02 - what’s behind the ss26 lv show?
LETS PEDAL BACK
In a country known for maintaining its history in architecture, a futuristic building emerges...located in France, the Pompidou Centre,
The building process started in 1972 and designed by Piano+Rodgers. The concept of Pompidou Centre, was acenter that connects community and the city with the arts. But did you know this same building hosted the SS26 Louis Vuitton show? Men's Spring-Summer 2026 | LOUIS VUITTON
It’s funny how President Georges Pompidou (President of France during that time period) wanted this building to be futuristic, a place where the community can meet and hang out. Now we fast forward to Pharrell Williams, paying homage to the past by reviving the game of Snakes and Ladders. I’m not sure about y’all, but that game evokes the childhood memories. Not sure if it was intended, but the feeling of nostalgia was prevalent in this project, which could factor why a viewer could be drawn to the show. It is a reminder that living for your inner child and having fun while creating something is what makes this process worthwild.
JUXTA-POSE
The parallel between Snakes and Ladders and the Pompidou Centre, is that they both use different routes to navigate through and around their environments. The curiosity element of going in one way and coming out another.
It was also interesting to see both the set and the building being able to exist without overpowering each other. From the models mimicking the movement of the pieces from Snakes and Ladders, to mirroring the movement seen during the day when the Centre is being used by its thousands of visitors.
Designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers
Captured showing the stairway system
Aerial view of the set
The fashion show was set in the piazza of its popular exterior. The building holds many arts, music, and events from different artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Henri Matisse. Which explains the inspiration behind the show.
TIP: The pieces on the exterior of the building are architecturally color-coded based on the purpose of each pipe, for example, RED for safety and YELLOW for electricity.
