Louis Vuitton Cruise 2026 to Show at Historic Gothic Palace

It wasn’t until this past week that we learned where Louis Vuitton would hold its 2026 Cruise show – it’s returning to France, specifically the Palais des Papes in Avignon, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The designs for this upcoming collection will be led by Nicolas Ghesquière, the women’s director of Louis Vuitton.

Additionally to presenting the show at the Palace, as reported by WWD, Louis Vuitton will also finance a long-term project to light up the frontages of buildings situated in the city’s main squares, including the Palace of Popes, a cathedral, the Petit Palace, the Mint Hotel, and the Calvet de la Palun Hotel.

In the heart of the 14th century, I found myself marveling at the grand Palais des Papes, which served as a temporary home to the Roman Catholic Papacy. This town, affectionately known as the City of Popes, nestles along the serene Rhone River and boasts a rich history dating back to medieval times. Constructed under the guidance of Popes Benedict XII and Clement VI around 1335, this architectural marvel was once described by French writer Froissart as “the most fortified residence on earth.”

The colossal structure is renowned globally for its significant role in Gothic architecture. Stepping inside, I was captivated by the intricate frescoes and ornate stone carvings that adorned the walls, harking back to the opulent aspirations of the papacy during that epoch.

In the previous year, Louis Vuitton staged its Cruise event at Park Güell, designed by Antonio Gaudí, in Barcelona. More recently, in 2023, the brand showcased their collection at Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore, Italy. The last time Ghesquière displayed Louis Vuitton’s Cruise line in France was in 2021, where the women’s creative director exhibited a Space Age-themed collection near Paris’ outskirts. Other high-end brands have already announced their dates and locations, such as Chanel at Lake Como on April 29, Gucci returning to Florence on May 15, and Dior in Rome on May 27.

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2025-04-18 19:55