Louis Vuitton without Marc Jacobs is like tea without milk, bread without butter…so we knew that when he finally stepped down, he wouldn’t do it quietly. Yesterday, to my dismay, it happened with a combination of signature Louis trademarks to set the scene. The carousel, the fountains, the escalator, they all made an appearance in a march of glossy jet blacks.
Referencing the women who inspire him in his show notes, with everyone from Emmanuelle Alt and Lady Gaga, to Liza Minnelli and Miuccia Prada, Jacobs went on to explain “there’s a show girl in all of us. This collection is dedicated to the women who inspire me and the showgirl in everyone of them.” Well, that much was evident. Models glided round the carousel and up and down the escalator and in and out if elevators wearing the most spectacular feather Mohawk headpieces from Steven Jones. The clothes weren’t bad either! A multitude of blacks emerged with lace, sheer and fishnet holding up the showgirl side of the bargain, while oversized football jerseys and loose dresses added that elegant grunge vibe that Jacobs always manages to nail. Even the infamous Louis graffiti made a comeback (although that is one look I won’t be recreating any time soon).
A magnificent show to celebrate a magnificent 16 years. Only time will tell who’ll take his place, although those rumours of Nicolas ghesquire won’t seem to go away! Watch this space.
By Natalie Miller