How do you keep improving and surpassing oneself when you're one of the most well-known businesses in the world? Spain might hold the key to success for Louis Vuitton. With an emphasis on symmetry and organic shapes, the megabrand took over Barcelona's famous Parc Güell, a park designed by Gaudí and perched on a hill overlooking the city. In the Hypostyle Room, the focal point of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Doric columns support a mosaic-tiled ceiling reflecting the natural colours of the nation's diverse ecology, A-list visitors, including Sophie Turner and the Haim sisters, sat front row on benches. For the cruise 2025 collection, it was the ideal location.
Nicolas Ghesquière, the creative director, may be the busiest man in fashion. He has been celebrating his ten years as the head of the business by showing at Paris Fashion Week since the beginning of the year, and he recently unveiled his pre-fall 2024 collection in Shanghai. The newest exhibition began with a minidress with a clean white lapel and woven wool that looked like natural fibres. An otherwise ordinary item was given a 2024 update with sharp-toed motorcycle boots, reflective sunglasses a la Oakley, and a boater hat befitting Beyoncé.

      The first glimpse of the 2025 Louis Vuitton cruise.
Ghesquière tried to explore every aspect of Spanish culture with this selection, from the intricate history of the matadors to the flamenco heritage. Whispy gowns crafted from tiny flowers sewn together brought to mind traditional outfits. Gaudí's constant inspiration was evident in the geometric designs on voluminous cotton slacks and the shimmering sequins that mirrored his distinctive mosaics, which graced minidresses with voluminous sleeves. Think frayed, patterned tweed on cut-out maxi dresses and grey lacquered straw hats as examples of textural accents that brought life and depth. Tans, greys, and blacks made a stark contrast to the vibrant reds, greens, and blues that are frequently seen in the palette of Catalan architects.

The sneakers with a Yeti vibe, which echoed the fringed gloves Ghesquière wore on the fall/winter 2024 catwalk, were definitely the standout accessory. Large belts made of black and white leather were used to tighten the looks in the final sequence, which were bold, gathered, and draped. Rather of seeming like a costume, the dramatic pleating on gowns with a flamenco design felt seductive. It was, instead, a wonderful illustration of a designer playing on the past and making it his own. Overall, cruise 2025 was distinctly Ghesquière with a hint of Spanish flair—completely contemporary yet firmly grounded in classicism, much like Gaudí's method of producing long-lasting art.