Louis Vuitton’s Texas Ribbon‑Cut Sparks a Fashion Storm
When Donald Trump flipped the ribbon at the new Louis Vuitton factory in Alvarado, Texas, it looked like a blockbuster‑style launch. With his daughter Ivanka and French billionaire Bernard Arnault of LVMH weaving through the crowd, the ceremony felt like a mix of “The Apprentice” and a runway show. But behind the shiny décor, a designer’s stern disapproval was waiting to be unveiled.
The Power‑Players on the Red Carpet
- Donald Trump – the U‑S. President, who famously said “Louis Vuitton, a name I know well – cost me a lot of money over the years.”
- Bernard Arnault – LVMH’s controlling shareholder, a man who’s made it (and it) as France’s richest.
- Michael Burke – LVMH’s megastar CEO, present to keep the luxury vibes intact.
Designer Ghesquiere Launches a Fashion‑Friendly Protest
Up close, the scene was a bit of a battleground. Nicolas Ghesquiere, the brains behind Vuitton’s women’s collections since 2013 (and the designer whose work graces Brigitte Macron), blew the whistle on the ceremony. His Instagram post dropped a bold mix of hashtags: #trumpisajoke and #homophobia, and he declared a clear, “Standing against any political action. I am a fashion designer refusing this association.” No sugar‑coating – just a plain‑spoken stance from a master of silk.
What’s At Stake for the Maison?
The Alvarado plant will create roughly 1,000 jobs – a decent boost for Texas, but it also brings Vuitton a new foothold in the U.S. manufacturing scene that rivals the existing California facilities. The brand’s big‑name “Made in France” tag travels a bit farther now. While it is an advantage in times of rising trade tension, it also opens the door to brand‑related controversies.
’Grab Your Wallet’: The Anti‑Trump Buy‑No‑Buy List
- A U.S.‑based campaign warning shoppers that any brand tying itself to Trump should be avoided.
- Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Givenchy are on the shortlist.
B Newsflash: The Image Shift in the Luxury World
LVMH’s Arnault avoided the political chatter during the ribbon‑cut, instead underscoring the brand’s commitment to the United States. But with Ghesquiere’s public critique, it’s a rare case of internal friction that could ripple through the French luxury ecosystem. LVMH chose to stay silent, and the brand’s official line remains murky.
Bottom line: Vuitton’s expansion into Texas has brought the brand closer to U.S. floors, but Trump’s pop‑culture presence sparked a creative rift that could shape the company’s future narrative. Stay tuned to see how this high‑fashion drama unfolds.
