This was one of the exhibitions in London I had no intention to visit. My curiosity got the better of me as I drove past yesterday and had an hour to kill in between meetings. So, what is Louis Vuitton Series 3 all about?
It’s a stand-alone exhibition showcasing a designer and his creative process and influences. Series 3 retraces Nicolas Ghesquière’s Autumn-Winter 2015/2016 collection for Louis Vuitton. Apparently “far more than a simple collection, it is a stream of consciousness, dreams and self-reflexive journeys. Inside a designer’s mind, muses intertwine with cherished memories and visions of new shapes, cuts and meticulous craftsmanship.”
Did you get this? Well, that’s exactly what it was like. A whole lot of fuss over nothing!!
The best part was the derelict building that was purposely transformed for this exhibition. A lot of money was thrown at it but I came away pretty uninspired.
I could spend ages listing all the reasons why, but suffice to say that there was too much video, lightings, clever LCD screenings and not enough real content for me. It was flash, OTT in many ways and full of self admiration.
I’m not a particular fan of LV. I tend to prefer their classic designs and of course their craftmanship. The latest trends bore me and they are hyped up for their particular fan base. This exhibition was for them.
However, always one to see the silver lining, I made the best out of it by joining a guided tour. They actually hired actors for these who had to learn a certain script. How authentic!
Out of all the 14 rooms or so this one here below was the best and most inspirational. It was so bright you would have been forgiven for wearing your sun glasses. As you might imagine there were enough fashionistas in there with their oversized Jackie O sun glasses who did just that!
A bright white room full of white mannequins displaying individual products. Brilliant. There were also vintage trunks in glass cabinets to show where the inspiration came from.
A detail of this fabulous 1927 monogram canvas trunk for ‘Miss France’. If you look closely you’ll see the monogram is hand painted. At that time there was no printing on material.
There is much hype over this newly designed twist LV handbag lock.
This last room was an exact replica of Nicolas Ghesquière’s walk in closet room. Pompous and a little self obsessed. Doesn’t he apparently wear jeans and trainers?
On the way out you were handed a cheaply produced poster. Probably for students.
A nicer touch were these stickers of which you were allowed to choose two. They also had monogram letters which I opted for.
Well, I would have preferred less opulence and more depth for an exhibition like this. Thank you to the nice staff who looked after me, especially Luka!
If you want to catch this, be quick. It’s on till Sunday.
180 The Strand
London
WC2R 1EA
11am-6pm
