While many leading luxury brands face a slowdown, India’s luxury market continues to surge, currently valued at $18 billion and projected to expand by over 3% annually, according to Statista. Louis Vuitton’s Spring Summer 2026 Studio Homme collection, led by creative director Pharrell Williams, draws clear inspiration from this growing market, blending contemporary tailoring with classic dandy aesthetics—a theme echoed at this year’s Met Gala.

The Paris-based show, hosted at the Centre Pompidou and designed by Studio Mumbai, creatively transformed the venue into a giant “Snakes and Ladders” board, symbolizing the interplay of opportunity and challenge that resonates with Williams’ creative vision. Music played a vital role, featuring a bold original score composed by Williams, with live performances from Voices of Fire and l’Orchestre du Pont Neuf. Highlights included “Get Right,” a collaboration featuring Doechii and Tyler, the Creator, underlining the event’s fusion of fashion and musical artistry.

Williams’ collection reflects the spirit of the global traveler, showcasing a palette of sun-washed burgundy, dusty pastels, and deep indigos replacing traditional blacks. The designs celebrate exquisite Indian craftsmanship—intricate embroidery, delicate beading, and detailed embellishments appeared on clothing, accessories, and the brand’s signature trunks. Patterns inspired by Wes Anderson’s The Darjeeling Limited, featuring cheetahs, elephants, and tropical motifs, returned across luggage and apparel, reinforcing the exotic narrative.

The lineup featured a mix of familiar shapes like flared trousers and puffers, alongside more adventurous “glamping” looks with tailored shorts, which Williams sported himself at the finale. This sporty yet refined approach may well set a new menswear trend for the upcoming season, combining comfort with luxury.

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