Feb. 06--Straight from the fashion capital of the world to the entertainment capital of the world, Louis Vuitton has brought its spring 2015 runway show from Paris to L.A. as a pop culture experience for all.
There is no product for sale at the gallery-like space on North Highland Avenue, just a free, immersive exhibition intended to give visitors a glimpse into the time-traveling vision of designer and self-described sci-fi enthusiast Nicolas Ghesqui貥, who became artistic director of Vuitton's women's collections in November 2013.
The through-line of heritage fused with futurism underscores how Ghesqui貥's vision for Vuitton differs from that of his predecessor, Marc Jacobs, who was the creative director at the brand for 16 years, during which time he presented highly theatrical, but highly changeable collections. Where Jacobs introduced ready-to-wear at Vuitton, previously known only for leather goods, and put the house on the fashion map, Ghesqui貥 is taking it to where it needs to go. His touch has already boosted sales growth at Vuitton and helped parent company LVMH post stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter sales. Burke credited Ghesqui貥's ability to balance the "commercial and image" aspects of the business. "That's authenticity," the chief executive said.
"I feel I've found my place," said Ghesqui貥. "There is a lot of pressure, but I'm very calm. There are so many people around me with amazing talent. When they present things to me, the level of achievement is something where I can react and build off of it. In my past, I was the craftsman, now I'm giving more direction. I don't feel alone."
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Series 2
Where: 1135 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Feb. 22
Information: 866-Vuitton, louisvuitton.com
booth.moore@latimes.com
