Tucked away in a modest concrete building on The Strand, London, is an exhibition like no other. A labyrinth of mirrors, a digital catwalk and a craftswoman assembling a mini Louis Vuitton trunk are all part of the Louis Vuitton’s Series 3 Exhibition, which allows visitors an exclusive look into the curiously elaborate world of fashion.
The idea behind the exhibition is for Nicolas Ghesquière – Louis Vuitton’s creative director, to express his design process in a fresh, diverse way. Ghesquiere describes it as a ‘way for people to understand my creative process’ and instead of a branding exercise should be seen as an exhibition set on ‘celebrating the past and projecting the future’.
One room aptly named ‘Artists’ Hands’ and described as ‘the heart of Louis Vuitton’s savoir-faire’, gives us the opportunity to watch craftsmen create La Petite Malle and The Dora, two of Vuitton’s new classic bags. This glimpse behind the scenes helps you appreciate the work that goes into creating a catwalk show and also made me slightly jealous of the craftswoman who gets to be surrounded by Louis Vuitton creations all day everyday.
My favourite room is the catwalk room in which giant curved screens are staggered around projecting an army of models. This ‘modern and unexpected reinterpretation of a fashion show’ allows us to sit and watch the models strutting along the catwalk for as long as we please, which in my case would’ve been forever if I had the choice. The relaxed nature of it also makes it far more satisfying than watching a 10minute catwalk show and being rushed out at the end despite your silent inner protest.
However, the most effective room I believe was the white room which on entry made me feel like I’d arrived in heaven with the blinding whiteness and bright lights. This heavenly feeling was only reinforced when my eyes refocused and I noticed the room was full of bags. Bags in glass cases, bags held by mannequins, bags everywhere. I think this room was the most impactful as it reminds you that despite all the beautifully designed garments, bags are at the core of Louis Vuitton and accessories are an integral part to any outfit.
#LVSeries3 Exhibition is a must see and there’s no excuse not to go as its completely free and is on till 18th October. (You also get free monogram stickers of your initials at the end to jazz up your notebook, everyone loves a freebie.)
