I strongly believe that one of the reasons why Louis Vuitton remains the biggest luxury brand out there is its ability to constantly renew, re-market and improve their classic pieces. The iconic Alma bag has been re-invented in Vuitton’s iconic Epi leather and there are 13 choices of colors to choose from. Naturally I like the green (Menthe) best, followed by the Cyan, Figue (some kind of purplish blue) and yellow. Price of the Alma is EUR1,020.
Images are courtesy of Louis Vuitton
What is the best way to follow up the strong, on-your-face, fetish-y (not to mention, successful) Fall/Winter 2011 collection for Louis Vuitton? For Marc Jacobs, it is the exact opposite extreme but equally strong concept. If his previous collection had left you with one word – ‘HOT’ then this one will leave you with ‘SWEET’. Not literally a complete opposite, I can see but it is all you would expect from a Spring collection and I think the bags are among the strongest offerings among all Parisian houses.
Dear Purseholic
After 10 years of being a purseholic, I think I am ready for my very first classic Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas bag. I have owned bags from Gucci, Prada, YSL, Fendi, Loewe, Celine, Coach, Tod’s, Kate Spade, Miu Miu, Cartier, Hermes, Chanel, even Bvlgari but for some reason, something has always distracted me from getting an LV bag but I have determine my next purchase a classic LV bag in Monogram Canvas. I am pretty tall at 1.75m and I like bigger bags (at least 35cm wide). I quite like the Deauville. Is it a classic LV bag?Appreciate your suggestions.
Dawn, Singapore
Dear Dawn
Congratulations on your bag collection. It must be nice to shop in your very own’s closet. You have quite an unusual case where you had somehow missed out Vuitton from your bag collection. I am glad you have skipped the Speedy and Neverfull from your consideration. As iconic as they are, there are indeed other worthy choices in the line-up of LV Monogram Canvas bags and the Deauville, which was originally designed as a beauty case, is surely one of them. I would however, suggest you to consider either the Alma MM, which is a classic design but the size MM is a recent addition or the Ellipse MM. Both bags are iconic Vuitton design, especially the Ellipse, which similar design has never been seen on bags from any other luxury labels. You know how labels always follow the others’ successful pieces nowadays, right? I do not have the latest prices in Singapore but I guess the Alma MM should be around SGD2,300 while the Ellipse MM around SGD2,100.
J Purseholic
Write to us at askme@purseholic.com
Images are courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Mark the date 18 September 2011 on your calendar with a LoVe sign! No, it is not a new Valentine’s day but it is the day Louis Vuitton opens its fifth store in Singapore, which happens to be its 12th Louis Vuitton Maison. This gets even better; the Louis Vuitton at MBS will also be the first Louis Vuitton Island in the world! You read it correctly: It is not only going to be a building by itself but it is an island by itself! Eat that, Paris, Milan, NYC, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Shanghai!
The Louis Vuitton Island Maison is a one of a kind concept for the luxury brand, and will feature nautical-inspired interiors exclusively designed by internationally acclaimed and award winning architect Peter Marino. Visitors can look forward to a unique and sophisticated retail experience as the first Louis Vuitton Maison in Southeast Asia will incorporate art and cultural elements in its retail space.
From the island, visitors can travel through a tunnel that will showcase pieces of contemporary artwork.The tunnel connects to the Marina Bay Sands mall and visitors will arrive at the Louis Vuitton bookstore, where they can browse through a specially curated range of design, cultural and art books. A spiral staircase on the same floor will lead visitors up to a magnified space which will display timepieces, fine jewellery and exceptional leather bags.
Louis Vuitton seems to be embracing its travel heritage to a whole new level, combining it with luxury retail experience. I need to cross the water to get my bag now and I will be more than happy to do so. I also look forward to finding out what special creations Vuitton will come up with to commemorate this opening. It is going to be exciting!
Image is courtesy of Louis Vuitton
In the spirit of men rocking portfolio bags this season, Louis Vuitton has introduced one of the most beautiful options for Fall/Winter 2011 in a new leather called Indra. Bear in mind that this is calfskin, NOT elephant like what the texture might suggests (which is a relief, to some extent). I think this is the best and most luxurious new material Vuitton has come up with for the past few years. Vuitton will be releasing this clutch in a few other materials, including the classic Monogram canvas and the smooth calfskin. Prices TBA.
From the classic line-up, the Taiga Minuto portfolio has actually been around for a while now yet underrated. Price is SGD1,900 in Singapore and is available in black and brown.
Images are courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Hi Purseholic
I am thinking of buying an LV Judy MM in white Monogram Multicolor but now that many new bags are logo-free, I am not sure whether a Monogram Multicolor is still trendy. Do you think I should get it?
Lydia, China
Dear Lydia
Trends come and go but some things are classic. Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Multicolor (both white and black) is, in my opinion, the best child of Marc Jacob’s collaborations for Louis Vuitton. The canvas was created as a more colorful alternative to the classic monogram canvas and is meant to be a classic. It has really become one by now! The Judy in MM size happens to be a beautiful bag too so I think you should get it, enjoy it and wear it forever.
J Purseholic
Write to us at askme@purseholic.com
Image is courtesy of Louis Vuitton. Price of Judy MM is USD2,310.
You should have known by now that Angelina Jolie is the latest celebrity to be the face for Louis Vuitton Core Values campaign series, which focus on journeys that matter. The write-up of the campaign (shot by none other than the venerable Annie Leibowitz) mentions that Jolie was make-up free and was wearing her own clothes, including her own now discontinued Louis Vuitton Alto in Monogram Canvas. This first picture has got to be one of my favorites so far and Jolie does look stunning despite the fact that I do not really buy that she was completely make-up free. The shot was taken in Cambodia, a country that is so close to Jolie’s heart (her first son, Maddox is a Cambodian) and the surroundings just seems so peaceful and beautiful. Her fee for the campaign has been said to be fully donated to charity too.
The Vuitton Alto has been discontinued but there are a few other models with similar look you might want to consider. Vuitton bags, in Monogram canvas are the best travel companion. I have been using my Sac Bosphore for many trips now and it is still holding up perfectly. Some recommended models in the same vein as the Alto would be the Artsy, Delightful, Totally Montorgueil and of course, the Neverfull.
Image is courtesy of Louis Vuitton
The much anticipated Speedy Bandoulière is finally released earlier this month and here the images of the bags in its various sizes in action. Photos by Boo George for Louis Vuitton and modeled by International Socialite Caroline Sieber. I am digging the size 40 for its apparent timeless appeal and the fact that it is a perfect size for a city and weekend bag. Prices are USD1,010 with USD20 increment up to USD1,070 for size 25, 30, 35 and 40 respectively.
Images are courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Marc Jacobs has obviously picked one of Louis Vuitton’s classic styles, the Lockit as the basic piece for his Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2011 accessories collection. The Lockit, originally created in 1958, might not have been as iconic as its other cousins in the family of LV bags, such as the Speedy, Alma or Noe but it is as easy to fall in love with due to its highly utilitarian shape. Being offered in various sizes and materials, I did not think I would say this but the new Lockits seem to have the potential to bring back the excitement once brought forward by Louis Vuitton seasonal bag collections. I love the simple clutch with the cuff. Leighton Meester was spotted carrying one in black croc skin with diamond icing at the MET Gala 2011.
Images are courtesy of style.com
For the pre-fall 2011 collection, Marc Jacobs incarnated the classic Monogram canvas by blocking it with the monogram embossed leather. I have not liked a bag from Vuitton for a while now but this piece is interesting and very well executed. Price is still unknown for now.
Stay tune for more photos and coverage from today’s Louis Vuitton Pre-fall 2011 showcase at MOCA Singapore, which I attended with a cousin of mine today! There are many interesting accessory piece and one croco bag which I consider as the center piece of the collection.
Image is courtesy of Louis Vuitton