(Stresa) Parisian house Louis Vuitton valiantly braved the rain falling on a paradise islet of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy, where it presented its Cruise 2024 collection on Wednesday evening in the presence of celebrities protected by an army of umbrellas.
Actresses Catherine Deneuve, Cate Blanchett and Emma Stone were among the VIPs invited by in-house stylist Nicolas Ghesquière to Isola Bella (literally “La Belle Île”), a jewel floating on the azure waters of one of the most beautiful Italian lakes.
The arrival of the rain upset the organization of the parade, which was initially to be held on the splendid terraced gardens and had to retreat inside the baroque Borromeo palace, property of the noble eponymous family.
“That’s the thing Nicolas can’t control, time,” the editor-in-chief of vogue thailandFord Laosuksri, after the show, as guests sipped champagne while they waited (unsuccessfully) for the rain to end.
“I didn’t want to damage my velvet moccasins,” added the journalist, who had finally opted for sandals.
Nicolas Ghesquière, artistic director since 2013, paraded his models through the rows of rooms with high ceilings dating from the 17th century.e century in creations with an eclectic and futuristic style which are its trademark.
Some looks are reminiscent of diving suits, others were inspired by the uniform of fencers, with thick padding on the torso.
The fabric of a sleeveless dress is accordion pleated in two tones: golden yellow for the top, royal blue for the bottom, giving it the look of a moving Ukrainian flag. Decorated however with one of the bags which made the celebrity of this brand born in the world of leather goods.
Sweaters are light as air with translucent stripes, while three bias-cut dresses — your choice of powder pink, blue-green or baby blue — stand out with oversized sleeves.
“It was beautiful, it was smooth and at the same time powerful,” Filipino actress Heart Evangelista commented.
fashionable fishing
PHOTO GABRIEL BOUYS, FRANCE PRESS AGENCY
Nicolas Ghesquière, artistic director since 2013, paraded his models through the rows of rooms with high ceilings dating from the 17th century.e century in creations with an eclectic and futuristic style which are its trademark.
This parade was the first to be authorized on Isola Bella, a former fishing village transformed by the Borromeo family into a sumptuous paradise worthy of a reigning family.
Kings, queens and emperors have also been guests of the Borromeo family over the centuries: from Napoleon and his wife Josephine to Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1985, including Queen Victoria.
On Wednesday night, American actress Jennifer Connelly and Felix, a member of K-Pop group Stray Kids, were among the happy couple.
Careful not to slip on the wet ground, the guests took shelter under the transparent umbrellas provided by Louis Vuitton before engulfing themselves under the golds of the palace.
After the parade, guests posed for souvenir photos under the family portraits that have adorned the walls for centuries.
The cruise collections, made up of clothes adapted to hot climates, are intended for jet-set customers who like sunny destinations during the winter season. Over the years, they have become events in themselves, with brands choosing exceptional locations to serve as backdrops for their luxurious creations.
The Louis Vuitton show follows that of Dior, which presented a collection inspired by the iconic artist Frida Kahlo on Saturday in Mexico City, and that of Chanel this month at Paramount Studios in Hollywood.