On May 14, luxury fashion magnate Louis Vuitton lifted the veil off their stunning 2018 Cruise Collection — at a venue that was just as breathtaking. Helmed by the brand’s creative director Nicolas Ghesquière, the collection was shown at the Miho Museum in Kyoto, Japan atop a metal bridge overlooking the Shingaraki Mountains. The shift to the I.M Pei designed venue comes after previous cruise collections being unveiled in Monaco, Palm Springs and Rio de Janeiro. Lauded as a venue that encapsulates the fusion of urban and natural, the beautiful scenery made the event truly one to not be missed. The star-studded event saw celebrities such as Michelle Williams, Sophie Turner, Fan Bing Bing and Jennifer Connelly in the front row.

The collaboration between Japanese designer Kansai Yamamoto and Louis Vuitton saw pieces infused with classic Japanese art and Kabuki-inspired designs. Japanese actress Rila Fukushima opened the show dressed in a belted fur jacket, along with a striped cotton shirt. Models took to the long catwalk in sequined t-shirt dresses alongside bold Kabuki prints, as well as garments resembling samurai armour and Japanese traditional dress. Sheer evening dresses shimmering with gold and silver sequins dazzled in the sunlight.

Accessories included Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogrammed bags and mini-trunks, but with an added twist by Kansai Yamamoto. The designer created symbols and icons resembling Kabuki masks for the accessories line, injecting another splash of vibrancy.

Japanese influences were prevalent even in the models’ makeup. Bold colours were blended seamlessly into the face, highlighted with the use of eyeliner and dramatic brows; referencing the Kabuki. The look played perfectly into the theme of fusing modernity and the traditional, standing out in the largely minimalist backdrop of the museum.

“I visited the Miho Museum a few years ago and was fascinated by I.M. Pei’s concept of the harmony between architecture and nature. Japan is a country I know well. It was one of the first places I travelled to when I was seeking inspiration, some 20 years ago, and I’ve been a regular visitor ever since. This collection is the culmination of what Japan has given to me for a very long time,” said Louis Vuitton creative director Nicolas Ghesquière in a statement.

Since the end of the 19th century, Louis Vuitton has always maintained strong ties with Japan: the mon (family crest) inspirations of the Monogram canvas; the long list of renowned Japanese clients; Louis Vuitton’s first store in Tokyo in 1978; and the collaborations with Japanese contemporary artists such as Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama, Rei Kawabuko and today Hiroshi Fujiwara.

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