The transient building created inside the Louvre courtyard looked like something vaguely familiar. That feeling of the inside-turned-outside, the colourful effects, the memories of an artistic creation that shocked traditional French people but was – and indeed is – adored by a younger generation, who could come together in the curving, open space of the courtyard.

But what was the famous Centre Pompidou doing as the brightly lit backdrop to the Louis Vuitton show? As the models appeared along a mezzanine walkway, before turning to show the clothes to the audience, there was a reaction of amazement – even disbelief.
“It’s the beauty of controversy,” said Louis Vuitton creative director Nicolas Ghesquière.