Runway sets are just as noteworthy as the collections themselves. They reflect and reinforce the designer’s inspiration, viewpoint, and their voice. A killer runway can no doubt elevate a great collection. They are often the best mode of storytelling; they create a dialogue, a direction and a language for the collection. Each one sets the tone for the season, and they’re an instant way to express a mood, a vibe, or emotion. 

Over the years, Louis Vuitton has presented some of the most extraordinary runways of all time. Here, V are taking a look back at some of their most iconic shows.

Starting with Marc Jacobs Spring 2008, Jacobs’ tenure at Vuitton saw collaborations with artist Yayoi Kusama, Stephen Sprouse, and Takashi Murakami. Jacobs took the luxury leather goods company and turned it into a global fashion phenomenon. During his time at Vuitton, Jacobs orchestrated some of the most jaw-dropping sets to showcase his collections.

Spring 2008

A starlit nightscape provided the backdrop for the Spring 2008 runway. Models Stephanie Seymour, Eva Herzigová and Naomi Campbell walked the runway dressed as Vuitton Nurses.  

Fall 2016

For Fall 2016, Nicolas Ghesquière collaborated with artist Justin Morin to create mirrored mosaic pillars. The runway was zoned into three sections: a cube, a dome, and a pyramid.

Spring 2012

The set for the Spring 2012 show was a life size carousel, Vuitton style. With a set that was all white, the symbolic purity of the color complimented the extravagance of the design.

Spring 2013

For Spring 2013, Jacobs presented a retro set with oversized yellow check squares forming the runway, complete with coordinating escalators. The check pattern was echoed in the fabrics used for the show.

Spring 2019 Menswear

Virgil Abloh’s debut Spring 2019 collection was a rainbow of color and a celebration of talent, heritage, and great clothes. Set outdoors, a gradient of rainbow hues were used for the runway.  

Fall 2012

To coincide with a touring Vuitton exhibition, a special runway was held in Shanghai. The theme was travel, which was reflected with the set. A Louis Vuitton steam locomotive and a gigantic train station style clock set the scene. Looks were completed with bellboys carrying the models’ Vuitton luggage.

Fall 2011

For Fall 2011, Jacobs presented a luxury row of functional elevators, each one accompanied by a doorman. The set was reminiscent of a grand hotel, with the perimeter of the runway lined with maids.

Fall 2013

Jacobs created a sense of mystery for Fall 2013 as models entered through a corridor of hotel doors. With the suggestion of intrigue and secret liaisons, the vibe was very Film Noir.

Fall 2018 Menswear

Kim Jones’ final Vuitton show in 2018 wasn’t so much a spectacular set as it was an iconic runway moment. The show featured surprise appearances by Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. Both models walked hand in hand with Jones as he took his final walk for Vuitton.

Spring 2019

Nicolas Ghesquière’s Spring 2019 show was held at the Louvre. The famous pyramid provided the backdrop before models walked through a tunnel of strobe lights that framed a mirrored runway.

Fall 2019 Menswear

For the men’s show, Virgil Abloh took inspiration from New York City’s Lower East Side circa 1980. The set of the fashion show was an urban-cityscape complete with fire hydrants, barber shop, traffic lights, and road signs. Naomi Campbell stole the show, serving retro glamour while she posed with the movie-like set.

Spring 2014

Marc Jacobs’ final Louis Vuitton runway incorporated everything from past shows. Elevators, carousel, train station clocks, escalators, fountains all married together by being painted black created a defining moment in fashion. The show was a celebration of Vuitton and Jacobs’ monumental talent.