The France Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 stands as a luminous showcase of French excellence, where heritage and innovation are celebrated through the artistry of its most iconic luxury houses. With LVMH as a major partner, the Pavilion is a living stage for the timeless dance between tradition and modernity, featuring breathtaking installations from Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Celine.

Dior: A Poetic Dialogue of Savoir-Faire

Dior’s permanent exhibition is a poetic journey dedicated to the love of craftsmanship and the artistry of haute couture. The centerpiece is the legendary Bar suit, reimagined in blue, white, and red—a tribute to Christian Dior’s Amphores Tricolores and a subtle nod to France and Japanese friendship. More than 400 pristine white toiles, the sculptural prototypes that are the soul of couture, form the heart of a monumental installation. These are joined by Dior perfume bottles, reinterpreted through 3D printing, merging tradition with innovative technology in a way that feels both nostalgic and visionary.

The scenography, crafted by Nathalie Crinière, is enriched by the photography of Yuriko Takagi, medallion chairs by Tokujin Yoshioka, and a reinterpretation of the Lady Dior bag by Kazuyo Sejima for the “Lady Dior As Seen By” project. This immersive journey is a celebration of the enduring dialogue between French and Japanese artistry, reminding visitors that true luxury is rooted in stories and collections.

Photo: Lvmh.com

Louis Vuitton: A Library of Craft and a Sphere of Dreams

Louis Vuitton’s installation, designed with Japanese architect Shohei Shigematsu, is a dual experience that bridges heritage and imagination. The first space is a glowing library of 84 stacked wardrobe trunks, each fitted with bespoke compartments that showcase videos of artisans at work. This living archive is both a tribute to the brand’s 160-year legacy and an immersive museum of technique.

The second space is a kinetic, dreamlike theater: a 6.6-meter sphere composed entirely of white Courrier Lozine trunks, levitating and rotating in sync with a hypnotic video installation by Japanese artist Daito Manabe. The installation is accompanied by a custom soundtrack created by IRCAM, evoking the sounds of Louis Vuitton’s legendary Asnières workshop. Together, these spaces symbolize the tension between preservation and performance, tradition and transformation, and the shared values of craftsmanship between France and Japan.

Photo: Designboom.com

Celine: French Minimalism Meets Japanese Mastery

Celine’s temporary “Maki-e” exhibition is a sensory journey merging French minimalism with Japanese aesthetics. At its heart is the Japanese art of Urushi lacquerware, with the Triomphe logo reinterpreted by the Hikoju Makie collective. The exhibition features exclusive lacquered Triomphe art pieces, bags, and immersive video installations, including “Ten Landscapes of Dreams” by Soshi Nakamura. Another film, “Hands at Work,” draws parallels between the meticulous craft of Japanese lacquerware and Celine’s own artisanal tradition.

This collaboration is a celebration of Celine’s 80-year presence in Japan and highlights the spiritual dimension of craftsmanship, echoing Zen principles and the deep bond between French and Japanese cultures.

Photo: Designboom.com

Why the France Pavilion Matters Now

With 28 million visitors expected and a mission to be among the Expo’s most visited pavilions, the France Pavilion is more than a showcase—it’s a statement. In a world where speed and trends often overshadow craftsmanship, these installations by Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Celine remind us that true luxury is timeless, rooted in artistry, and always open to new horizons.

Whether you’re a connoisseur of couture, a lover of design, or simply seeking inspiration, the France Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 is a must-visit. Here, the past and future of luxury meet, and every detail tells a story worth treasuring.

Lots of love,

Lieke