The capsule tells a story, stirs emotions, and makes history come alive.
The conclave fever is still on—quite literally with the gothic Palais des Papes in the French city of Avignon serving as the backdrop for the launch of Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2026 collection.
Considered one of Europe’ biggest medieval structures, it served as the papal residence in the 14th century where six conclaves took place between 1334 and 1394. Last May 22, it served a different purpose—it became the setting for a fashion show for the first time in its 700-year history.
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Louis Vuitton women’s creative director Nicolas Ghesquière chose the Palais des Papes last year, not because of its papal history, but because of something more personal. Per The Guardian, the 54-year-old designer had fond memories of attending summer experimental theater festivals held at the centuries-old historical landmark.
Still, it’s a lovely coincidence to hold the event in a town imbued with a rich pontifical history just a little over a week after a new pope was elected. And to add a papal flair, even if inadvertently, inside the Cour d’Honneur where the runway was, guests sat on red velvet high-backed seats, not so different from altar chairs.
The show highlighted a dramatic clash of eras—the splendor of the Middle Ages colliding with glam rock extravagance, per the Louis Vuitton website. Each piece and every ensemble is a nod to the medieval times—a period in history that has inspired many a work of art, in this case, fashion.
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As promised by Ghesquière in the show notes, the collection “explores the performative aspects of clothing, its inherent artistic value, its narrative force, and the emotional power it unleashes.” Indeed, the capsule proves how fashion can go beyond being mere articles of clothing. It can tell a story—and stir emotions and make history come alive while doing so.
Metallic suit jackets with sharp tailoring and structured shoulders, paired with flowing capes, remind one of a knight in shining armor. Meanwhile, ruffles, silhouettes, chiffon, shearling, fur cuffs, and a memorable fuchsia mini skirt made to look like a flower, are a nod to the proverbial damsel in distress waiting to be saved by said knight. There’s also a striking top with what seemed to be a design inspired by a coat-of-arms which is reminiscent of the Knights Templar.
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The guest list was as shining, shimmering, and splendid as a newly shined armor. Leading the 400 guests were French First Lady Brigitte Macron, Hollywood icon Cate Blanchett, and Louis Vuitton’s Men’s creative director Pharrell Williams.
Then there’s, of course, a slew of Hollywood A-listers and Asian superstars. There’s the (visibly pregnant!) Saoirse Ronan, Emma Stone, Sophie Turner, Alicia Vikander, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Chloe Grace Moretz. From our Asian neighbors, there’s Shogun star Moeka Hoshi, fellow Japanese actress Suzu Hirose, Thai actress and model Urassaya Sperbund, and South Korea was represented by actress-model Hoyeon and pop star Felix of the boy band Stray Kids.
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