Some collections transcend the catwalk, becoming not only part of fashion history but also part of cultural memory. The Cruise 2026 collection is one of those chapters. Louis Vuitton’s latest collection reaches the south of France, presenting a fashion show that is both spectacular and evocative in the magnificent cloisters of the Palais des Papes, a Gothic building in the heart of Avignon. Designated a historical monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace serves as the stage for this fashion feast.
Louis Vuitton’s Cruise collections have always been in the spirit of travel, not only across landscapes but also across time. Nicolas Ghesquière, with his unique perspective, once again leads us to explore the unexpected. This season, he chose Avignon, a city full of poetry, culture and history, as his canvas.
The Cruise 2026 collection is a play of chiaroscuro, where light and shadow intertwine and complement each other. Bold silhouettes, architectural cuts and modern materials complement the ancient stone of the palace. In this resonating atmosphere, the image of the Louis Vuitton woman comes to life: powerful and poetic, fearless yet meaningful.
In addition to the fashion show, Louis Vuitton will support the lighting project of the Place de l’Horloge in Avignon, continuing the brand’s enduring commitment to cultural and community engagement and following in the footsteps of the previous Cruise presentation.
The spirit of travel – a signature element throughout the Cruise collections – is given a new interpretation as Louis Vuitton chooses Avignon as its latest destination. Within the hallowed walls of the Palais des Papes, a Gothic fortress built in 1335, Louis Vuitton artfully blends haute couture with classical culture to create an encounter that transcends time.
With a reverence for local craftsmanship and iconic architecture, Louis Vuitton brings its Cruise collection to a number of unique locations: from John Lautner’s medieval villa in Palm Springs to the Oscar Niemeyer Museum in Niterói, the I.M. Pei-designed Miho Museum near Kyoto, and the Salk Institute in California. Avignon, with its majestic Palais Papi overlooking the city, is both a natural continuation and a poetic new chapter.
More than a seasonal collection, the Cruise 2026 collection is a new chapter in Louis Vuitton’s ongoing exploration of the dialogue between fashion, place and history. In Avignon, time seems to stand still, and each model embarks on a path that connects the past and the present, bathed in the light of Louis Vuitton’s timeless vision.
The Cruise collection will be available in Louis Vuitton boutiques worldwide in November 2025.