nihon teien literally translates to “Japanese Garden”. Giving its name to our latest editorial, nihon teien embodies a traditional Japanese archetype, and provides a pertinent backdrop to Louis Vuitton’s 2018 Cruise collection. The collection is Nicolas Ghesquière’s latest daring venture, a tender romance between French “art de vivre” and the Japanese culture that has so influenced him. Debuted back in May, the collection takes the Japanese traditions of Samurai, Kabuki, martial arts and Kurosawa as frames of reference for its reinvigoration of cultural history. While its references may look to the past, Ghesquière’s collection is progressive, charting the evolution from tradition to modernity.
Japan has long been a source of inspiration for the Louis Vuitton creative director, whose love affair with the country began over two decades ago. “Japan is a country I know well,” Ghesquière affirms. “It was one of the first places I traveled to when I was seeking inspiration, some twenty years ago, and I’ve been a regular visitor ever since.” His sweaters resemble the armour of Japanese warriors, and his tunics look to the art of Hokusai. The collection also sees a collaboration with Yohi Yamamoto, resulting in Kabuki bags and clutches. A true affinity to the practices and philosophies of Japan is clear in Ghesquière’s tender and informed take on Japanese culture. “This collection is the culmination of what Japan has given to me for a very long time.”
In keeping with Ghesquière’s vision, SLEEK invited an Osaka-born photographer, the mononymous Piczo, to shoot Louis Vuitton’s latest cruise collection in the idyllic setting of a Japanese garden. Styled by Kamilla Richter and modelled by Mathilde at Rebel Management, the editorial embodies the symbiosis of urban jungle, and the fusion of two distinct cultures.
View the full shoot below.