The announcement of artistic director Nicolas Ghesquière’s renewal at Louis Vuitton comes as a cause for celebration for his cohort of admirers and fans of LV, in times when the fashion industry’s doors are constantly rotating. Even at the maison, owner Bernard Arnault expressed happiness and praise of the Frenchman’s “vision, talent, and creativity” that make him one of the world’s best designers of the moment. Indeed, Nicolas has come a long way since his first collection for Louis Vuitton in 2014, and has elevated the codes of LV womenswear. We take a look at the notable accomplishments under his stewardship.

1. He awakened female empowerment through clothing

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton / Facebook

Nicolas marked the start of his LV career with a fall 2014 collection that featured sleek leathers, belted jackets, A-line forms and a 70s tribute-meets-sports lux. He combined colours and fabric into novelty pieces that were designed to symbolise the timeless sophistication LV is appreciated for. For the women he designed, the collection’s bold and sleek statement looks point to a modern future he has lined up for the maison.

See also: Louis Vuitton And Jeff Koons Present A Fashionable Tribute To Art’s Old Masters

2. He made Louis Vuitton appeal to pop culture

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Above Photo: Courtesy of @nicolasghesquiere / Instagram

A key influence for Nicolas is pop culture. His obsession with Netflix’s “Stranger Things” is apparent in the spring 2018 womenswear show, where, to the delight of guests, his salute to the show was a t-shirt tribute. He’s also buddies with the show’s young stars and is particularly smitten by It-Teen Millie Bobby Brown, who returned her affection by stepping out in a futuristic ensemble taken off the runway.

See also: Who Should Replace Kim Jones At Louis Vuitton?

3. Bringing anime to life

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Above Photo: Courtesy of @nicolasghesquiere / Instagram

While on the subject of pop culture, let’s talk about his love affair with Japan. It surfaced in 2016, when his spring collection paid homage to popular Japanese anime characters. He’s also worked with Rei Kawakubo and Yayoi Kusama, which was a quirky and technicolour addition to LV’s enduring heritage. The fascination continued at his raving-successful 2018 resort show that took place at Kyoto’s Miho Museum.

See also: Louis Vuitton Casts 'Final Fantasy' Character For Spring 2016 Campaign

4. Striking a goldmine in Asia

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Above Photo: Courtesy of @nicolasghesquiere / Instagram

Since Nicolas came on board, he’s been consistently courting the Asian market, which contributed to ‘explosive’ sales in China, within the first half of 2017. Despite restrictive government rulings on luxury consumption, there’s no quenching the region’s appetite for LV’s street-style flair and monogram icons, both of which appeal to the sartorial and collector ranks.

See also: Louis Vuitton’s FIrst Cruise Collection In Monaco

5. Tapping into the sneakerhead region

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

When Nicolas puts something on the runway, you best believe it will explode in the fashion scene – such is the case with his debut sneakers in the LV SS18 collection. Described as a vintage ’90s basketball and futuristic look, the chunky footwear and its oversized rubber sole with technical mix of fabrics featured a unisex quality. Pairing suggestions include floral dresses and pops of colour blocks.

See also: Louis Vuitton's Nanosized City Bag Collection

6. A celebrity to the celebrities

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Above Photo: Courtesy of @nicolasghesquiere / Instagram

Nicolas is the celebrity friend of celebrities – his powerful followers run the gamut of Hollywood front-row powerhouses to A-list brand ambassadors and even industry heavyweights like Anna Wintour, who applaud his genius. Perhaps it’s the theatrical aspect of his innovations that they see themselves in. Or his ability to mix and match the most opposite of themes into a new genre altogether…

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7. Innovating old icons into new ‘It’ bags

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

The spirit of travel and luxury is intrinsic to LV and best signified in the famous trunk. Nicolas is attributed to refashioning the Petite Malle, a task he undertook upon his LV debut in 2014. His ability to include details of the classic trunks into small and handy ‘It’ bags is a breath of fresh air to LV’s wildly popular accessories offerings. 

See also: Must see: Louis Vuitton’s Volez, Voguez, Voyagez Exhibition In Tokyo

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