CRUISE 2019 SHOW: THE HIGHLIGHTS
Amidst the verdant brush of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the Fondation Maeght's exceptional gardens became a winding runway where models marched around works by Joan Miró and Alberto Giacometti. For this Cruise 2019 collection, Nicolas Ghesquière’s vision was noticeably eclectic, evoking modern art’s disruptive originality while remaining free of any deliberate homage.
Well-defined volumes were rendered with fluidity, as declarative shoulders and rounded sleeves were pitched against shorter lengths, lingerie-inspired sensuality, and artisanal surface detail. Colors were arranged judiciously or delivered with bursts of expression; floral and graphic motifs made their impact in layers that created dynamic dimension around the body. The maximized sneaker soles that have become a recent Louis Vuitton signature extended up the leg as new boot signatures. Lively animal illustrations by Grace Coddington inspired by her cats and the designer’s dog were an unexpected flourish on a capsule of leathergoods.
Further enhanced by a conceptual performance from Woodkid, who sourced rare acoustic instruments and overlaid the voice of Jennifer Connelly, the show played out with charismatic flourish. In this way, it underscored Ghesquière’s personal connection to the property as an ongoing inspiration he wished to share: "I’ve known this place for twenty-five years and I love coming here regularly. It has a beautiful family history, a particular story about passionate gallerists who, along with all the artists for whom they were both friends and patrons, invented an extraordinary place for artistic dialogue."
