On 13 November, Louis Vuitton made history in Macao. For the first time, the iconic French fashion house brought one of its runway shows to the city, transforming the Londoner Arena into a cathedral-grade showcase of French glamour and high-fashion theatre.
The evening began with a chic pre-show reception, where red-velvet seating and cocktails – sporting a molten gold and burgundy ombré – created a cinematic atmosphere that channelled the show’s original May presentation at the Palais des Papes in Avignon, France.
Inside the 6,000-seat venue, the lights dropped to absolute darkness, sending a collective hush across the room. Then came the reveal: models appeared high above the stage, descending from the venue’s upper level in a dramatic opening sequence that commanded full attention.
For Macao, the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2026 runway was more than a memorable fashion moment. It affirmed the city’s growing relevance as a fashion destination and highlighted the Londoner Arena’s ability to host world-class creative productions – a defining night for both the city and the stage. From the music to the imaginative looks, here are the five standout moments from the event.
1. A concept steeped in imagination
Designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, LV’s Artistic Director for Womenswear, the collection first debuted at the Palais des Papes in Avignon, a 14th-century papal palace whose dramatic history set the tone for a concept inspired by medieval grandeur and religious rituals with a futuristic twist.
The original presentation tapped into the expressive power of ceremony. Ecclesiastical cues shaped the atmosphere: altar-style wooden and red-velvet chairs, a soundtrack that layered choir-like vocals with horns, hooves, and birdsong, and a visual juxtaposition of medieval references with sci-fi sensibilities.
For the Macao event, Louis Vuitton reinterpreted this universe to feel right at home in the Londoner Arena. The altar-inspired red stools reappeared, and the models’ descent from the upper tier – culminating in their final placement on the tiered theatre seating – echoed the striking, processional staging of Avignon.
All the while, the arena’s modern architecture added a new dimension, turning the historical mood of the French debut into a large-scale, cinematic experience suited to the venue.
2. A meeting of French style and Macao culture
As Macao’s first-ever Louis Vuitton runway show, the evening marked a significant moment for the city, underscored by a high-profile front row that included singer, dancer and Louis Vuitton ambassador Victoria Song, style icon Carina Lau, and actors Louise Wong and Yuxiao Lu.
Though rooted in Parisian couture codes, the Macao presentation subtly reflected the city’s East-meets-West character. The soundtrack blended atmospheric instrumentals with rhythmic transitions that nodded to Asian soundscapes, giving the show a tone that felt attuned to its surroundings.
Styling details also provided cultural nods, from lacquer-like hair finishes to a diverse cast of models that reinforced Macao’s cosmopolitan spirit.
3. A time-travelling collection
The show revealed the depth and breadth of Ghesquière’s imagination. While the overarching concept was steeped in medieval pageantry, the clothes themselves showcased the house’s craftsmanship, especially in leatherwork and embellishment.
Across the collection, we spotted felted wools shaped into architectural capes, metallic finishes that shifted under the light and intricate embroideries that recall historical motifs while still feeling contemporary.
Among the standout pieces was a sculptural grey cape appliquéd with soft, undulating shapes and a bold flame-like motif in deep red. For a softer look, a flowing, off-the-shoulder gown in rose-pink and deep aubergine, animated with flame-inspired lines and anchored by a chain-link belt, created a commanding look.
The craftsmanship shone through in the accessories as well. Embellished gladiator-style boots, sculptural black caps with a faintly papal silhouette, and a gleaming Petite Malle-style handbag – embossed in a lustrous monogram finish and carried like a modern relic – nodded to the house’s leathermaking legacy.
4. A world-class venue
If the collection brought the drama, the Londoner Arena amplified it. Debuted in 2023, this groundbreaking 6,000-seat venue struck the perfect balance between scale and intimacy, with soaring 18-metre ceilings, clear sightlines from every seat, and a black-box theatre energy that kept the focus on the runway.
The arena’s technical capabilities – from crystal-clear audio to emotive lighting – gave Louis Vuitton the tools to build a theatrical atmosphere and echo the grandeur of Avignon in a modern setting. Just as importantly, the spacious backstage areas, VIP suites and lounges, and dedicated dressing rooms handled the fast-moving choreography of a major fashion production with ease.
5. A milestone moment for Macao
The night drew an impressive roster of regional stars, fashion editors and influencers, turning the runway into one of Macao’s most talked-about cultural events of the year. Victoria Song and Carina Lau – already seated front row – appeared in some of the collection’s most iconic looks, adding an extra layer of star power to the evening.
On social media, clips of the dramatic upper-tier descent and the collection’s eye-catching fits spread rapidly across Instagram, Xiaohongshu and Weibo, giving Macao global visibility within hours.
By hosting one of the world’s most influential luxury Maisons, the Londoner Arena reinforced its position as a premium cultural venue and set the stage for future collaborations between global brands and Macao.
