It’s been over a decade since Nicolas Ghesquière became the women’s creative director for Louis Vuitton. In that time, he has catapulted the maison into the stratosphere with his larger-than-life presence, penchant for the extraordinary, and love for the archives.
In November 2023, the designer signed another five-year extension. It’s a nod to his longevity and appeal. While other houses went through more upheaval, Ghesquière remains a steady, calming force.
In typical Ghesquière fashion—and in honour of his love for Asia—he staged his Pre-Fall 2024 show in Shanghai at the Long Museum, China’s largest private museum, which is named after its elongated funnel shape.
There is exuberant playfulness in his latest collection, punctuated by colour and objects. This is epitomised in an exclusive series created with Beijing-based contemporary artist Sun Yitian.
Sun’s previous work explores the tension between Made in China mass production and artistic value. She enjoys transposing what might seem unremarkable at first glance into the context of galleries and museums. For Louis Vuitton, Sun reimagines toy-like animals like a pink rabbit, a yellow duck, and a spotted dog and presents them on wearable pieces such as long dresses and straight-cut tops.
Additionally, Sun reinterprets several signature bags and shoes with her Animogram canvas. On the Alma is a zebra, and on the On The Go tote is a duck and its shadow. There are also several colourful animals trotting along the leather patches and lace accessories of Monogram nylon mules and Lous open-back sneakers.
Zooming away from the details, Ghesquière’s robust understanding of the female form is also on full display. Waists are cinched and then loosened, letting the materials ebb and flow beautifully. A sense of freedom and vitality pervades his creations, and it’s clear that Ghesquière wants you to live your life free of restrictions.
We are already living in a sombre world now. Perhaps it’s time for an optimistic outlook. Sun’s animals lead the way.
