The use of airy, boxy-shaped silhouettes was a recurring style. Proportion and dimension were toyed with upon spliced sleeves, a harmony of print and collared details, tunics and wide shoulders resembling jedi robes. Strong details of geometric prints paired up with regal and pastel tones for a sophisticated perspective of mix-and-matching.

Vests, denim and jackets – these staples levelled up with help from the 'cool kids of style', think glossy materials, exotic print, and the twinkle of sequin. Layered on as outerwear, basics were elevated to statement status for cruise 2019, thanks to these nifty moves.

Although Nicolas Ghesquière championed an eccentric cruise season, he knew when to tread lightly. An underlying touch of softness ironed out the edgy graphics, in little touches like sensual silk, powdery nightgowns and slinky laces; a whisper of spring 2018’s feminine form. Padded jackets, oversized parkas and exaggerated sleeves mingled with feathered blouses, patchwork shorts revealed a hint of thigh above over-the-knee boots. A futuristic look combined Louis Vuitton’s chunky Archlight sneakers and micro-hemlined tops and shorts.

See also: 13 Sexy Boots Made For Flaunting

From jedi, biker babe, high priestess, boardroom queen to Lolita – characters from all walks of life were fêted by design. The court jester emerged through a look of motley stripes and boxy patterns. Birds of paradise and their coloured feathers perked up baggy sweaters and statuesque dresses. A narrow collar and floating hemlines made for a grownup baby doll look.

The brightest style icon of modern time, Grace Coddington, welded her influence on the cruise 2019 accessories. She and Nicolas united and immortalised their friendship over a mutual love for pets, with a capsule of adorable of bags and trinkets. Grace’s cats, Pumpkin and Blanket, and Nicolas’ dog, Léon, played muse to bags and lent their shape to charms and even LV-monogrammed silk pyjamas, thereby making ‘catogram’ buzzword.

See also: 10 Charming Accessories To Jazz Up Your Classic Handbag

No Louis Vuitton collection is complete without the trademark bags. The icons of the season were a new chapter for the maison, as Nicolas revived old shapes like the bucket bag and flap bags in the Epi and Monogram canvases. Classics like the Speedy and Neverfull made a comeback, as did the Petite Malle and City Steamer in fun new looks. The Monogram vernis stole our hearts with its new pastel shade, which also took on new forms in minaudière and top handle designs.

There was a murmur of final thoughts as we exited the showcase. But the takeaway, we unanimously agreed, was the audacious path Nicolas was spearheading. By appropriating classics to futuristic heights and instilling an artistic sophistication, Louis Vuitton is game for a new chapter.

Scroll slideshow for close-ups and highlights: