Louis Vuitton invites you to their magical playground that’s taken over the Carrée du Louvre for their SS23 menswear collection. 

The 30-minute show commences with a pre-filmed, cinematic prelude video titled Strange Math, which explores “the relationship between imagination and reality,” the brand claims. The video stars Florida A&M University’s marching band – better known as Marching 100 – in an alternate dimension. It examines the idea of imagination and reality, toying with digital viewers’ perception when Marching 100 appears in real-time at the Louvre. 

A saturated, golden yellow runway takes center stage. Imagine a magnified version of an infinite, yellow brick road mixed with a Hot Wheels race track. Marching 100 emerges onto the yellow pathway with an ecstatic performance. A daunting, classical melody then plays as models trek down the evolutionary path where childlike fantasies come to life. Sitting front row at the show include; Justin Timberlake, Naomi Campbell, Tyga, J Balvin, Pierre Gasly, Jessica Biel, and more.

The classical tune is transitioned into a surprise performance by the one and only Kendrick Lamar. Often cited as one of the most influential rappers of his generation, it only made sense he would lead a tribute for a groundbreaking designer and entrepreneur of the same generation. Wearing a diamond crown of thorns, Lamar performed several songs off his 5th studio album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers including “Savior” & “Rich Spirit.” He closed out the show with “Count Me Out” & “N95” chanting “Long Live Virgil” repeatedly.

This collection was conceived and created in the spirit of all the human minds that shape Louis Vuitton. French romanticism – a quintessential component of the brand – plays a vital role throughout the collection, seen in recurring flower motifs, impressionist paintings transformed into tapestries and prints, and thistles seen in multiple fabric weaves. Tailoring silhouettes fluctuate between very voluminous and very fitted, reflecting the idea of clothes grown-into or outgrown. Cartoon prints pay tribute to a classical childhood trope, while cargo and workwear silhouettes pay homage to the dress codes of the 1990s skate communities.

Louis Vuitton SS23 collection – set in a kiddie wonderland inspired by textures and tones of playdough and building blocks – was a nostalgic, childhood reflection combined with house tropes, many of which were formulated by the late Virgil Abloh.