherproof capes in bright red and pale blue stood out against the natural color scheme. Outerwear incorporated hemp-derived artificial fur linings.
The fashion house described their material philosophy as “hyper-craft” — elevating nature rather than simply copying it.
Additional attendees included K-pop performers Felix and Lisa, musical group Haim, Phoebe Dynevor, Ava DuVernay, Alicia Vikander, Chase Infiniti, Chloe Grace Moretz, Erin Doherty, Katherine LaNasa and Olympic figure skating champion Alysa Liu.
Ghesquière has directed Louis Vuitton’s women’s collections since 2013, maintaining his position longer than over a dozen creative leaders at competing fashion houses.
Meanwhile across Paris, the Miu Miu venue resembled a disturbed woodland floor several hours later.
Workers hand-placed twigs and moss right up to the show’s start time.
While Ghesquière constructed an elaborate environment, Miuccia Prada stripped hers away.
“You, as a human person, you are enough,” Prada stated. “You have your mind. That should be enough against whatever happens.”
The garments appeared worn and weathered, like final pieces remaining in a closet. Minimal tank dresses. Compact weathered leather jackets. Wrinkled cotton blazers softened by use.
Narrow coats polished from wear paired with wide-leg trousers that swept the ground.
Cotton poplin, processed cashmere, linen, and decorated tulle — all fitted close to the body. Bow details referenced intimate apparel, the most personal clothing items.
No protective elements. No added bulk. Simply the individual wearing them.
Prada reinforced this message through her model selection.
Gillian Anderson participated in the show, joined by Chloë Sevigny and Kristen McMenamy.
TXT member Yeonjun walked alongside Diana Silvers and Gemma Ward.
The diverse age range of models gave the minimalist clothing more significance than a younger-only cast would have provided.
The accessories carried the visual impact that the clothing deliberately avoided. Decorated fur hats, crystal-adorned belts, jeweled sneakers. Single statement pieces contrasting with the understated fabrics.
Following weeks of shows featuring protective, padded, and heavily textured designs, Prada concluded the season with the opposing viewpoint.
The human form needs no enhancement. Fashion should simply step aside and let it shine.
