A model on the Spring Summer 2026 Louis Vuitton Men’s collection runway.
With ominous luxury reports touting a 25 percent decrease in sales for some of the top names in fashion, there is a bright spot in the sector: India. The luxury consumer market is fast accelerating in the country, with a current $18B in 2025, which is expected to grow by just over 3 percent annually, according to Statista, with a big focus on luxury watches and jewelry. Whether by coincidence but more likely by boardroom meeting design, the latest Louis Vuitton Studio Homme collection by creative director Pharrell Williams for Spring Summer 2026 aimed its message arrow at India with a modern look at sartorial dressing, the art of classic, timeless, highly crafted tailored clothing through the eyes of a Dandy (Also the theme of this year’s Met Gala and exhibit.) It also signaled a safe route as a seasonal trend during an uncertain global economic crisis.
A model on the Spring Summer 2026 Louis Vuitton Men’s collection runway.
While those matters may weigh heavily, Williams didn’t let them bring him down. Starting with an invite that contained dice, the show set at the Centre Pompidou created by Studio Mumbai was a life-size version of the Indian board game “Snakes and Ladders,” which show notes described as a metaphorical possibility that, in turn, speaks to Williams’ philosophy of opportunity, responsibility, and enhancement.
Music is also central to a Louis Vuitton show by the multi-hyphenate. With a bold original soundtrack composed and produced by Williams, the live music was performed by Voices of Fire and l’Orchestre du Pont Neuf and featured a track “Get Right,” a collaboration featuring Doechii and Tyler, the Creator. With Pharrell Williams at the helm, the shows have become an equal platform for musical expression as much as clothing, to the point where the show’s looks seemed extended to allow for the entire performance to take place.
Jay Z and Beyonce at the Louis Vuitton Men’s show in Paris.
The collection also plays into travel via the global nomad, expressing the same appreciation for style and craftsmanship. Conjuring India meant a sun-faded palette (burgundy and orange transformed to dusty pastels with hints of Dandyism in a navy and violet blended indigo in lieu of black) and worn-in textiles on layered and louche silhouettes. Incomparable Indian savoir-faire, such as embroidery, beading, and bejeweling, was seen on clothing, accessories, and the elaborate trunks Williams has incorporated into his shows.
A model on the Spring Summer 2026 Louis Vuitton Men’s collection runway.
Further playing into the theme was a revived pattern featuring cheetahs, elephants, gazelles, giraffes, rhinoceroses, zebras, and palm trees, conceived on eleven pieces of luggage for Wes Anderson’s 2007 film “The Darjeeling Limited”, was seen on new trunks, accessories, and clothing to send the theme home.
While silhouettes such as flared pants, puffers, and short suit jackets seemed familiar, the creative director and his design team leaned into short shorts paired in sporty, aka ‘glamping’, looks and more tailored styles. Williams himself sported gym shorts when he took his bow and greeted other high-profile guests, such as his friends Jay Z and Beyoncé. This may emerge as the one must-have item for men come next spring. Considering the bevy of smooth gams that donned them for the show, picking up a bottle of Nair at the pharmacy may also be recommended for the full effect.
