Barcelona was brimming with stars last week as Louis Vuitton unveiled its luxurious Cruise collection in the iconic Guell Park, created by famed Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi.
Thanks to Louis Vuitton’s many brand ambassadors and celebrity fanbase, every show – whether held in its headquarter town of Paris or exotic overseas destinations – can attract a star-studded front row. And this year was no different, with Spain’s architectural jewel in the crown – Barcelona – holding special appeal.
At pre-show cocktails, celebrities and the world’s fashion elite gathered under a canopy of palms at the park’s leafy entrance before being ushered to their seats in the column-filled Hypostyle Room. Here, the majestic space gave models plenty of room to dazzle front-row A-listers including Sophie Turner, Jennifer Connolly, Ana de Armas, Pharrell Williams, Phoebe Dynevor, Chloe Grace Moretz, Saoirse Ronan, Naomi Osaka, Jaden Smith and K-pop sensation Felix.
While all eyes were initially fixed on the famous frow, dressed in various LV spring/summer looks, it was creative director Nicolas Ghesquière’s inspired Cruise collection that swiftly took centre stage. To a soundtrack that blended hits from Gary Numan with Malcolm McLaren, models in structured 80s-inspired power suits and wide-brimmed hats strode down the runway, bringing serious Dynasty-style vibes. Still channelling the decadent decade, boardroom power soon turned playful with full gathered skirts, exaggerated, heavy-shouldered tops and mega-pleated jodhpurs (a nod to Spanish equestrian style). Beyond the ’80s accents, there were touches of classic Ghesquière with flowy draped tops over riding pants and flouncy, caped dresses with statement belts, bags and fringing.
The designer wove Spanish influences into his collection. “I wanted to respect the place we are,” Ghesquière said. “I love that this country is evocating a certain groundedness and some rigor, and in the meantime it’s about freedom, it’s about youngness, it’s about an extravagance somehow.”
Accessories are key for LV with leather goods always a core focus for the brand. This year’s Cruise was all about boots, from thigh-skimming standouts to shredded, fringed versions sure to be on every fashionista’s wishlist.
Marie Claire and ELLE Australia’s fashion director Naomi Smith said, “It was a perfect resort collection – I thought the looks were incredibly beautiful and wearable. The hints of Spanish flair peeking through was very clever, with flamenco dots, jodphurs and long boots for an equestrian feel. The use of the hats were done in the classic way Nicolas mixes the old with the new.”
Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor described the event to media like “an LV-themed wedding”. She wore a “cool, grunge” LV black leather buckled miniskirt with furry checked shirt, while Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner took the polar-opposite approach, choosing a Barbie-pink pantsuit.
Despite the crop of celebrities in attendance, it was K-Pop sensation Felix, from Stray Cats, who attracted the biggest cheers from fans outside the venue as guests left in limos for the after-party. In March, he walked in the show marking Ghesquiere’s 10th anniversary at Louis Vuitton, which he described as a “dream come true”.
At the party, held in the labyrinthine Xavier Corbero villa, guests feasted on seafood tapas, homemade pasta and multiple trays of Ruinart to toast the success of another stellar collection from the famed French fashion house. A DJ perched in an elevated arched tower above the dancefloor wowed the crowd into the wee hours. The question is: How can LV outdo this year’s spectacular Cruise in 2025? A trip to Australia could do the trick. Just a suggestion.
