At Louis Vuitton, Women Are Confident, Fearless, and Powerful

Welcome to Runway Matters, where we're delivering notes straight from the runway so you can quickly digest the most important trends and noteworthy moments from the F/W 18 shows.

Imagine walking into the Louvre through its glass pyramid entrance to find the museum completely empty. Roped off from the public, a soft energy permeating throughout, no sound of clicking heels within earshot. That was the experience arriving at the Louis Vuitton show in Paris. Heading down an escalator, up a flight of stairs, and through a corridor lined with ancient sculptures, guests then spilled out into the “Cour Lefuel”—an open-air courtyard that was outfitted just for the event. Amphitheater seats hugged the walls and a clear tent hung above (good thing, since it started pouring rain just moments before the show began). And like something out of a sci-fi movie, a walkway descended over a sloped ramp as music started and models soon stomped out. The songs, eery and ominous, set the mood for the show that paraded strong, powerful women in a familiar (but futuristic) landscape.

Classic Nichols Ghesquière

We saw some pieces from Ghesquière that go back to his roots—namely, his signature futuristic-inspired designs. The show itself was set in a historic room, which balanced out the show’s theatrics and design leaning toward futuristic modernity and space. Stiff tailored pants constructed from high-tech fabrics, shiny pleated skirts, draped dresses, and asymmetrical tops woven together with contrasting textiles harkened back to what Ghesquière does best.

Celebrities lined the front row

This editor brushed shoulders with everyone from Michelle Williams and Sienna Miller to Emma Stone and Sophie Turner. But that’s not where the celeb sightings stopped. The brand’s ambassadors made a big appearance in the front row.

Michelle Williams, Justin Theroux, Emma Stone

Sophie Turner, Laura Harrier, Doona Bae

Antoine Arnault, Anna Wintour, Sienna Miller

Power Women

A theme we’ve seen throughout fashion month, strong women were the focus for designer Nicholas Ghesquiere. Modernized versions of a skirt suit and ladylike pumps opened the show (and continued throughout)—think architectural shapes or embellishments like tassels and fringe. And some of the most statement-making pieces in the collection were tailored leather blazers. Outfitted with peplums and hip-accentuating silhouettes, they’re yet another nod to the power woman and a combination of classic French elegance and strength.

This collection is for women who are confident and fearless and ready to change the world—aka all of us.