LOUIS VUITTON | CRUISE 2018 | Exclusive Models’ Instagram Finder | KYOTO

MIHO MUSEUM, DESIGNED IN 1997 BY ARCHITECT I.M.PEI
A «teletransportation» of the Maison Louis Vuitton, the purveyor of the French “art de vivre” to Japan, a land that reconciles the mastery of mother nature and a profound respect for her. There is perhaps no better symbol of the quest to marry extreme modernity with natural surroundings than the Miho Museum. Architect I.M.Pei conceived the building to represent Shangri-La, the mythic heaven on earth thought to be found in a secret Himalayan valley. The fusion of urban and natural that so pervades Japan has served Louis Vuitton as a starting point for this collection. The 2018 cruise collection alternates between the present day and a noble ancestral civilization, between futurism and poetry, between huge, vibrant cities and delicate landscapes.

At the very heart of the question is the evolution from tradition to modernity. The references are obvious, almost like a sign of respect. The garments recall samurai, figurative engraving, inked landscapes, ceremonial dress, the keikogi of martial arts, the Kurosawa cinematic dramaturgy, or the unique melancholy of Kitano. Urban pantsuits and architectural tunics are designed in the spirit of Hokusai. Interwoven jersey and leather sweaters recall the armor of Japanese warriors. Evening dresses gleam with Noh theater gold. Delicately crafted obi belts become the fabric of tapered trousers. Handbags and clutches are decorated with Kabuki masks.

This year’s cruise collection also pays tribute to designer Kansaï Yamamoto, who paved the way for an entire generation of Japanese designers by presenting his work in France with a fashion show in Paris. Yamamoto is well known for having designed most of David Bowie’s costumes. He has now created icons, symbols, and characters for Louis Vuitton bags and accessories. The caps are the work of designer Kristopher Haigh, founder of the 1K brand.

Actresses Rila Fukushima and Doona Bae will open and close the fashion show.

Designer: Nicolas Ghesquière
Fashion Editor/Stylist: Marie-Amélie Sauvé
Hair Stylist: Paul Hanlon
Makeup Artist: Pat McGrath
Casting Director: Ashley Brokaw
Models: Alex Binaris, Alexandra Micu, Alisha Nesvat, Alison Vanderbilt, Angelica Erthal, Atty Mitchell, Brooke Perry, Camille Hurel, Chloé Nardin, Danielle Lashley, Daphne Simons, Doona Bae, Elise Agee, Eliza Kallmann, Emm Arruda, Emmy Rappe, Estelle Chen, Fernanda Ly, Gabrielle Rul, Hannah Elyse, Harleth Kuusik, Heather Kemesky, Heejung Park, Hoyeon Jung, Janaye Furman, Jing Wen, Jolie Alien, Julia Merkelbach, Julie Hoomans, Kiki Willems, Kirin Dejonckheere, Kristen Coffey, Lais Oliveira, Lauren Case, Lea Holzfuss, Line Brems, Manuela Sanchez, Mariam de Vinzelle, Marte Mei van Haaster, Masha Skokova, Melody Vroom, Mica Arganaraz, Miki Ehara, Rila Fukushima, Sara Dijkink, Sarah Brannon, Sarah Dahl, Selena Forrest, Shelby Hayes, Sora Choi, Teddy Quinlivan, Theresa Hayes, Valery Kaufman