Desert Children

Louis Vuitton takes over Palm Springs to celebrate its 2016 Cruise Collection.

THE PARTY
In the year since debuting as creative director of Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière has made a major mark on L.A.’s fashion scene, first with a glitzy redo of the brand’s Rodeo Drive boutique and then with its Series 2 exhibition. But nothing could compare to the spectacle of the 2016 Cruise show, set against the stunning desert backdrop of Palm Springs. “I was clearly inspired by Los Angeles,” Ghesquière says of the collection. “A little dark, [with] a sort of rock-n-roll vibe, which is in stark contrast with the city’s luminous, almost too bright environment, crushed beneath the sun.”

THE SCENE
A dazzling array of international stylesetters and celebrities like Michelle Williams, Kanye West and Marisa Tomei met at the iconic Bob & Dolores Hope Estate, designed by architect John Lautner, for the awe-inspiring fashion show. The backyard was turned into a dramatic runway, with models weaving throughout the star-studded crowd and around the pool, all overlooking the city below.

THE HIGHLIGHTS
The Parker Palm Springs served as ground zero for the raucous arcade-themed afterparty, which featured bumper cars, vintage games and the crowd favorite: a claw machine filled with Louis Vuitton clutches and wallets. Talk about the ultimate party favors. -Photos by Billy Farrel and Neil Rasmus/bfa.com