In many ways, Louis Vuitton’s shows can be considered the culmination of Fashion Month. Following weeks of back-to-back events and collections showcased in New York, London and Milan, all eyes were on the storied French maison as it took the closing slot on the Paris Fashion Week calendar, and in one of the city’s most iconic locations to boot – the Louvre. In short: the pressure is always on to provide a fitting finale for the season, but even more so this time around since SS25 marked Nicolas Ghesquière’s 10th anniversary at Louis Vuitton.
As ever, Ghesquière rose to the occasion with aplomb, while what was undoubtedly the season’s most impressive front row looked on. The likes of Zendaya, Brigitte Macron, Alicia Vikander, Blackpink’s Lisa, Cynthia Erivo, and the Haim sisters showed their support, as models walked a runway made entirely of monogrammed Louis Vuitton trunks, that quite literally traveled during the show.
‘It’s comprised of over 1000 trunks that recount the story of the Maison’s evolution as well as their original function: to protect one’s most precious clothing,’ Ghesquière explained. ‘In this instance, there’s a paradox between their enduring solidity and the lightness of the collection that moves over them. They compose a sturdy base that supports fluidity of movement.’
FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE
‘In a season of big change for the luxury industry as a whole, Nicolas’ stellar SS25 was a powerful closing statement,’ summed up ELLE UK‘s editor-in-chief, Kenya Hunt. ‘His 10 years at the house is a rare example of longevity and continuity, and his 10th anniversary year has been a real show of creativity, with each collection going from strength to strength.’
The energy and buzz in the air was palpable, and further ramped up a notch by the epic Jamie XX soundtrack that accompanied each of Ghesquière’s impeccably crafted looks. ‘It was a giant flex,’ said ELLE UK fashion director Avril Mair, ‘the collection was so detailed that at times it looked like a very modern take on couture.’
The accompanying show notes pointed to a collection defined by contrasts, reading: ‘French fashion is a formidable soft power, radiating a tradition of savoir-faire, an art de vivre – a cultural singularity. Taken literally, soft power is also a fascinating oxymoron. How to reconcile two antagonists, softness and power?’
Louis Vuitton SS25
Louis Vuitton SS25
Visual interpretations of this concept could be seen in Ghesquière’s use of contrasting prints, styles, textures and proportions. Structured jackets were styled with wispy skirts beneath, statement shoulders contrasted with micro-hemlines and bare legs, graphic prints were unexpectedly layered with sheer, beaded mesh, and the final three standout looks saw oversize silk tunics worn atop long embellished skirts and chunky black leather shoes.
The closing look at Louis Vuitton’s SS25 show
Fashion editors’ standout picks? The bold puff-sleeve, peplum-style jackets that opened the show, the bejewelled closing skirts, and, of course, the accessories. Think newly souped-up handbag silhouettes, including croc takes on the Speedy, a mini jewel-embellished trunk, and the classic monogram print on a funky fan-shape clutch.
‘Ghesquière’s work is always a kind of time travel through eras and often imagined futures,’ said Mair. ‘This looked like nothing you’d ever seen before, a brilliant feat of imagination and craftsmanship.’
ELLE UK caught up with members of the star-studded front row post-show to gather their thoughts on the collection: ‘Absolutely breathtaking,’ said Alana Haim. ‘Every time you come to the show you leave feeling happy, you leave feeling powerful, and inspired.’ We couldn’t agree more.
Watch ELLE UK editor-in-chief Kenya Hunt’s behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Louis Vuitton SS25 show above.
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.