Louis Vuitton [IG] Women and creative director Nicolas Ghesquière returned to Avignon, France and the historic Palais des Papes, residence of popes in the 14th century and scene of the 2026 Cruise fashion show, for the 2026 Cruise Campaign shot by Jamie Hawkesworth [IG].

In their own words, LVW calls the campaign “a radiant clash of centuries” as the majesty of the Middle Ages converges with the dazzling defiance of glam rock.

Models Ella Dalton, Sascha Alexandra Rajasalu and ? are styled by Florent Buonomano and Marie-Amelie Sauvé on the grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Charles Levai and Kevin Tekinel provide creative direction./ Hair by Duffy; makeup by Hiromi Ueda

AOC is certain that Pope Leo is just beaming with all this free PR from Louis Vuitton, especially given his obvious intention to become deeply-embedded in popular culture and with a strong American influence. Anne is down for anything that shows our better and beautiful face to the world than the Trump Administration’s attempts to destroy the soul of the American experiment.

The American pontiff is becoming a giant brain cluster f*** in the world of progressives. And don’t think LVMH, with Pharrell Williams, organizing the concert last December 2024 for the reopening of the badly-burned Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris went unnoticed by Pope Leo.

LVMH’s lead contributor position in the restoration of the Vatican surely helped cement this evolving love story between LVMH and the Vatican. Throwing in a ‘cool’ American pope, who had the first outdoor concert at the Vatican in September and 300,000 people showed up gets our attention.

Pharrell was also co-director of that event. AOC hasn’t checked the guest list, but Pope Leo hosted Hollywood and acting royalty from around the world this weekend.

Returning to fashion and the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2026 campaign, you can check out the collection online.