Tracing the monumental influence of Nicolas Ghesquière on Louis Vuitton and the broader fashion landscape necessitates a look back at his beginnings.
In the vibrant ’90s, a young Ghesquière forwent art school, a choice many would deem risky, to apprentice under the renowned Jean-Paul Gaultier. His time there wasn’t just about learning but was driven by a guiding philosophy that it’s less about academic credentials and more about the people you acquaint yourself with in the industry. Clearly, this philosophy bore fruit for him.
After a couple of years alongside Gaultier, Ghesquière ventured into freelance designing. This phase was instrumental in establishing the connections that paved his way to Balenciaga. Within a short span at Balenciaga, and due to unforeseen circumstances, he found himself stepping into the shoes of the Creative Director by 1997, an impressive feat for someone who was merely 25.
His stint at Balenciaga was nothing short of transformative. The fashion house, which was witnessing a decline, was revived under Ghesquière’s touch. The brand saw a doubling of sales in just his initial three years. His unique design ethos was frequently cited as the catalyst behind Balenciaga’s resurgence.
Given his Midas touch at Balenciaga, the fashion industry waited with bated breath when, after a decade and a half, he transitioned to Louis Vuitton, succeeding Marc Jacobs. The expectations were sky-high, and Ghesquière did not disappoint.
At Louis Vuitton, Ghesquière artfully balanced reverence for the brand’s storied legacy with his own cutting-edge style and craftsmanship. He redefined luxury and innovation while keeping the brand’s essence intact. Today, the Louis Vuitton we adore bears the unmistakable stamp of Ghesquière’s genius.