With runway shows getting bigger and more competitive, the issue fashion houses now face is how to go one better and get the right attention. For its cruise 2019 collection, Gucci took to a graveyard in Arles, France, while for pre-fall 2019, Valentino travelled to Tokyo, and Coach visited Shanghai.
However, Nicolas Ghesquiere may just have topped them. Instead of having a show for Louis Vuitton's pre-fall 2019, the designer instead created a lookbook using only celebrities.
Ghesquiere called on long-time collaborators Collier Schorr (photographer) and Marie-Amelie Sauve (stylist), and the trio have put the likes of Jennifer Connelly, Alicia Vikander, Thandie Newton and Ruth Negga in front of the camera, in a major coup signalling not only the pulling power of the house, but also the off-kilter cool of the crowd it appeals to.
In the lookbook (see gallery above), South Korean actress Doona Bae wears a checked jumper and animal-patterned skirt over leather trousers, while Spiderman actress Laura Harrier wears a tweed bomber jacket over pleat-fronted trousers. British actress Sophie Turner mixes lace, florals and checks, as American actress and model Indya Moore dons a sequined bomber over a tulip-print coat. Singer/songwriter Kelela, meanwhile, layers a blanket plaid jacket over a knee-length dress with a pair of trousers.
_________________________
Read more:
Louis Vuitton is the UAE's favourite luxury brand, followed by Hugo Boss and Dior
Luxury giant LVMH moves into high-end hospitality
Hot wheels: a full collection of Supreme skateboards is up for auction
__________________________
Amid a recurring tulip print (seen as blouses and coats) and the modesty Ghesquiere is known for (the designer is adept at hiding, rather than revealing the body), there is a new, almost Amish-like silhouette running through this collection. Now seen as a demi cape sitting over the rest of the outfit and reaching to the elbows, it is worn by Connelly, Vikander (tightly corseted with a thick red leather belt) and Chloe Grace Moretz, and is a nod to the strength of the Pioneer women of 19th-century America.
However, the power that Ghesquiere imbues in his women is best seen in the footwear, especially the new version of the Archlight trainer that's revisited as a wedge-heeled ankle boot. Tough and fearless, this curious hybrid of pointed toe and sneaker heel will no doubt be a best-seller like its predecessor.
