Louis Vuitton FW25: Ghesquière’s Train of Thought

All aboard, darlings! Style Cartel here, bringing you the lowdown on Louis Vuitton‘s Fall/Winter 2025 collection. Forget your usual runway setting; Nicolas Ghesquière transformed L’Étoile du Nord, a historic train company headquarters, into a platform for his latest vision. It was a journey through time, emotion, and style, with a soundtrack courtesy of Kraftwerk. This wasn’t just a collection; it was a destination.

There’s no separation. We’re all together. That’s what is important.” – Nicolas Ghesquière

Louis Vuitton FW25: L’Étoile du Nord: Where Stories Converge


Ghesquière’s inspiration was clear: the train station was a microcosm of human experience. “I started with the idea of something very collective,” he explained, “where people meet, where people separate.” This theme resonated throughout the show, from the diverse cast of characters to the evocative setting. The choice of L’Étoile du Nord, adjacent to Gare du Nord, was a masterstroke, grounding the collection in the history of travel and innovation.

Choo-Choo-Choose Your Character: A Cinematic Journey

Ghesquière’s creative process involved asking his team for their favourite train-themed films, resulting in a diverse list that included 2046, Snowpiercer, Casablanca, and even Harry Potter. This cinematic influence translated into a collection of distinct characters: city dwellers, country folk, adventurers, and commuters. Each look told a story, reflecting the myriad emotions of travel.

Kraftwerk Connection: A Trans-Europe Express Vibe

The collaboration with Kraftwerk was a stroke of genius, adding a layer of cultural resonance to the collection. The iconic album Trans-Europe Express permeated the spirit of the show, with its cover art appearing on select pieces. This fusion of fashion and music created a truly immersive experience, blurring the lines between art forms.

I started with the idea of something very collective, which is the platform of a station.” – Nicolas Ghesquière

Key Trends:

  • Travel Inspiration: The train station theme permeated the collection, influencing silhouettes and accessories.
  • Cinematic References: Ghesquière’s love for film translated into a diverse range of characters and styles.
  • Kraftwerk Collaboration: The fusion of fashion and music added a layer of cultural relevance.
  • Eclectic Mix: The collection blended city and country styles, gorpcore, and luxury travel.
  • Down-to-Earth Luxury: Ghesquière balanced high-end materials with more accessible, everyday pieces.

Silhouettes:

  • City-country mix looks
  • Fishing trip blanket coats and pannier bags
  • LV gorp-core for hiking
  • Orient Express-inspired velvet dévoré looks
  • Commuter trench coats and sporty jackets
  • TGV employee jumpsuit and train attendant tie

Accessories:

  • Soft-sided bags, including the new L’Express style
  • Hard case bags
  • Kraftwerk collaboration handbags

Beauty Trends:

  • Natural, effortless looks that complemented the diverse characters.

All Aboard: Ghesquière’s Message of Unity

Ghesquière’s decision to have the models join the audience on the balcony was a powerful statement about community and the collective experience. “There’s no separation,” he said. “We’re all together. That’s what is important.” This message resonated deeply, particularly on the last days of Fashion Month, reminding us of the power of connection.



From Platform to Runway: Ghesquière’s Unexpected Juxtapositions


Ghesquière’s signature move of unexpected juxtapositions was on full display, blending high-end materials with everyday pieces. Crystal-strewn tops looked like cotton T-shirts and officer’s jackets were washed and faded for a lived-in feel. This balance of luxury and accessibility is what makes Ghesquière’s work so compelling.

LOUIS VUITTON Customers Today

Louis Vuitton customers are diverse, ranging from classic luxury consumers to streetwear enthusiasts. They appreciate the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship, as well as Ghesquière’s innovative designs. They are fashion-forward and seek pieces that are both stylish and functional.

Street Creed of the Brand LOUIS VUITTON:

Louis Vuitton has successfully bridged the gap between luxury and streetwear, thanks to Ghesquière’s ability to tap into contemporary culture. The brand is seen as both aspirational and accessible, appealing to a wide range of consumers.

What Celebrities Do We Predict Will Wear the Collection?

  • Timothée Chalamet: His eclectic style aligns perfectly with Ghesquière’s vision.
  • Zendaya: Her ability to rock both high fashion and streetwear makes her a perfect fit.
  • Jaden Smith: Known for his avant-garde style, Jaden would undoubtedly embrace the collection’s unique pieces.

Louis Vuitton’s FW25 collection was a journey through time, emotion, and style, guided by Nicolas Ghesquière’s visionary approach. The train station setting, the Kraftwerk collaboration, and the diverse cast of characters created a truly immersive experience. As Ghesquière reminded us, “We’re all together,” and this collection was a testament to the power of collective experience.

Follow us on Substack and TikTok for more Fashion and culture stories from the Style Cartel Team.

Photo Credit: Louis Vuitton



Charlotte Smith

Charlotte Smith is the founder of Style Cartel, a platform dedicated to creating engaging digital content and securing impactful editorial coverage for brands and POCs like herself. With a background in Fashion, digital marketing, or brand strategy, Charlotte brings a wealth of experience in connecting brands with their audiences. She is passionate about showcasing brands with unique stories and values and helping them amplify their reach through compelling content. Charlotte believes that there is a seat at the table for everyone and holds the elevator door open so we all can go to the penthouse suite.