Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1488935
Voilà, W hen the invitation arrived, we were thoroughly intrigued. Our dear friends at Louis Vuitton were requesting our presence for their Women's Cruise 2023 runway show at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. But, of course, we replied, "Oui." The show followed on the Vuitton heels of the hallowed house's recent unveiling of the same collection at an equally magnificent architectural landmark, the Louis Kahn-designed Salk Institute in San Diego. This was not the first time that Vuitton has chosen an iconic backdrop — other have included the Hope estate by John Lautner in Palm Springs; the MAC by Oscar Niemeyer in Niterói, Brazil; the Miho Museum by Leoh Ming Pei outside Kyoto; and the TWA Flight Center by Eero Saarinen at JFK airport in NYC. For the house's first runway show in Dallas, the Perot Museum, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne, was a brilliant choice, given artistic director of women's collections Nicolas Ghesquière's long fascination with architecture. Some of the more dramatic elements of the building are its textured concrete panels that create a dynamic effect on the façade from the ever-changing sunlight and the 54-foot, continuous-flow escalator contained in a 150-foot, glass-enclosed, tube-like structure that seems to float alongside the museum. It was a fast-paced visit for the anointed few (a combination of locals and the international jet set) as they settled in for either a 10 am or 2 pm runway show and shop. Yes, shopping was top of mind, as the lobby was transformed into a fantasy of covetable accessories, shoes, and ready-to-wear, including limited-production items made available for this exclusive moment. After tucking Amex Black cards back into their LV wallets, guests descended the ramp to perch on the concrete benches always found there. Nomad-like models in linen to jacquard, silk, leather, and tweed made their way through the adoring fans, with many of the fabrics glistening and twinkling under the effect of the sun passing through the museum's dramatic slanted windows. Spotted: Jennifer Karol, Kara Goss, Shelby Goff, Megan and Brady Wood, Annika Cail, Elisa Summers, Jessica Nowitzki, and Jenny Davis. By Courtney Dabney and Billy Fong. Photography Megan Kay. Missy & Kevin Murray Kameron Westcott Brittany Xavier Kennedy Eurich Kelli Jenkins Sadie Wainwright 42