Louis Vuitton Unveiled Its Pre-Fall 2023 Collection At The Jamsugyo Bridge in Seoul
Louis Vuitton enlisted “Squid Game” director Hwang Dong-hyuk to help build the scenography for the show.
Last weekend, French luxury brand Louis Vuitton, prepared amid high winds to present its Pre-Fall 2023 by Nicolas Ghesquière, marking Louis Vuitton’s first women’s Pre-Fall runway show in the South Korean capital. While the event was grandiose and cinematic in aesthetics, the collection took a more casual approach. Models walked the runway to the sound of tunes such as ” 아니 벌써 Already Now” by Sanullim. Continuing to explore Ghesquière’s street fashion elements, the pre-fall runway was more casual than previous collections, but no less luxurious. On the other hand, the set design was entrusted to the director of the Netflix TV series “Squid Game,” Hwang Dong-Hyuk. Hwang advised Louis Vuitton on how to transform the monumental Jamsugyo Bridge into a setting suitable for the show. The result was a play of light that created the effect of water ripples projected onto the bridge, perhaps an ode to the Han River as a source of water for the country’s residents. The setting provided a charming and almost sentimental feel to the venue with additional water motifs projected on the bridge structures.
To further integrate the local culture into the atmosphere, the director also incorporated old-school Korean music as the soundtrack for the evening.
With well-established ties to the country, Louis Vuitton is a luxury force to be reckoned with in South Korea. The aim is to highlight the nation’s tourism potential through events that will be held throughout the year. Beginning with a monumental show that put all eyes on South Korea, Louis Vuitton’s partnership with the Korean government is set to consolidate the country’s status as a fashion mecca.
The collection reflected the modern Korean street style and sleek tailoring and high shoulders that Ghesquière is known for, such as his signature billowing cropped tops, strict suits and pinstriped coats and checkerboard patterns. His signature colours of rich reds, blues, yellows, countered by blacks, whites and beiges gave doses of colour and relief, respectively, without an overwhelming pattern or tone.
With bold eclecticism, the collection reinvented timeless silhouettes in both whimsical and structured variations, adorned with a combination of lustrous embellishments, distinctive prints and the Maison’s signature motifs, subtly revisited. Flat boots, two-tone denim and chunky belts were the stars, and were enhanced by quilted coats, oversized windbreakers and luxe leather pieces. Subtle Louis Vuitton patterns on jackets, glasses and shoes were juxtaposed with bold belt buckles and thin belts adorned with chains.
On the other hand, with Louis Vuitton, the focus is always on the bags, and Nicolas has infused the brand with a wealth of original styles. The Louis Vuitton Womenswear Pre-Fall 2023 collection brings a surprising update to some of our favourites.
Louis Vuitton’s front row was star-studded, bringing together a diverse group of celebrities. From brand ambassador Hyein to actress Chloë Grace Moretz, the French brand got the most stylish of the celebrity and fashion world. Opening the show, Jung Hoyeon flaunted her status as a celebrated model, actress and Louis Vuitton muse. In addition, many K-pop stars were aptly included: Felix from Stray Kids, Hyein from NewJeans, Yuta from NCT, Taeyeon from Girls Generation, Mingyu from Seventeen, Yeji from Itzy and Sunmi from Wonder Girls attended.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the looks from the collection.