Nicolas Ghesquière Injects An Edge Into Louis Vuitton’s New Collection

The following feature appears in the April 2017 issue of NYLON.

The Louis Vuitton logo is a universal stamp of luxury—anything it adorns is guaranteed to be lustworthy and emit an air of classic French style. So fittingly, this season, the Parisian fashion label’s artistic director Nicolas Ghesquière took inspiration from the heart of city, Place Vendôme.

Located in the First Arrondissement of Paris, Place Vendôme has seen many changes over the years. The square was built under the orders of Louis XIV, who wanted to create a centerpiece for the city. And while it’s true the octagonal center has evolved since its beginnings, it has always represented the pinnacle of French elegance.

The collection is fit for an It Girl with deconstructed jackets and tops that reflect the changing architectural elements of the square, playful T-shirts that reference the 18th-century fauns seen on the façade of 2 Place Vendôme, a phone case that would shine in a mirror selfie, and dresses made of lightweight fabrics that seem to float as they move, epitomizing the vibe of the Vuitton woman.

The brand has mastered elevating streetwear styles and adding details like cutouts and leather to create a tough-girly fusion that is often attempted but rarely achieved to such perfection. Always one step ahead, this collection reveals the future of fashion—one that is empowering, inclusive, and constantly changing.

Hair: Jeanie Syfu at Atelier Management using Kérastase. Makeup: Colleen Runne at Kate Ryan Inc. using Chanel. Model: Aletheia Matthews at Fenton Models. Special thanks to Tribeca Journal.