Medieval France became fashion’s epicentre last night as Louis Vuitton staged its Cruise 2026 show at the heritage-listed Palais des Papes in Avignon. Nicolas Ghesquière’s collection marked a historic first for the 14th-century Gothic palace, which had never hosted a fashion show within its imposing stone walls.
True to LV’s reputation for assembling Hollywood’s most stylish elite, Cruise drew the house’s constellation of brand ambassadors and loyal devotees. Cate Blanchett, stunning in leather pants paired with a draped silk cape that perfectly complemented the palace’s soaring Gothic architecture, was spotted chatting with film icon Catherine Deneuve. The Aussie actress, a longtime muse of Ghesquière’s, has become synonymous with Louis Vuitton’s most memorable moments, from show-stopping Cruise appearances to bold red-carpet gowns.
Sophie Turner, striking in a patterned short suit, brought modern glamour to the ancient setting, proving once again why she remains one of LV’s most photographed front-row fixtures. The British actress, alongside fellow ambassadors Chloë Grace Moretz and HoYeon Jung, represented the new generation championing Ghesquière’s vision.
The guest list read like contemporary culture’s A-list, with Jaden Smith bringing signature boundary-pushing style in a parachute jumpsuit, while Pharrell Williams and K-pop sensation Felix sent the crowd into a frenzy as they took their front-row seats. LV’s gravitas was further emphasised by the presence of French First Lady Brigitte Macron, who Ghesquière stopped to kiss during his victory lap post-show. Emma Stone, Saoirse Ronan and Alicia Vikander were also in attendance.
Befitting for the Gothic setting, LV’s latest collection was a masterful ode to medieval dressing—draped gowns, gathered capes, embellished tunics and richly textured separates that seemed to emerge from the palace walls themselves. The Palais des Papes provided a breathtaking backdrop tailor-made for Ghesquière’s architectural eye. Built in 1335 (and in less than 20 years, may we add), the palace represents the largest Gothic palace in the Western world, spanning 15,000-square-metres with 25 public venues. The location choice speaks to Louis Vuitton’s commitment to celebrating cultural heritage—a tradition spanning from Kyoto’s Miho Museum to Brazil’s Museum of Contemporary Art Niterói.
As Avignon celebrates the 25th anniversary of its UNESCO World Heritage listing, Louis Vuitton‘s contribution extends beyond the runway. The house is funding a comprehensive lighting project illuminating the Palais des Papes, cathedral, and surrounding historic buildings, ensuring the city’s architectural treasures shine long after fashion week ends.
The Cruise 2026 collection hits Louis Vuitton boutiques worldwide in November, but for those witnessing its debut amid papal splendour, the show offered something priceless: fashion, history and star power converging beneath ancient stones that once housed Catholic power.
Watch the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2026 show here.
