Inspired by a video character, Louis Vuitton’s energetic campaign for spring 2016 is turning heads in part because of its photo real take on manga culture, but also because it indicates a more youthful (and perhaps hopeful?) direction as spear-headed by head designer, Nicolas Ghesquière.
Titled “Series 4,” the campaign features images and video (see below) of Korean actress Doona Bae, who portrays Final Fantasy heroine Lightning, musician/actor Jaden Smith plus models Sarah Brannon, Rianne Van Rompaey and Jean Campbell. It was shot by three photographers, Final Fantasy VII character designer Tetsuya Nomura of Square Enix, along with Bruce Weber and Jeurgen Teller.
The image featuring Smith is causing a stir because he is wearing a skirt, about which Ghesquière comments, “[Smith’s generation] has assimilated the codes of true freedom, one that is free of manifestos and questions about gender. Wearing a skirt comes as naturally to him as it would to a woman who, long ago, granted herself permission to wear a man’s trench or a tuxedo.”
All media via Nicolas Ghesquière.
