Louis Vuitton’s creative director Nicholas Ghesquiere has form when it comes to destination cruise shows: Kyoto, Japan and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil being two of the most memorable locations in recent years.

The little known Isola Bella in Lake Maggiore, Italy (owned by the Borromeo family for the last 500 years) was the location for his latest Cruise collection, and as the catwalk show unfolded it was clear why Ghesquiere chose this picturesque waterside venue.

Describing the collection as “an archaeology of the future”, it channelled #mermaidcore with fin-fluted hemlines, water droplet embellishments, neoprene diving jackets and gill ruffs. Of note, were the elaborate feathered and gilded headdresses, made by a Roman atelier, and the sci-fi athleisurewear.

“We started with the idea that the girls were coming from the water, like mermaids of the lake, and they’re transforming into something else,” explained Ghesquiere. “By the end the mermaid becomes a flower, but maybe not a flower that exists.” The result was not “quiet luxury” but full blown fantasy dressing, the designs seamlessly referencing the Baroque setting.

Guests, who included actresses Kerry Condon, Catherine Deneuve, Emma Stone and Cate Blanchett, watched inside the palace (due to the rain) while the fashion show took place outside during a lull in the showers. The weather, however, could not diminish the transportive qualities of the collection nor its spectacular setting.

Click into the gallery below to see all the guests who attended.

PMcC

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