ADVERTISEMENTs
Louis Vuitton Men’s Spring/Summer 2026: A Showcase of Authentic Indian Inspiration
New India Abroad spoke to the Indian diaspora to learn about their reactions to the luxury house’s latest showcase.
-
Pallavi Mehra - Fri, 27, Jun 2025
- 01:55 EDT
- 17
.jpg)
The set by Bijoy Jain was inspired by 'snakes and ladders'; the chessboard is part of the Louis Vuitton collection. / Louis Vuitton
Earlier this week, the grand halls of the Centre Pompidou in Paris, France, typically a museum of contemporary art, were converted into a colorful visual exhibit of Indian culture, as American singer, songwriter and fashion designer—Pharrell Williams unveiled his Louis Vuitton Men's Spring/Summer 2026 collection. What unfolded was not just a fashion show, but a deeply moving homage that resonated greatly with the Indian diaspora worldwide, leading the way for respectful cultural exchange in the luxury fashion industry.
From the moment guests, which included the likes of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Ishaan Khatter and Norah Fatehi, entered the transformed venue, it was clear this was no ordinary fashion show. The Centre Pompidou’s usual industrial setting was reinvented by an immersive ‘Snakes and Ladders’ board, drawn across the floor in striking marigold, saffron, and emerald colors. This one-of-a-kind set design, conceptualized by well-known Indian architect Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai, immediately showcased the collection’s Indian inspiration.
The collection itself was a showcase of successful collaboration, seamlessly marrying age-old Indian motifs, textiles, and silhouettes into the contemporary Louis Vuitton design aesthetic. There were carefully tailored jackets showcasing delicate Kutch embroidery, flowing drapes evocative of the dhoti and lungi, and a color scheme that reflected the vibrancy of India’s colorful festivals and arresting landscapes.
Moreover, the music of the fashion show was equally impactful, curated by none other than Oscar and Grammy-winning music composer A.R. Rahman. The soundtrack was a blend of classical Indian music, modern electronic beats, and enchanting vocals that helped set the show’s rhythm.
For the Indian diaspora in the United States, the reaction was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Social media exploded with feelings of pride and validation. “This isn’t copying, this is elevation,” mentioned Priya Khanna from New York City, a thought echoed by several others. “Pharrell didn’t just borrow, he truly saw, he listened, he learned. He also gave credit where credit is due. The Bijoy Jain collaboration, A.R. Rahman's music – it speaks volumes about Pharrell and Louis Vuitton. India has arrived and the other luxury fashion houses need to take notice.”
In Los Angeles, Neil Patel, an Indian-American fashion designer, added, “Growing up in America, we often saw parts of our Indian culture diluted or misrepresented in luxury fashion. This feels like a genuine acknowledgement and appreciation. It makes me incredibly proud to see our culture presented with such elegance and grace on a global stage. I hope fashion designers and brands around the globe follow this example.”
Pharrell Williams, with his Spring/Summer 2026 collection for Louis Vuitton Men’s, has indeed led the way. He not only delivered a visually stunning collection but also played a crucial role in showcasing India's rich culture, captivating fans across the Indian diaspora.
.jpg)
Images from the showcase. / AFP and Louis Vuitton
Related
 (1).jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login