Louis Vuitton’s Creative Director for menswear lit up the capital on the mythical Pont Neuf with an eagerly anticipated runway show. Accompanied by the melodic sounds of virtuoso pianist Lang Lang, followed by the Voices of Fire gospel choir, the collection revealed a unique reinterpretation of the Louis Vuitton universe, with variations on the emblematic checkerboard motif as well as camouflage, prints and jacquards on coats, jackets, pajamas, shirts and even laser-cut bags, or pixelated designs in a truly distinctive imaginary world.

The designer paid tribute to his native Virginia with the “LVERS” emblem, a reference to the state’s slogan: “Virginia is for lovers“. The Marque L. Vuitton Déposée logo, taken from the archives, also appeared throughout the collection. Accessories, meanwhile, come in a number of different versions – in lambskin leather or with vibrant hues – such as the Speedy, whose berets are branded “Lovers” with the stylized letters L and V.

A stunning launch for Pharrell Williams… and for the fashion capital of the world.

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Nigo presented his new women’s and men’s collection on the Passerelle Debilly, the footbridge that connects the Palais de Tokyo and the Eiffel Tower, linking contemporary creativity with the legacy of Kenzo Takada. City Pop was the soundtrack of the designer’s teenage years in Japan, and this mélange of musical genres offers perfect backing for his new stylistic proposition inspired by multiple influences.

Code-switches between Japanese and Western wardrobes transform a traditional uwagi judo jacket into a chore jacket, the seigaiha wave print is adapted in indigo denim, and a kimono morphs into a down puffer. Japanese cutting style brings kimono sleeves to blazers, trench coats go collarless and tailored jackets are lapel-less. The new Kenzo PXT – for Paris x Tokyo – sneaker is emblematic of this East-meets-West stylistic DNA. Floral prints dear to Kenzo Takada are ubiquitous. A Kenzo rose inspired by the archives appears as a floral motif on denim, as well as dresses and Nigo’s signature camouflage print.

A new signature for the season is an interpretation of the Kenzo Paris logo by Japanese graphic artist and longtime Nigo friend Verdy. The graphic is emblazoned across everything from clothes to utility bags, both front and back. From linen suits to transparent effects on body-skimming silhouettes, summery freedom, Kenzo-style, is all about fluidity. The colors and flowers of feminine and masculine silhouettes alike create an exuberant harmony, ready to wear…and readily seductive.

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An avid art lover, LOEWE Creative Director Jonathan Anderson chose fountains by American artist Lynda Benglis as the setting for his latest runway show, entitled “A study on perspective” and held in the equestrian arena of La Garde Républicaine in Paris. Opening with silhouettes bathed in glittering crystals, the collection took the unexpected to the borders of surrealism. Bared backs were adorned with hypersized swatches of fabric, accompanied by equally hypersized pins. Suede Pebble bags morphed into tunics, joined by oversize Puzzle Fold totes. All proportions are redefined with ultra-high waist pants and accentuated busts. Blazers with inventive pockets and long bathrobe-like coats are worn shirtless. Trompe-l’œil shoes seem to grow out of pants, including leather jumpsuits. Chelsea boots, ballet shoes and sandals all have rounded toes. Splashes of frank colors like fiery red or spring green stand out in a palette of blues, from soft pastels to stormy. Plays of stripes range from meticulously thin to wide, underlining perceptions of scale. Jonathan Anderson’s bold simplicity extends to crystal embellishments throughout the looks, including a range of sunglasses, essential accessories for creative reverie.