Louis Vuitton brings the beach to Paris in near 40C heat

As Paris sweltered in temperatures close to 40C, Louis Vuitton staged a beach set in a student garden: sand underfoot and a giant artificial wave as a backdrop. The menswear collection by Pharrell Williams leaned into a surf theme, pairing branded wetsuits with Ugg-style boots and the chunky knits surfers wear at the end of the day.

The show favoured active-lifestyle pieces—board shorts, caps, skate-style sneakers and a gilet—alongside some jumpers and slouchy suiting. Models carried surfboards stamped with the Louis Vuitton logo, and the finale featured a monogram wetsuit topped by a model carrying a bike on his shoulder.

The choice of venue provoked a small protest: the gardens are university accommodation normally used by students, and 1,300 people signed a petition objecting to the lawn being made off-limits. Union representatives had earlier complained about external events privatising spaces; other brands, including Loewe and Victoria Beckham, have also used the site.

France, Paris

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