Louis Vuitton takes Shanghai by storm with ‘Voyager’ fashion show

Louis Vuitton unveiled its latest traveling show ‘Voyager’ in Shanghai to much fanfare, showcasing avant-garde designs amid the vibrant backdrop of China’s bustling metropolis. The event, held on Thursday evening, attracted more than 1,000 esteemed guests, including international celebrities such as Cate Blanchett and homegrown sensations Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Wang.

The pre-fall collection, designed by artistic director Nicolas Ghesquière for women, captivated attendees with its combination of asymmetrical hemlines and structured leather vests, Reuters reported.

The show found its stage within the expansive confines of the Long Museum, an architectural marvel nestled in Shanghai’s West Bund arts district, designed by Atelier Deshaus. Here, fashion lovers were treated to an immersive experience, with pieces created in collaboration with Beijing-based artist Sun Yitian. Sun’s signature artwork, featuring carefully painted photographs of inflatable animals, adorned the opening designs and added a whimsical touch to the runway.

In the run-up to the event, Shanghai was abuzz with anticipation as images of Sun’s creations adorned the city’s landscape, projected onto the facades of shopping centers and adorning walls in trendy shopping areas. This spectacle underlined the city’s status as a global fashion hub and an important market for luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton.

For Louis Vuitton, China remains a cornerstone of its growth strategy within the luxury market. Despite broader economic challenges, the brand continues to see robust demand from Chinese consumers. LVMH reported a 3% year-on-year sales increase for the quarter ending in March, with purchases from Chinese consumers globally rising 10%. This reaffirms China’s position as one of the key opportunities for luxury brands, even against a backdrop of economic uncertainty.

The debut of the ‘Voyager’ show in Shanghai follows the successful showcase of Louis Vuitton’s men’s collection in Hong Kong last year, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to connecting with Chinese consumers on multiple fronts and establishing its presence in the booming to strengthen the region’s luxury landscape.

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