Louis Vuitton (LV) chose to present its 2026 early spring and summer resort collection in the Courtyard of Honor (Cour d’Honneur) of the Palais des Papes in Avignon, France.
This historic site, famous for its Gothic architecture, was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1995. Nicolas Ghesquière, artistic director of the women’s collection, chose this place to continue the brand’s travel core by visiting world-class buildings.
Louis Vuitton also became the first brand to hold a fashion show in the Palais des Papes, subverting the previous viewing mode of arranging seats on the stage, and highlighting the brand’s emphasis on culture, architecture and art.
Louis Vuitton continues the historical heritage of the Palais des Papes, and the 45 new 2026 early spring and summer resort collections on the catwalk exude a strong medieval atmosphere.
The intricately stitched tunic, cape-style dress, leather shoulder armor cleverly mixed like a battlefield warrior, and knitted dress with metallic colors, etc., are reminiscent of Joan of Arc and also echo the time and space background of the design inspiration.
In terms of details, exquisite embroidery, sequin decoration, partial hollowing, asymmetrical tailoring, irregular hem, etc., inject a classical and romantic atmosphere into the series.
Accessories inherit the fashion style. The classic bag Alma is either covered with regular vine totems or cleverly embellished with gold chains, exuding the exquisite freehand texture of the Middle Ages.
In terms of shoes, long and short knight boots are a major feature, with an open-toe design, as light and close-fitting as socks, which is more in line with the atmosphere of early spring.
The leather is also embellished with irregular mirrors and metal elements, which is more gorgeous. There are also crepe boots and leather flats, which are perfectly matched with gorgeous clothes.
The highlight of this show is the use of materials that break the framework, such as rattan hats and wooden frame handbags, which are launched in cooperation with French emerging wood structure designer Thomas Roger.
The Monogram label on the handbag can also be regarded as a collaboration between the two brands.
Louis Vuitton 2026 Early Spring and Summer Resort Series also adheres to the concept of charity and environmental protection. 40% of the materials in the stage design of the big show are rented to reduce the consumption of consumables after the show.
The guest invitation card is made of fabrics in the brand’s existing inventory, practicing the concept of reducing waste and reusing.
At the same time, the brand also funded the Papal Palace to improve the lighting plan, promising to improve the lighting of the Papal Palace, the Bishop’s Chapel, the Small Palace and the Mint, and continue the style of historical buildings through the power of fashion.