With rickshaw bags and embellished trunks, Louis Vuitton's S/S 2026 accessories had India at its heart

Louis Vuitton's mens S/S 2026 collection has made headlines across the world. It's success can be attributed to many factors; Pharell Williams' creative vision and a celebrated guest list including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Ishaan Khatter and Nora Fatehi were some of them. But the most important factor which attributed to its mega success was not a celebrity; it was a country. India was the star at the event, in more aspects than one. Beginning with the runway, which was conceptualised by celebrated Indian architect Bijoy Jain. A R Rahman unleashed his musical talent at the showcase with as an unreleased version of Yaara playing in the background, which was performed by the singer Romy. The track beautifully blended traditional Punjabi beats with contemporary music, thus serving as the perfect backdrop for the star-studded runway event. After Prada's controversial kolhapuris were showcased earlier this week, Louis Vuitton was next in line to take inspiration from Indian artistry, blending it into their design language. Amongst them all however, it was the accessories that reflected Indian culture the most.

The collection featured bags with elephant motifs, bejewelled trunks and gems encrusted on them, all of which have been ingrained within Indian artistry for centuries. Bags with elephant motifs are largely sold in bazaars of India, gems-encrusted bags are a signature accessory at the big fat Indian wedding and bejewelled trunks are the primary storage unit at every nani's home in their native homes. A standout accessory that grabbed everyone's attention was the classic Louis Vuitton monogrammed bag; this time in the shape of an autorickshaw, a three-wheeler mode of public transport in South and Central Asia used by lakhs in for their commutes. 

Scroll below to take a look at some of the most eye-catching accessories from Louis Vuitton's Menswear S/S 2026 collection.

1. Rickshaw bag

Louis Vuitton Tuk Tuk bags come in the shape of rickshaws, which are seen and used across the states of India for public transport. Covered in the signature designer monogram, this bag is reminiscent of the other monogrammed bags the house has launched in the past with interesting silhouettes; including those of planes, dolphins and lobsters. 

2. Trunks 

Trunks have commonly been associated with royalty and soldiers in India as they have a rich history tied to travel and social status. These trunks have evolved from the sturdy steel sandooks used by commoners to the luxury trunks associated with the elite. Louis Vuitton's encrusted trunks are similar to what one would expect in a royal Rajput darbar. 

3. Gem-encrusted bags 

Gem-encrusted bags are another feature typically associated with royalty in India. Royal families throughout history have commissioned elaborate accessories, including bags, often as a way to demonstrate their wealth and power, which the new bags from Louis Vuitton were possibly inspired by. 

4. Elephant and palm tree motifs 

Elephants and palm trees are common motifs found in Indian artistry. Elephant motifs are popularly seen across Rajasthan and Central India, as they have close associations with Indian deities and the state-wise culture and landscape. Elephants, palm trees, leopards and other nature-themed motifs are commonly found on tote bags, sling bags and other bags, which are widely available across the country. 

5. Sandals 

After Prada's S/S 2026 menswear collection featured kolhapuri sandals, Louis Vuitton followed suite with tong-style footwear; an Indian version of flip-flops, if you will; which are typically worn across the country by Indian men and women.

Edited by Dayle Pereira