Luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton presented its Women's Spring/Summer 2024 Collection at Post Houston to an invitation-only crowd of media, content creators, and its most loyal Texas-based clientele on Tuesday, March 19.
The crowd experienced a full runway show followed by an exclusive trunk show and shopping event to mark the launch of the collection in all four of Houston's Louis Vuitton stores. The fashionable event is the first time the iconic French brand has held a runway show in Texas since it showcased its Cruise Collection in 2022 at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas.
In a nod to the Paris debut of the Spring/Summer 2024 Collection, the brand wrapped Post Houston in billowing orange to look like the inside of a hot air balloon that represented "the Spirit of Travel at the heart of the Maison." Ever thoughtful in its approach to runway shows, Louis Vuitton chose the downtown dining and entertainment hotspot because of its history of being adjacent to Houston's Grand Central Station in the 1930s. Fast forward nearly 100 years and the site selection represented a full-circle moment for the brand.
“We wanted Post Houston to be a place that can both ground you in Houston but also make you feel like you’ve arrived somewhere else," said Kirby Liu, director at Post Houston owner Lovett Commercial. "We're thrilled Louis Vuitton played into the building's heritage and its current aspirations with their vision for travel and transformation."
The venue was draped in billowing orange to make it look like the inside of a hot air balloon as a nod to the collection's debut in Paris. Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton; Image Megan Kay Photography
Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton's artistic director of women's collections, showcased several layered silhouettes and tailored ensembles to highlight different aspects of femininity. Models wore flowing layered skirts, mousseline, and charmeuse, with bomber jackets and large, low-slung belts. Stripes, a big trend for spring and summer, appeared in many looks. Light pink and blues contrasted against stark black and white ensembles and the brand's beloved checkerboard pattern.
"Vuitton is a luxury brand, but it's about function — it provides a service: to travel better. Mobility is important in clothes," Ghesquière said of the collection when it made its runway debut in the fall.
The collection includes contrasting textures and materials from the signature monogrammed bags, woven knits, and glossy details. Alongside traditional heels, this collection featured several styles of the LV Knot Pump with draped leather and a knotted heel accent.
The Spring/Summer Collection is full of ready-to-wear pieces perfect for travel. Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton; Image Megan Kay Photography
Texans came out in full support of the brand, wearing head-to-toe Louis Vuitton, including current and vintage pieces. Castings for the runway show took place in New York, and models flew to Houston to participate in the event.
"Being invited to such an iconic event was such a bucket list goal of mine," says content creator Jasmine Nguyen, who was wearing a Louis Vuitton black ensemble and heels. "The fact that the runway show was in my hometown made it that much more special."
Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton; Image Megan Kay Photography
In the Spring/Summer 2024 Collection Nicolas Ghesquière plays with layered volumes to create airy silhouettes and tailored ensembles.
