Louis Vuitton brings the beach to Paris in near 40C heat

In temperatures close to 40C, most of Paris would have loved to go to the beach this week. Guests at the Louis Vuitton show got the look at least – the ground was covered with sand and there was a huge artificial wave as a backdrop. The menswear collection, designed by Pharrell Williams , had a surf theme. There were branded wetsuits, Ugg-style boots and the chunky knits surfers wear at the end of a day. There were some jumpers and slouchy suiting, but the active lifestyle idea took centre stage with board shorts, caps, skate-style sneakers and a gilet. Some models carried surfboards branded with the Louis Vuitton logo and the final look was a model in a monogram wetsuit carrying a bike on his shoulder. The ground was covered with sand and there was a huge artificial wave as a backdrop. Photograph: Abdullah Firas/Abaca/Shutterstock The active lifestyle idea took centre stage at Louis Vuitton. Photograph: Abdullah Firas/Abaca/Shutterstock The designer Pharrell Williams salutes the guests at the end of his Louis Vuitton show. Photograph: Abdullah Firas/Abaca/Shutterstock The venue for the show – the gardens of university accommodation usually used by students – has caused some controversy . There was a small protest outside the event and 1,300 people signed a petition against the brand using the lawn, making it off-limits to those living there. This follows other brands – including Loewe and Victoria Beckham – using the space. …