Louis Vuitton show transports guests at JFK

A model walks the runway during the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2020 collection presentation at Kennedy Airport, on May 8. AP Photos/Mary Altaffer.

By Nekesa Mumbi Moody

The Associated Press

Louis Vuitton's cruise show transported guests back in time as it showcased flashy 1980s-inspired outfits in a decidedly retro venue: the spacey, once-abandoned TWA terminal at JFK Airport.

The white concrete and glass structure, with its smooth curves invoking an aircraft from the future, was as much a draw as the designs by Louis Vuitton creative director Nicolas Ghesquière. Designed by Finnish architect Eero Saarinen, the terminal was a sensation when it debuted in the early 1960s and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was closed in 2001 when the TWA airline shut down but is getting a new life and is set to reopen next week as an attraction that includes a hotel, shopping and restaurants.

For the Louis Vuitton show, the inside was transformed into a tropical oasis overflowing with fresh foliage that stretched even into the bathrooms; the centerpiece staircase above was made even more dramatic amid a sea of green, while retro signs including an old-school flight departure board hung above.

Jennifer Connelly, part of a starry celebrity contingent that included Emma Stone, Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore, Karlie Kloss, Willow Smith, Michelle Williams and newlyweds Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner, said the terminal was among the reasons she came out Wednesday night.

The fashion show evoked the glamour of air travel in the 1960s.

"It's bold and innovative," she told The Associated Press. "There's nothing that looks quite like it."

Connelly wore a Louis Vuitton piece from last year's cruise show, a flowery blue and pink dress that looked partly inspired by the Victorian era with its layered, wide collars.

But for this show, Ghesquière seemed to be inspired by the glamour of the 1980s; models walked down the expansive two-level runway in satin-like miniskirts accented with a billowing top layer; a white leather jacket that had black lower sleeves with a checkered print looked like it could have fit in any video from the early days or MTV. One black suit dress with pinstripes had its shoulders cut out, so there were no shoulder pads, but the piece gave a nod to the 80s with its poofy sleeves. And several skirts had the ribbon pattern of the era.

The collection had a fall feel, with plenty of leather jackets, skirts and coats, but also pieces that mixed materials, like a blue, white and black leather jacket that transformed into a flowing gold material at the chest.

There of course were also the famous Louis Vuitton bags, including clutches and one that was electronic with images flashing on it, yet another eye-catching moment of the evening.