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.

louis-vuitton-runway-fall-winter-2018-251492-1520389669941-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

louis-vuitton-runway-fall-winter-2018-251492-1520389681539-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

louis-vuitton-runway-fall-winter-2018-251492-1520390315477-image

(Image credit: Louis Vuitton)

Michelle Williams, Justin Theroux, Emma Stone

louis-vuitton-runway-fall-winter-2018-251492-1520390313842-image

Sophie Turner, Laura Harrier, Doona Bae

louis-vuitton-runway-fall-winter-2018-251492-1520390311615-image

(Image credit: Louis Vuitton)

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.

louis-vuitton-runway-fall-winter-2018-251492-1520389678542-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

louis-vuitton-runway-fall-winter-2018-251492-1520389680382-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

louis-vuitton-runway-fall-winter-2018-251492-1520389673846-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.