Step behind the curtain at Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2026 show for an intimate look at the details that brought Nicolas Ghesquière’s medieval fantasy to life. From hand-embellished bags to otherworldly embroidery, these exclusive backstage images reveal the magic behind the spectacle
Louis Vuitton's latest Cruise showcase at Palais des Papes in Avignon delivered a theatrical spectacle steeped in history and myth, but the true narrative was found in the details.
Set against the vast stone corridors of the colossal 14th-century palace, the collection referenced medieval heraldry, religious manuscripts, and Arthurian legends, all interpreted through a distinctly modern lens. Flat peep-toe boots were richly embroidered, while the house’s iconic Alma bag appeared in striped exotic leathers and floral motifs drawn from ancient texts.
The garments themselves united ornate surface work with wearable silhouettes: sequins and flower petals applied to oversized shift dresses and sculptural knitwear built with architectural precision. Beauty followed suit: skin was luminous, hair softly structured or slicked with metallic sheen, and eyes subtly defined, a restrained contrast to the embellished garments. The overall effect was one of thoughtful balance, where storytelling and technique merged.
Scroll on to see Vogue Scandinavia's exclusive backstage snapshots, offering a closer look at the craftsmanship and creative direction that shaped Nicolas Ghesquière’s latest vision – followed by the full line-up of Cruise 2026 looks.
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
