Jaden Smith turned heads at Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2026 runway show on Thursday, boldly challenging traditional menswear norms with a daring choice of footwear. His appearance underscored Pharrell Williams’ vision for the brand — one that embraces fluidity, innovation, and the reimagining of house archives.
Smith stepped out in striking gray boots borrowed from the women’s Fall 2025-26 collection. The boots featured a dramatic slouchy silhouette, crafted from layered fabric that buttoned at the ankle and expanded into a flared cuff at the calf. Their soft texture and squared toe created a cocoon-like aesthetic that contrasted with the more rugged, practical feel of the rest of his ensemble.
Originally showcased during the Fall 2025 women’s show in Paris, the boots were paired with ponchos and sculptural garments, reflecting Williams’ ongoing exploration of modular and genderless design. By choosing to wear them, Smith defied conventional male fashion tropes, opting for fluid form and texture over rigid structure.
To complete the look, Smith carried a lantern-inspired handbag adorned with Louis Vuitton’s signature monogram. He held it like a stage prop, adding an artistic flair that echoed the brand’s growing interest in transforming everyday objects into statement accessories.
This outfit followed a style approach that Smith frequently embraces: layered pieces grounded by a standout item. At the Spring 2025 ready-to-wear event in Paris, he sported low-slung black trousers, a sharply tailored jacket with a pronounced collar, and layers of jewelry stacked under the sleeves. A Louis Vuitton belt with a dangling bicycle keychain gave the look a spontaneous, rebellious twist.
The Cruise 2026 presentation was held at the historic Palais des Papes in Avignon, France — a majestic setting that continues Louis Vuitton’s tradition of staging its shows in landmark locations around the world. Previous Cruise collections have been unveiled at places such as the Salk Institute in California and Isola Bella in Italy, marrying the past with the future in each venue choice.
By blending feminine shapes with masculine tailoring, Jaden Smith not only amplified the artistic theme of the event but also helped push forward the broader conversation around gender and self-expression in high fashion.
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