A few days after the grand opening of Louis Vuitton’s new workshop in Texas, Nicolas Ghesquière, the highly esteemed Artistic Director of the luxury fashion house, has boldly made his stance clear. The launch of the workshop, named Rochambeau Ranch, took place on October 17th in Keene, Texas, and is focused on the production of bags and leather goods for the American market. This new establishment is the brand’s third production site in the United States, with two existing workshops already established in California.
The inauguration event was graced by the presence of Bernard Arnault, CEO of the renowned LVMH group, Michael Burke, CEO of Louis Vuitton, and even President Donald Trump himself, who attended as part of a political rally scheduled in Dallas. President Trump commended the initiative, emphasizing that each Louis Vuitton bag and piece of luggage produced in Texas would proudly bear the label “made in the USA.” However, this association between the Parisian fashion house, with its rich history dating back to 1854, and the American president has sparked a wave of discontent among some individuals, including the brand’s own Artistic Director.
In a powerful Instagram post over the weekend, Ghesquière expressed his vehement opposition to any political affiliation, firmly establishing himself as a fashion designer who refuses to be associated with such actions. His message was accompanied by hashtags such as #trumpisajoke and #homophobia, along with the artwork of the song “High Energy” by Evelyn Thomas.
Internet users were quick to applaud Ghesquière for his unwavering integrity and praised his ability to take a clear and unambiguous stand, especially in an era where corporate brand activism can sometimes overshadow the voices of those who are truly part of the brand’s ethos.
While the launch of the new workshop in Texas highlights Louis Vuitton’s commitment to expanding its presence in the American market, Ghesquière’s firm refusal to align himself with any political action serves as a reminder that fashion and politics should be kept separate. His bold statement showcases the power of individuality and independence within the industry, proving that designers have the capacity to shape fashion beyond just the garments they create.
[Useful links:– Louis Vuitton’s new workshop in Texas: https://www.voguebusiness.com/companies/how-louis-vuitton-is-boosting-us-production
– Fashion industry and political activism: https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/professional/designers-tangled-in-politics-the-ongoing-conversation]
