Louis Vuitton's Paris Show evokes spirit of travel with A-List guests

Louis Vuitton invited a star-studded audience to its Fall-Winter 2025 show near the Gare du Nord train station on Monday in Paris, unveiling a collection of its version of travel essentials.

LV-branded luggage and bags, some in the form of musical instruments, thick-soled trainers for walking, hats, capes and trench coats to protect against the rain... the show was intended to evoke "the house’s spirit of travel".

Franco-Belgian chief designer Nicolas Ghesquiere imagined "the bustling ambiance of a Parisian train station -- where fleeting moments are shared amongst strangers, weaving a tapestry of stories," the brand wrote on Instagram.

A model holds a bag during a presentation of creations by Louis Vuitton for the Womenswear Ready-to-wear Fall-Winter 2025/2026 collection as part of the Paris Fashion Week, in Paris on March 10, 2025. AFP

Models walked among tightly packed rows of guests in a large atrium intended to look like a rail station waiting hall. The location was kept secret until the last minute to avoid crowds of fans gathering outside.

Actors Jennifer Connelly, Ana de Armas, Lea Seydoux, Emma Stone, and French First Lady Brigitte Macron were among the A-list attendees.

The show featured a variety of looks and cuts, with much more tailored, tighter-fitting silhouettes than other brands.

There were the season's classics, trench coats, leather jackets, and various patterns and colors, including red-and-white checkers and a nod to the 1970s with some Ziggy Stardust-inspired jumpsuits.

Born as a trunk and leather goods maker, Louis Vuitton has grown into a global empire and is now the best-selling brand in the vast portfolio of labels owned by conglomerate LVMH.

(form L) Argentinian model Mica Arganaraz and models presenting creations by Louis Vuitton for the Womenswear Ready-to-wear Fall-Winter 2025/2026 collection as part of the Paris Fashion Week, in Paris on March 10, 2025.AFP

More fur

Paris Womenswear Fashion Week will wrap up Tuesday with two more blockbuster shows from Chanel and Saint Laurent.

Over the last nine days, brands have been trying to catch consumers' attention and boost sales in an increasingly tricky luxury market.

Some top trends include fur and leather, ever-expanding oversized shoulder pads, and splashes of yellow, which have been glimpsed in several collections.

Over the last year, fake fur has conquered catwalks and the high street. It has been showcased in almost every conceivable way over the previous week, including in stoles, long luxuriant coats, or embellishments on jackets or accessories.

A model presents a creation by Louis Vuitton for the Womenswear Ready-to-wear Fall-Winter 2025/2026 collection as part of the Paris Fashion Week, in Paris on March 10, 2025. Photo by Bertrand GUAY / AFP

Several brands, including Gabriela Hearst, who unveiled her collection on Monday, have used upcycled existing skins. The Uruguayan designer said she had used "repurposed vintage mink" in one of her coats.

Elsewhere, Spanish brand Loewe presented a dual men’s and women’s collection, with an air of tribute and farewell to its star designer, Jonathan Anderson.

According to industry observers, Anderson, who transformed Loewe into one of the most successful labels in recent years, may depart for new opportunities within the powerful LVMH luxury group.

A model wears a hat during a presentation of creations by Louis Vuitton for the Womenswear Ready-to-wear Fall-Winter 2025/2026 collection as part of the Paris Fashion Week, in Paris on March 10, 2025. Photo by Bertrand GUAY / AFP

Monday’s presentation reaffirmed his conceptual style, paying homage to the artist couple Josef and Anni Albers, pioneers of modern art in the 20th century.

Standout pieces included oversized multicolored wool coats, intricately woven in a patchwork style -- a tribute to Anni Albers' (1899–1994) lifelong work in textiles.

Meanwhile, young French designer Marine Serre presented a mixed-gender collection inspired by the world of David Lynch.

Among the standout looks were a black leather dress with futuristic shoulders, a sleeveless cinched-waist fur coat, and a black leather corset worn over a sheer red lace bodysuit.