My First Louis Vuitton Show Was Shocking and Delightful All at the Same Time

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(Image credit: @nicoleakhtarzad)

As someone who travels a lot, I’m not usually excited for an afternoon drive to JFK Airport in the heart of NYC's rush hour, but yesterday was different. I was dressed up (a rare weekday departure from my jeans-and-tee uniform); in a comfortable sprinter van, Petite Malle in hand; and on my way to my first-ever Louis Vuitton runway show (Cruise 20). Around 6:40 p.m., I arrived at the TWA Flight Center, which, in its own right, is an architectural and aesthetic wonder, feeling like I somehow just found myself in an episode of my favorite childhood cartoon, The Jetsons—but better.

It was like being transported into the future, only an exceptionally stylish one in which Sansa Stark—I mean Sophie Turner—can walk by you at any moment, all of Hollywood’s most powerful stylists (including Karla Welch and Kate Young) are in one room, champagne is flowing, and everyone gets a front-row seat. Being from Beverly Hills originally and now living in New York, I’d also like to point out that celebrity sightings are somewhat the norm to me, but there’s just something about brushing shoulders with the likes of Cate Blanchett, Alicia Vikander, and Laura Harrier that you can never truly get used to.

I digress. As a 26-year-old digital fashion editor (seemingly among the youngest there), I thought it was fitting that this would be my first Louis Vuitton show, in which Nicolas Ghesquière used air travel and a sense of departure to build on the house’s core foundations of journey and discovery. Every aspect of the day and show was a reminder of just how small the world has become thanks to not only the accessibility of travel but technology, too. With more languages being spoken than I could keep track of, the international crowd meshed together so seamlessly one could easily forget that a large portion of these guests were flown in from various parts of the world—all with a common interest that was just about to commence: the show.

Oh, the show. Eighties glamour and bubble skirts somehow paired perfectly with futuristic accessories (including the brand’s first digital bag) and edgy finishes. A look could have leather gloves, silver zippers, and combat boots but also crystals, a short hemline, and even the occasional embroidered cityscape, but somehow it all worked. Simply continue on to read more about and see some of the show’s top looks.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

The brand's first-ever digital bag featured screens on both the front and back with moving images. 

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

Cityscapes were embroidered on a number of pieces, mainly jackets, as a nod to just how much the designer was inspired by New York for the collection.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

Rich hues and elegant silhouettes, as seen in this top, were juxtaposed with leather gloves and edgy combat boots. 

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

Travel references were also seen in a number of bomber-inspired jackets.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

Everyone took their phones out for this Batwoman-inspired look.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

While the look overall is statement-making, I love how this dress is still simple and wearable when it comes down to it. 

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

The designer played with layering on a number of looks, as seen here in this belted number.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

This sheer, crystal minidress is the perfect example of how soft and edgy touches came together. 

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

Crop-top styling inspiration if I've ever seen it.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

This pairing of a corset-style top with long shorts and combat boots was unexpected and amazing.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

Possibly the most-Instagrammed look of the show—for good reason.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

Eighties beauty (and bubble skirt) made modern.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

This leather look was perfectly accessorized.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

The final look featured everything from floral embroidery to velvet draping to zipper detailing, and it all came together seamlessly. 

Up next? Shop 21 of this week's best new arrivals.

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.