Leave it to Nicolas Ghesquière to turn a 14th-century palace into the ultimate fashion stage. For Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2026 Collection, the creative director reimagined medieval splendor with a fierce, theatrical twist—proving once again that fashion’s most powerful stories are told in silhouettes, fabrics, and flair.
A Collection Built on Contrasts
Each look in the collection danced between softness and strength. Billowing sleeves met sculpted leather bustiers. Cloak-like outerwear was grounded with towering boots. Soft metallics shimmered against distressed textures. The result? A tension that made every outfit feel cinematic, layered, and entirely wearable—if you dare.
Dramatic Accessories and Majestic Craft
Accessories played a lead role in this visual opera. Architectural handbags with heavy hardware, armoured belts, metallic gloves, and sculptural shoes echoed the past, but never got lost in it. Ghesquière’s leatherworking precision and imaginative structure gave each piece the depth of an heirloom—and the cool factor of a runway rebel.
Palais des Papes: The Perfect Stage
The setting elevated the narrative. With its stone halls, gothic arches, and moody lighting, the Palais des Papes gave the collection the reverence it deserved. But this was no museum moment. The clothes clashed and shimmered, twisting history into high fashion with an attitude only Ghesquière could pull off.
What You’re About to See
As you scroll through the gallery below, you’ll spot:
- Capes that channel warrior queens
- Dresses that whisper cathedral romance
- Accessories that blur the line between sculpture and style
- Textures that flicker between leather, lace, and molten metal
Each image captures a moment. Each look tells its own tale.
Glam-Rock Royalty
This metallic jacquard mini-coat with military-inspired ruffles and shearling trims brings Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2026 fantasy to life. Paired with sculptural fur-lined boots and a structured LV bucket bag, it’s part commander, part couture dream.
Modern Heraldry
A bold patchwork of color and form defines this sleeveless wool mini-dress with an asymmetric shoulder cape. Finished with graphic knee-high boots, it channels medieval armor through a retro-futurist lens in true Cruise 2026 spirit.
Baroque Reimagined
A sculptural interplay of textures defines this look: a sleek black knit base is elevated with cascading metallic fringe and a dramatic fan-shaped pleated accent, echoing architectural opulence with futuristic flair.
Gilded Armor
This look fuses medieval regality with glam-rock audacity. The structured metallic dress, complete with fur cuffs and collar, commands presence, while the plush boots and signature Louis Vuitton bucket bag ground it in modern luxury.
Ornate Warrior
A flared ivory blouse meets a leather vest with mirrored embellishments in this ornate ensemble. Paired with brocade trousers and a wooden trunk-inspired handbag, this look embodies Louis Vuitton’s theatrical take on medieval-meets-modern dressing.
Unveiled at the Palais des Papes in Avignon, France, the show leaned into performance, power, and opulence. Ghesquière’s vision brought together Gothic grandeur and glam-rock energy in ways that felt at once archival and futuristic. This wasn’t a period piece; it was a visual manifesto.
Image Courtesy: Cruise 2026 Collections by Louis Vuitton