Nicolas Ghesquiére has a love affair with Japan. "It was one of the first places I traveled to when I was seeking inspiration, some twenty years ago, and I've been a regular visitor ever since," he says in a statement. His admiration for Japanese culture served as inspiration for the Louis Vuitton 2018 cruise collection, which debuted yesterday and is a "culmination of what Japan has given to me for a very long time."

Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2018 collection alternates between the present day and a noble ancestral civilization, between futurism and poetry, between huge, vibrant cities and delicate landscapes.

The garments recall samurai, figurative engraving, inked landscapes, ceremonial dress, the keikogi of martial arts, the Kurosawa cinematic dramaturgy, or the unique melancholy of Kitano. Urban pantsuits and architectural tunics are designed in the spirit of Hokusai. Interwoven jersey and leather sweaters recall the armor of Japanese warriors. Evening dresses gleam with Noh theater gold. Delicately crafted obi belts become the fabric of tapered trousers. Handbags and clutches are decorated with Kabuki masks.

Related: Fashion Show | Resort 2018

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Courtesy of Louis Vuitton