Nicolas Ghesquière has always been a step ahead. As the Artistic Director of Women’s Collections at Louis Vuitton, he’s spent the past decade redefining modern luxury. Since taking the helm in 2013, Ghesquière has seamlessly blended the house’s rich heritage with his own forward-thinking vision.
His creations—like the Petite Malle, the GO-14, and the LV Twist bags—have become instant classics, marrying timeless craftsmanship with a contemporary edge. And then there’s the Archlight sneaker, a bold move that didn’t just enter the sneaker game but changed it entirely.
Before his chapter at Louis Vuitton, Ghesquière was the force behind Balenciaga’s revival. Over 15 years, he transformed the once-quiet house into a hotbed of innovation, pushing fashion’s boundaries with his daring designs.
But every story has a beginning. Growing up in the small town of Loudun in western France, Ghesquière knew by age 12 that fashion was his calling—a rebellious move that set him apart. By 14, he was interning at Agnès B, paid not in money but in clothes—a fair trade for a teen eager to dive into the industry.
He honed his craft under the guidance of Jean-Paul Gaultier in the early ’90s and took on various roles, from designing knitwear at Pôles to a stint at the Italian house Callaghan. An unexpected turn had him creating funeral attire for Balenciaga’s Japanese market—a humble start that paved the way for his ascent to creative director.
Fast forward to today, and Ghesquière’s journey with Louis Vuitton is nothing short of remarkable. Celebrating ten years with the maison, he’s curated a retrospective showcasing a decade of his most emblematic creations, each piece reflecting his unique aesthetic.
“Louis Vuitton has always symbolized the ultimate in luxury, innovation, and exploration,” he once said. It’s a vision he not only shares but embodies. As he continues to push the envelope, one thing is clear: Nicolas Ghesquière isn’t just designing fashion; he’s shaping its future.
