THE SET-UP
As far as iconic show locations go, Louis Vuitton landed safely by taking guests on a first-class trip to the much-hyped new TWA Hotel, located in the famous former TWA Flight Centre in New York City. Looming over the outskirts of JFK Airport, the famous alien-like piece of mid-century architecture was constructed in 1962 by Eero Saatinen but was abandoned after the airline went bust in 2001. It was also Ghesquière’s first impression of New York when he visited in 1991. “I landed here one trip,” he explained backstage. “I always remember the place, here, this terminal. Arriving to this fantastic city…and at the same time, at this masterpiece of architecture.” In contrast to the location’s concrete and chrome interiors, the retro space was decorated with luscious, green plants as the models walked across a bridge high above the seating, and then descended down a staircase and wove between the VIP guests.