Inside Louis Vuitton’s SS26 Show: Snakes & Ladders, Indian Influence, and Pharrell’s Vision

Ever since taking over as creative director of menswear in 2023, Pharrell Williams has continuously wowed followers of the Louis Vuitton house – and it seems Spring/Summer 2026 is his strongest collection to date. Not that he needed to prove anything, but the most recent menswear show cemented the rapper’s role as the ultimate collaborator and storyteller, channelling Louis Vuitton’s spirit of travel into an immersive spectacle where culture, connection, and creative energy converge.

Modern Culture of Tomorrow takes a closer look at Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection…

On Playing Games

Taking place at the Centre Pompidou, with a live orchestra – always a promising sign – the collection pays homage to the influence of modern Indian sartorialism on the global contemporary wardrobe. The set was envisioned by Pharrell Williams and designed by architect Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai, who fused Indian tradition and modernity by creating a life-size version of the ancient Indian board game Snakes and Ladders. Revolving around players reaching the finish line by climbing ladders and avoiding snakes, the set served as a beautiful metaphor for possibility, reflecting Pharrell Williams’ philosophy at Louis Vuitton.

Introducing The New Black

The colours appeared as if slightly faded by the sun – purple emerged as the new black, while a rich coffee-bean brown replaced indigo in denim pieces. Intricate details were achieved through hand-embroidered stones, lace, and micro beads. A special highlight was the revival of the custom motif Louis Vuitton created for the 2007 film The Darjeeling Limited, which appeared throughout the collection – from leather coats to travel trunks.

Designed For The Modern Nomad

The garments evoked India’s mountaineering culture, with pieces such as shell jackets, fleece-like blousons, hiking boots, and hiking socks peeking out from derby loafers. Silhouettes featured fluid elements and generous layering. The collection offers a modern interpretation of Indian sartorialism – influenced by a deep connection to city life, nature, and the vitality of the sun – designed for true cosmopolitans.

Image credits: Louis Vuitton