WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

For the show, the Cour Carrée of the Musée du Louvre was transformed into a neo-landscape evoking an imagined natural world. The space dissolved boundaries between interior and exterior, setting the stage for a journey suspended between reality and speculation.

This isn’t the first time the natural world has inspired the Maison’s scenography. For the Men’s Autumn/Winter 2026 Collection, Pharrell Williams centred the show on a wooden house – DROPHAUS – set amid a sprawling garden, proposing a vision of timeless living rooted in nature. Together, these scenographic gestures signal an ongoing dialogue within the Maison among the environment, architecture, and imagination.

Devised by production designer Jeremy Hindle – known for his work on Severance – the scenography for the Women’s Autumn/Winter 2026 Collection presented nature as an abstraction, seen through the prism of tomorrow. Models moved through a fluctuating pastoral environment, a living painting infused with a subtle sci-fi sensibility.

The garments echoed this tension between familiarity and otherworldliness. Shaped as if by wind, rain and sun, the silhouettes suggested lives in motion across vast terrains. Flora and fauna left their imprint: reinvented animalier patterns appeared on canvas and denim, while imagined flowers sculpted in leather functioned as both ornament and armour.

The collection ultimately became a celebration of hyper-craft. Through three-dimensional printing and resin techniques, the Maison reinterpreted natural materials – leather grained to resemble wood, mineral-like buttons, and heels shaped like antlers. Rather than imitation, these transformations proposed a sublimation of nature, where advanced technology met the enduring ingenuity of human artisanship, reframing the natural world within a future-forward digital reality. | eu.louisvuitton.com

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WORDS Neyani Mphephu PHOTOS Supplied 

Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami have once again joined forces to create something extraordinary. The luxury fashion house unveiled the Artycapucines VII – Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami Collection at Art Basel Paris, featuring 11 stunning interpretations of the iconic Capucines bag, transformed into portable works of art. 

Visitors at Art Basel Paris were greeted by Murakami’s custom eight-metre octopus sculpture, with sprawling tentacles reaching across the Grand Palais’s Balcon d’Honneur. The installation, inspired by Chinese lanterns and featuring the artist’s signature Jellyfish Eyes pattern, created an immersive environment where each Artycapucines creation was displayed within the creature’s embrace. 

The 11 Artycapucines creations on display reflect Murakami’s signature characters and motifs, including Mr. DOB and the Superflat Panda, alongside his celebrated Smiling Flowers. The collection is anchored by three of Murakami’s Plush Balls, spherical works that he has been developing since 1995. Originally drawing inspiration from the trompe-l’œil effect in Maurits Cornelis Escher’s lithograph Hand with Reflecting Sphere (1935), these three-dimensional soft sculptures create an immersive, kaleidoscopic environment that envelops visitors in Murakami’s vibrant artistic universe.

Standout pieces in the collection include the playful Capucines Mini Tentacle, inspired by the artist’s Mr. DOB octopus sculptures; the technically ambitious Capucines EW Dragon, which required revolutionary engineering to recreate his colossal 18-metre Dragon in Clouds – Indigo Blue painting; the refined Capucines BB Golden Garden with intricate leather marquetry and a gold-leaf finish; and the sculptural Panda Clutch, crafted from gleaming silver-tone brass and adorned with 6 250 individually placed crystals.

The Artycapucines collection has become a prestigious platform since 2019, featuring more than 30 distinctive designs by celebrated artists from across the world, including Beatriz Milhazes, Ugo Rondinone, Zhao Zhao, Daniel Buren, Vik Muniz, Henry Taylor, Paola Pivi, Urs Fischer, Alex Israel, Park Seo-Bo, and Tschabalala Self. | eu.louisvuitton.com

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WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

The Foschini x RICH MNISI limited-edition capsule collection is a multi-generational ode to memory and culture, as the retail chain celebrates its centenary and the South African designer marks 10 years.

“As Foschini celebrates 100 years, collaborating with Rich Mnisi at his 10-year milestone creates a natural synergy,” says Robyn Wenlock, Foschini Managing Director, Ladies Fashion & Beauty Stack. “Together, we honour women, connect heritage to the future, and reaffirm our commitment to making exceptional design accessible to all South Africans.”

“Women have always been my starting point,” adds Rich Mnisi. “This collection is a love letter to them, to the resilience woven into their wardrobes. And when I think of the legacy of dressing women for 100 years and 10 years for us, I just think of how inspiring the silent resilience and power that women hold and how generational it is. I also think of my mother.”

For the designer, the creative process began with feeling rather than form. “The first reference I pulled when designing the Foschini auction collection was definitely the feeling of nostalgia,” he explains. “I thought of just my grandmother walking in Sophiatown. I thought of pleats, blouses, silks – just a very chilled elevated look with a lot of print. That whole aesthetic and vibe really did influence a lot of the collection.”

The Foschini x RICH MNISI Capsule Collection

The limited-edition capsule reimagines Rich Mnisi’s most iconic design signatures as versatile pieces for the contemporary woman:

• Signature dresses that merge archival influence with modern silhouettes.
• Tailored separates and soft knits bringing luxury into everyday life.
• Statement prints and wrap silhouettes inspired by family gatherings, first dances, and quiet acts of resilience
• Accessories as final flourishes – subtle yet powerful tributes to intention.

Each piece carries RICH MNISI’s recognisable bold prints and sculptural approach, now accessible through Foschini’s reach and price point.

The Foschini x RICH MNISI capsule collection launches in selected Foschini stores and online on Bash.com on 9 October 2025. shop.richmnisi.com | bash.com/foschini

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COMPILED BY VISI PHOTOS Armand Dicker, Ant Dan, Karla Muller

Conceptualised by fashion house Viviers and design studio Hoven, and made possible by Cape Wools SA,Wool World was specifically curated for the 2025 Karoo Winter Wool Festival, and hosted in a working shearing shed on Dwarsvlei farm near Middelburg in the Eastern Cape. The immersive, multisensory experience explored the cultural and emotional resonance of wool through the lens of the Karoo’s four seasons, with the cyclical changes embodied in art, fashion, furniture, farming and design.

Called “Beneath Karoo Skies”, Wool World 2025 celebrated the richness, diversity and versatility of South African wool, as well as the community responsible for shaping this fi bre from farm to form. With more than 50 farmers, designers, artists, makers, studios and industry players contributing, it was a living tapestry of South Africa’s creativity.

Set in a functioning shearing shed – where the wool journey begins – the exhibition offered visitors both a literal and a metaphorical walk through the four seasons of the Karoo. Each space was created using natural, locally sourced materials, as well as found objects from the working sheep farm. The exhibition highlighted the versatility and emotional weight of wool, and the vital role it plays in South African heritage – but it was also a tribute to the farm-to-fibre ecosystem.

From the shepherd, shearer, washers and processors, to the spinner, weaver, knitter, felter, designer, artisan and the broader industry, it showed that South African wool is not merely a product, but rather the result of shared effort, skill and deep respect between people and land. Wool World’s goal was to highlight the fact that wool is not just a fibre – it is a symbol of unity, creativity, diversity and sustainability.

The exhibition space included artwork created from donated off cuts by Edition Verso, Leila Atelier, Wrapt Knitwear and Viviers Studio interns.

Now in its fourth year, the 2025 edition of the Karoo Winter Wool Festival drew nearly 2 500 visitors, championing wool’s cultural, economic and environmental value through a packed programme of demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions and speaker sessions. Founded by four dynamic women – Sarah van Lingen, Marlize Moolman, Yolandi Erasmus and Nelmi Uys – who are passionate about advancing the local wool and natural-fibre industry, the festival celebrates education, advocacy and fibre culture. It has become a cornerstone of the fibre community calendar, welcoming artists, designers, craft ers, producers, processors, retailers and enthusiasts from across the country.

This year’s event featured more than 40 wool-focused businesses, and offered a full programme of workshops and talks. One of the highlights was a powerful keynote address by Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, which left the audience with renewed belief in collective action, compassion and hope.

The educational programme covered everything from fibre processing and textile innovation to hands-on crafts. The Boerepraatjies session, hosted in collaboration with the National Wool Growers Association, offered insights into South Africa’s agricultural and wool industries. Speakers addressed topics such as policy, economics and sustainability, before the focus shifted to leadership and social impact. With its message of unity, collaboration and design excellence, Wool World certainly left a lasting impression. | karoowinterwoolfestival.com

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WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

Marking the tenth anniversary of his celebrated brand, the launch of the Thebe Magugu Suite represents the designer’s first foray into interiors. “Together, the Mount Nelson and I have crafted a space rooted deeply in place and purpose, with a strong commitment to preserving the culture from which we draw inspiration,” says Thebe.

Echoing his fashion philosophy, the Thebe Magugu Suite will be a sumptuous Afro-modernist sanctuary – sleek yet soulful. Working closely with the interior design team at StudioLandt, Thebe explores an “Afro-English” aesthetic, artfully juxtaposing British and South African design approaches. This cross-cultural dialogue reveals both contrast and connection, set within the storied walls of the revered 126-year-old Mount Nelson.

Set across two floors, the suite will feature a striking lobby leading into a characterful lounge and dining area, designed for intimate gatherings and evenings of celebration, complete with a cocktail cabinet. The upstairs terrace offers sweeping views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and the Nellie’s iconic palm-lined entrance. The colour palette gently transitions from vibrant greens to warm harvest shades, setting a rich and welcoming tone, with terrazzo floors in non-traditional peat and green. A standout feature – paying homage to classic British interiors – is the hand-sketched wallpaper, which presents a reimagined panoramic view of a Southern African landscape, carrying guests from the rolling hills of the Midlands to the dramatic cliffs and vibrant flora of the Cape. “Textures in this space are stone and timber, to give the impression that designs are of ‘the earth,’ and thus can be given back,” notes Thebe.

This immersive environment will be enriched with ceremonial, hand-carved furniture and a curated selection of rotating artworks from Southern Guild, beginning with paintings by acclaimed artist Mmangaliso Nzuza. Other influential artists within the suite include Lulama Wolf, Zandile Tshabalala, Banele Khoza, Lorenzo Plaatjies, and Trevor Stuurman.

Adjoining the suite, Magugu House Cape Town will also open – part concept store, part cultural institute, forming a dynamic hub for aesthetic exchange. Following the launch of Magugu House Johannesburg in May 2024, this project marks the designer’s first official presence in Cape Town, with Mount Nelson chosen as his creative home in the city.

The curated atelier space, co-created with StudioLandt, will serve as both a showroom for the designer’s collections and a gallery showcasing artworks from some of the most sought-after artists, celebrating the sophistication and nuance of African creativity. “It is a space where the past, present, and imagined future of Africa exist in dialogue – an intersection of heritage and innovation. Each detail, from materials to layout, will reflect my ongoing commitment to elevating African narratives with a contemporary lens; a philosophy of Afro-Modernity,” says Thebe.

Confections x Collections (CxC) Returns

The highly anticipated collaboration is born out of Confections x Collections (CxC), an annual celebration of Pan-African fashion curated by sustainability platform Twyg. The initiative debuted in 2022, with Thebe Magugu as its inaugural designer. Now a staple of Mount Nelson’s cultural calendar, this year’s fourth installment of CxC marks a significant evolution with the launch of the designer’s landmark project, making history at the hotel while unveiling his latest Spring/Summer 2026 collection on his tenth anniversary. thebemagugu.com | belmond.com

The Thebe Magugu Suite will be part of Belmond’s Signature Suites and Villas and will be available to book from December 2025. Magugu House Cape Town will be open to the public from the 10th of November 2025, while Confections x Collections will take place from 6 – 8 November 2025.

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WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Aart Verrips MODEL Bee Diamondhead

A shared belief in inspired living guided the collaboration between local furniture design studio Curación Collection and fashion brand UNI FORM. Unveiled at an exhibition titled Silhouettes in Dialogue, each piece interrogates form and emotional tailoring, inviting viewers to consider the future of design.

Dylan Thomaz of Curación Collection and Luke Radloff of UNI FORM sat down to reveal more about the collaboration.

This collaboration takes two UNI FORM garments and reimagines them as sculptural skins for furniture. What did that transformation feel like in real time?

“The transformation feels SO good! When two worlds collide the way they have, it’s PURE magic,” says Dylan.

“Learning that something on the body translates very differently onto a static object and honouring that, by accepting the nuance and manipulation that needed to be embraced for the final object,” adds Luke.

How do you think people’s perception shifts when they sit on, rather than wear, a piece of design?

“Our intention is for our consumers to feel dressed in UNI FORM without wearing the actual garment,” explains Dylan. “We want our consumers to feel how the pieces whisper to them, to feel the gentleness of how the feathers move, with just a slight breeze or passing movement. Our pieces literally come alive.”

“I think whether wearing or sitting on, the practicality remains the same, so the emotional responses are similar if we’ve done our jobs right,” says Luke.

What is the most unexpected challenge you faced while marrying the language of fabric with the language of wood, form, and comfort?

“The challenge we faced was ensuring that the intention of our partnership was experienced fully, in all spheres,” says Dylan.

Luke adds: “One of the biggest challenges was realising that static objects don’t move like bodies. “But the best realisation was that the objects we created become a soft landing for those same bodies.”

Do you see this project as a one-off experiment or the beginning of an ongoing dialogue between your two disciplines?

“Luke and I believe in sustainability in our partnership. Part of our views on sustainability is creating a well-lived life. We have already done our second collaboration, which will be out in October of this year, speaks to a life well lived,“ says Dylan.

“These first two pieces are just a whisper, a gesture to invite both our communities in and introduce our relationship. The pieces are a welcome, a warm hug,” adds Luke.

Texture plays a starring role here. How did you choose the specific pieces that would make this leap from body to object?

“We chose the pieces and textures that have become an unidentifiable visual language for us and married those with iconic Curación Collection pieces so that the end result is something new, but also familiar for both of our communities,” explains Luke.

Will the pieces be sold?

“All the pieces will be for sale. Our intention is for our consumers to truly embrace a life well lived,“ says Dylan. curacion-collection.co.za | uniformza.com

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INTERVIEWED BY Neyani Mphephu PHOTOS Supplied

There is something sacred about the way a piece from Mantua Silkwear wraps around the body. The draped silks feel more like soft armour than accessories. Founder Juandi Andrag creates vibrant, handcrafted textiles rooted in emotion and healing. At its core, Mantua is a mindful exploration of how fabric can nurture both body and soul through texture.

Your journey to founding Mantua began with a personal challenge. How did your health experiences shape your vision?

“My battle with autoimmune disease became my most profound teacher. When skin sensitivity emerged as a persistent symptom, I found myself in an unexpected conversation with fabric, discovering which materials honoured my body’s needs and which created further distress. This wasn’t merely about comfort; it was about healing.

After years navigating textiles that either soothed or aggravated, I recognised the absence of pieces that married genuine wellness properties with thoughtful design. This realisation crystallised Mantua’s purpose: creating garments that serve as both allies to physical wellbeing and expressions of aesthetic intention. Working with silk, silk-linen, and silk-cotton blends became the natural extension of this healing journey.”

How would you describe Mantua, and what are some of the core ideas or values that shape the brand?

“Mantua Silkwear has evolved into a slow wellness and lifestyle brand rather than a fashion brand in the competitive fast lane. We focus on local artisanal production with a core focus on the wellness of our manufacturing community, as well as the healing properties of silk used in our products. We believe that silk against the skin (the largest organ) can soothe the nervous system and thereby aid personal healing and wellness when combined in daily rituals; be it sleep, meditation or making a fresh cup of tea.”

The properties of silk seem central to your philosophy. What makes this material so extraordinary?

“Silk exists in a category entirely on its own. Beyond its immediately perceptible qualities – the distinctive hand, the luminous interaction with light – silk offers remarkable biological benefits. It’s naturally hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating, and exceptionally gentle against even the most sensitive skin.

The protein structure of natural silk fibres creates a uniquely beneficial microenvironment for the skin, our body’s largest and most exposed organ. Unlike synthetic textiles with their chemical burden, silk enhances hydration, supports barrier function, and minimises irritation. This is particularly significant for those with sensitivities but represents a form of preventative wellness for everyone. What fascinates me most is silk’s optical properties – its ability to simultaneously reflect and refract light, producing extraordinary colour, vibrancy and natural luminosity. This quality emerges from its distinctive molecular arrangement, often described as “triangular” or highly ordered. The result is fabric that not only feels soothing and invigorating but also visually elevates everyday moments.”

You’ve described Mantua as creating “ritual wear.” What does this concept encompass?

“Ritual wear represents a deliberate rejection of clothing as merely functional. Instead, it acknowledges dressing as a sacred daily practice, an opportunity to honour oneself through intentional choices.

Each Mantua piece is designed to transform ordinary moments into ceremonies of self-nurturing. Whether you’re moving through your workday wrapped in a silk scarf, lounging or meditating in a flowing kaftan, or entering sleep cradled in our forthcoming bespoke sleepwear, these aren’t simply garments. They’re invitations to presence – to feeling soothed, beautiful, and authentically expressed in your physical experience.”

Who finds resonance with the Mantua philosophy?

“The Mantua woman has transcended the exhausting cycle of trends and fast fashion. She’s arrived at a place of discernment, where investing in herself – her wellbeing, her authentic expression – takes precedence over consumption for its own sake.

She understands intuitively that luxury manifests not through excess but through intention. Getting dressed becomes an act of self-knowledge rather than merely meeting external expectations. She recognises that how she treats her physical body – including what she chooses to place against her skin – reflects a deeper philosophy about her place in the world.”

Your pieces are distinctively South African in their creation. How does this influence their character?

“Every Mantua design begins as a hand-painted artwork created here in South Africa, where the extraordinary natural light and landscape infuse our creative process. We’re committed to quality, sustainability, and intentional craftsmanship in every stage.

While we work closely with artisans who have historical expertise in silk production, our design voice remains uniquely South African. This creates pieces that carry both global craftsmanship standards and distinctive local artistic expression.”

What can we anticipate from Mantua’s evolution?

“We’re expanding our collection beyond our current range of scarves, kaftans, and dresses to include a bespoke sleepwear range. This development feels like a natural progression of our philosophy, extending our wellness approach into those crucial hours of restoration.

Each new piece we introduce maintains our core commitment: creating garments that serve as both wellness tools and artefacts of beauty. Our vision remains creating pieces so exquisite they transition effortlessly from intimate settings to public ones, silk that moves between worlds while maintaining its essential character.”

What guidance would you offer someone considering their first Mantua piece?

“Approach this as an investment in yourself and those you cherish. These aren’t merely additions to a wardrobe; they’re conscious choices about how you wish to experience your physical existence.

Each piece represents a commitment to treating yourself with genuine care and respect. They offer moments of colourful softness in a world that often prioritises hardness, and tangible investments in your skin health and overall wellbeing.”

What made you decide to design scarves in particular? What drew you to this specific item over other forms of clothing?

⁠“We started producing silk scarves almost 10 years ago. A silk scarf is one of the most sensual and tactile pieces of clothing, as traditionally it is in close contact with the skin on the neck, which is often thin and vulnerable. The scarf serves as protection against the elements like wind and sun, and also creates strong messaging by use of colour and symbol. A silk scarf is easy to buy online, no trying on needed – one size fits all! They make incredible gifts and are small and versatile to pack when travelling. One silk scarf can contain a multitude of colours which can be worn with many outfits in many different ways. It is one of the most versatile accessories out there.”

How has Mantua helped your journey with auto-immune challenges, and what do you hope people feel when they wear the pieces? 

⁠⁠“Many autoimmune diseases affect the skin directly or indirectly and create severe sensitivities which can result in hives, rashes and eczema. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, acrylic and polyamide all exacerbate these skin reactions, which make the skin sore and uncomfortable. Even hard linens and cottons can irritate the skin. Silk, on the other hand, is extremely soothing against the skin due to the protein content of the fabric. It is naturally hypoallergenic and regulates temperature on the skin. I sleep in silk sleepwear, on a silk pillowcase and with a silk sleep mask over my eyes. I hope people learn to appreciate the soothing properties of silk on skin. The pieces are not just functional, but beautiful too and can therefore be worn from day to night!”

Your work has a strong sculptural and emotional presence. Can you share more about your design process, from concept to final piece? What’s your favourite part of that journey? 

⁠⁠“As I mentioned before, I believe that colour tells stories. It allows us to express and explore feeling, memory, mood, emotion and intention. The design process starts with watercolour artworks, where the water and the paint or ink often take their own shape as the water flows and carries the pigment with it. The designs are born from my own dreams, memories and experiences and how I relate them to specific colours and shapes. The designs are then transferred onto 100% Mulberry silk and or silk fabric blends like silk/linen and sewn into silk scarves, silk pyjamas, kaftans and kimonos. My favourite part of the journey is definitely the conception and creation of designs, allowing the colours to lead me rather than the other way round.”

What’s next for Mantua, and how do you see the brand evolving in the future?

“⁠⁠Next up for Mantua is the launch of our exclusive printed silk pyjamas and silk velvet robe collection called Nocturne, later this year. I am hoping to establish the brand as a beautiful wellness space of its own and to collaborate on wellness events with the right partners. We also supply wholesale products like scarves, pillowcases and sleep masks to corporate clients and do customised scarves on request.” | mantua.co.za

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INTERVIEW Ishani Chetty PHOTOS Anke Loots

Iconic and locally loved Artclub and Friends, a uni-sex Cape Town-based fashion label that has become synonymous with effortless style and aesthetics rooted in its love for artists of all mediums, continues to innovate its offering with its first-ever collaboration.

Collaborating with another iconic local brand, Mr Price, the limited-edition research project, as the collection is titled, was developed over two years ensuring that thoughtful curation and creation went into every piece created.

VISI caught up with creative director and founder, Robyn Keyser, to learn more about the collab, the collection, and what it means for Artclub and Friends.

What does this collaboration mean for you as a creative and also for the brand itself?

As a creative, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see my design ethos executed at a truly accessible price point. This has been something I’ve yearned for because I’ve always felt great designers don’t limit themselves to a specific income bracket. However, due to our limited resources and quantities, our products cost significantly more to produce. So as a brand, the collaboration meant we were able to find a way to allow anyone in South Africa to own a piece that we have designed, it is very hard to express the immense pride our team feels in seeing how much joy came from this collaboration. 

What inspired the collaboration?

Almost two years ago we planted a seed and began to experiment. We posed the question “What happens when you apply the design thinking of a small independent brand to the resources of a large-scale local retailer?” Our Limited Edition Research Project, a once-off collaboration between Artclub and Friends and Mr Price explores the possibility of whether considered design and quality can exist in the same space as accessibility.⁠

Are there future collaborations on the horizon for Artclub and Friends? 

Absolutely, collaborating is in our DNA. Although our collaboration with MRP was a once-off, the relationship will continue. We are truly inspired by how their team included us and let us lead from our experience. It was one of those unforgettable projects for us. If we had a trophy case, this would sit on the top shelf. Artclub and Friends is really about people, and working in a silo is something we avoid. We love to see what is possible when two teams bring their best ideas and resources together. So to answer your question, yes, the future is looking very exciting and we are already working on our next collaborative project. 

Can you provide insight into the design process for the selected Artclub and Friends x Mr Price items? 

When we began the research project, we outlined the elements that we feel are core to what makes an Artclub and Friends piece so unique and treasured. From there we worked alongside MRP to translate these ideas, shapes and material selections into the manufacturing options MRP has available. We focused on wearability, trans-seasonality, and fluidity in gender and age, as well as a strong focus on the best quality fabrics we could use while keeping within an accessible price point. 

This was a very new set of parameters for our team but we loved designing this collection. We were able to create a collection that looks and feels like us. And the feedback from across South Africa has been overwhelmingly positive. 

What was the design ethos for this collaboration? 

This collection was by artists and for South Africans. Artclub has always produced on a small scale, mostly due to the size of our community and ensuring we never produce more than is wanted. But because of this we’ve always faced serious roadblocks around our access to production resources and being able to achieve a price point that most South Africans can afford.

So when we began conceptualising, we realised this was not just another collection- but rather a study of what’s possible when artists have the support to dream bigger. Still limited in units, but unlimited in impact.⁠

As a small team with limitless ideas but limited resources, it was an expansive experience working on this collection. From developing 100% cotton premium tees to learning about the processes involved when creating on a larger scale, it truly was an honour for us to collaborate in this way with the Mr Price Team, who are in so many ways thinking the way we are. artclubandfriends.com | mrp.com

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With its reimagined Bed Trunk, Louis Vuitton brings new meaning to the idea of “sleeping in the lap of luxury.”

With a nod to the brand’s heritage, Louis Vuitton‘s luxurious travel bed—aptly named the Bed Trunk—was built for global explorers who enjoy the finer things in life.

The iconic piece dates back to 1868 when Louis Vuitton himself designed a trunk specifically for travellers. Protected by a patent filed in 1885 by his son Georges, the Bed Trunk was a practical yet revolutionary travel item showcased at world fairs and admired by adventurers of the time.

In April, the French fashion house revived the luxe travel design, giving it a modern makeover. The new classic Bed Trunk comes in the iconic Monogram canvas, a hallmark of Louis Vuitton’s aesthetic. The trunk houses a meticulously crafted folding bed frame constructed of aluminium and beechwood, which unfolds effortlessly, creating a sturdy, comfortable sleeping arrangement. The bed includes a thick, four-part mattress offering adaptable support, enhanced with a memory-foam topper for ultimate comfort. The mattress sections rest on woven cotton straps, an element reminiscent of the early trunks’ interiors, designed to secure valuables during travel. The Bed Trunk also includes an adjustable headrest and a beechwood side table that attaches directly to the bed frame.

The Maison has now taken the luxury sleeper a step further by launching two unique versions of the Bed Trunk, crafted by its artistic directors, Nicolas Ghesquière and Pharrell Williams.

Bed Trunk x Nicolas Ghesquière

Nicolas Ghesquière’s take on the Bed Trunk is an ode to futurism. The trunk’s exterior draws from his Cruise 2023 collection, featuring engraved metal plates and futuristic corner details that evoke a science-fiction aesthetic. Inside, however, a softer touch awaits; the mattress is adorned with floral patterns inspired by his Spring-Summer 2018 collection, lending an unexpected romantic element to the design. This juxtaposition of metallic, dystopian elements with soft floral patterns creates a striking visual narrative.

Bed Trunk x Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams, inspired by Louis Vuitton’s archival designs, has reimagined the Bed Trunk with a playful twist. The exterior sports distressed, striped patterns reminiscent of the Maison’s classic 1872 canvas, while the interior is lined with bold red and white stripes. Embroidered with “LV Lovers” jacquard, the mattress and pillow offer a whimsical touch, and blond wood details contrast with black aluminium hardware for a striking finish.

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Louis Vuitton’s Spring-Summer 2025 runway show in Paris was a striking blend of heritage and modern artistry. Nicolas Ghesquière’s new collection took centre stage on a rigid platform crafted from over a thousand trunks, each paying homage to the Maison’s storied past.

Louis Vuitton‘s latest show took place in one of Paris’s most iconic architectural spaces – the Cour Carrée du Louvre. The mirrored structure reflected the grandeur of the historic Parisian architecture and the Maison’s timeless legacy.

THE ARCHITECTURAL RUNWAY

The Cour Carrée du Louvre, with its mirrored facade reminiscent in shape of the brand’s iconic trunks, provided the perfect setting for the show’s trunk-inspired runway. The fusion of old and new was an essential visual cue that reflected the collection’s theme of contrast.

A COLLECTION IN MOTION

Drawing inspiration from the concept of ‘sartorial soft power’, Nicolas Ghesquière’s Spring-Summer 2025 collection embraced the duality between structure and fluidity, femininity, and strength.

BRIDGING ART AND FASHION

Pictorial works by artist Laurent Grasso appeared on selected pieces that reprise five paintings from his series entitled “Studies into the Past”. These artworks amplified the show’s exploration of contrasts, offering a bridge between the past and present in art and fashion. | eu.louisvuitton.com

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