Moving between India and Paris Louis Vuitton presented their Spring/Summer
'26 collection last june during Paris Mens Fashionweek. Outside on the
forecourt of >Centre Pompidou stood a life-size Snakes and Ladders board,
designed by architect Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai. This ancient Indian game,
symbolizing possibility, chance, and destiny, captured Pharrell's philosophy
at Louis Vuitton. The morning after the show, we visited Louis Vuitton's
headquarters on Rue du Neuf to see the collection up close.
With models showcasing pieces from the new collection, we took a detailed
look at the garments, bags, shoes, and accessories. The collection
highlights modern Indian sartorialism's influence on global fashion,
blending Indian heritage with expressive dandy style and subtle Indian
touches in every piece. The collection offered a modern take on Indian
dress codes like cricket-striped ties, layered waistcoats, and sun-soaked
tailoring, blending tradition and change. Wide leg flared pleated
trousers, monogrammed puffers and structured workwear jackets mixed
streetwear with tailored luxury. Layered kurta-style tunics, long
coats, and draped suits drew on Indian heritage while feeling global,
reflecting Louis Vuitton's philosophy of travel and connection.
Many garments feature stripes and checks, enhancing the collection's board
game theme. The color palette reflected India's earthy tones: brown, coral,
purple, and soft greens. One outstanding look paired this caramel-brown
tailored shorts with a deep purple-and-white woven sweater, another had
green shorts with a light purple shirt and white woven vest. The fine
embroidery and vibrant colors highlighted the dialogue between Western
luxury and Indian craft. The lime-green parka, another standout,
featured a jewel-studded hood sparkling like a crown for a modern
wanderer.
Paying homage to Wes Anderson's 2007 film "The Darjeeling Limited", the motif appears on select garments and accessories as a subtle tribute.
In the film, three brothers travel across India with a bespoke,
animal-painted Louis Vuitton luggage set. Now, elephants, zebras, giraffes,
and rhinoceroses adorn jackets and trunks, connecting the collection to the
movie's spirit.
Though largely commercially safe, the collection stood out with its cultural
fusion and attention to detail. Pharrell didn't shock with radical designs,
but demonstrated his sharp business sense. With detailed embroidery,
hand-painted motifs, beaded accents, and expert craftsmanship, the
collection inspires innovation and cultural appreciation.
Collection notes:
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