Louis Vuitton’s Spring-Summer 2022 Collection Travels Through Time

With its founder’s 200th birthday celebration in the works, it was only natural that the theme of Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2022 involved the passage of time—a concept that has long fascinated artistic director Nicolas Ghesquière because of its cyclical relationship with fashion. The Paris Ready-to-Wear show took place on October 5 in the Louvre’s Passage Richelieu, the same passage that the brand’s founder, Louis Vuitton, used to access the apartments of Empress Eugenie, for whom he was the exclusive trunk-maker.   

Showcasing Ghesquière’s mastery of juxtaposition, the Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2022 brought together the Maison’s historic legacy and iconic designs with the uber-casual codes of the present day. As befitting of such an event, models flaunted opulently detailed gowns and open-toed boots. Denim jackets met formal tailcoats, while an abundance of beading, flounces, and lace was contrasted by a subdued palette of monochrome black-and-white, navy, and army green.

Another facet of inspiration was Ghesquière’s recent work of creating costumes for the upcoming HBO Max series “Irma Vep,” a decidedly noir film that explores the notion of a time-travelling vampire figure. Ghesquière’s take on the plot showed up in a flair for modernized capes, masquerade-mask sunglasses, and frothy lace jabots, which were unorthodox enough to blur the boundaries between past and present. However, the brand’s heritage and timelessness—in its evolution through the years—remained at the forefront of the Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2022 collection.

“I wanted to situate this ready-to-wear collection at the threshold of couture,” Ghesquière said. “It’s unabashed luxury that demonstrates the opulence of the Maison’s savoir-faire.”