I always try to be on top of the latest release and the newest bags. But I must say, the members of the Purse Forum are always a step ahead when it comes to Louis Vuitton. If there is a super secret bag about to be released, they know before Marc Jacobs even designs it. My level of exaggeration is only small. When I first saw a sneak peak of the Louis Vuitton Watercolor Speedy I knew I had to have it!!
But there was this problem, called a wait list. A long a tiresome wait list. A time line that was uncertain about when the bag would arrive and who would be able to get their hands on it. Luckily, I know the best staff of Louis Vuitton sale associates from LV Bal Harbour, who secured me a spot and had my Watercolor Speedy ready for me with the first shipment. Can I tell you that I love this bag? I am in LVOE with it! I am now back in South Florida and this bag could not be more perfect even if I asked it to be. The colors are perfection; light and whimsical.
And if you kept waiting and are not near and LV store and thought you would never gets your hands on this bag, I have good news. eLuxury is now carrying the Louis Vuitton Aquarelle Speedy 35 (as we call it the Watercolor). I assure you that the bag will not be there very long, in fact I would not be surprised if by the time I publish this post it is gone. But it is worth a shot to check it out.
The allure and tradition of Louis Vuitton has not faded, but with the counterfeit market the curbside appeal of the Monogram canvas has wavered. The major problem for a brand like Louis Vuitton is the blatant knock-offs that are sold for a mere Andrew Jackson, $20, all over the world. But there are positive steps forward for the company, like the recent case where eBay had to pay LVMH $61 million in damages. As the crack down on counterfeit goods tightens, we can slowly start to love the monogram canvas from brands like Louis Vuitton, which is one of the most replicated patterns in the world.
When I go for a LV monogram, I try to find something that adds a tad different touch so as not to be the #1 copied pattern from the company (like the monogram Speedy which is counterfeited incessantly). Between my clutch obsession and the colorful mini monogram pattern, the Louis Vuitton Mini Monogram Multicolore Kate Clutch breaks out of the easily copied mold and works perfectly for my summer nights out. The long, east/west clutch sports the Mini Monogram Multicolore canvas, one of my favorites from the house because it ties together the LV logo with pizazz. The clutch is trimmed with metallic calf leather and accented with shiny golden brass hardware. There is a flat golden leather wristlet with a clasp attachment, which makes the wristlet removable if you would just like the clutch handheld. But I find the wrist strap a selling point, being able to offer a little better grip and really offer you both hands on the dance floor, when getting drinks, or just walking around. The inside is lined with red microfiber and there is an interior patch pocket. The more lush lining is precisely what I want in all of my LV bags, and I adore that this chic little clutch has this. Measurements are 9.4″x 3.7″x 1″. Now, this may be a selling point (or buzz kill for some), the clutch is named after supermodel Kate Moss. She is, after all, one of the most recognizable faces today.
I continue to find myself checking out the most elegant evening bags, despite the fact that I typically have no where to wear them. But I keep craving a new structured evening bag. Why? I have no idea. I must subconsciously be telling myself to let my hair down, put on a long dress, and go out somewhere fancy (meaning that the casual appeal of Florida has completely set in and thus far I am living a casual chic life). But coming back from Key West, where no shirt and no shoes really is no problem, opting for a new classy clutch is like night and day.
The new clutch on the red carpets is the Louis Vuitton Monogram Motard Clutch, being carried by tall, lean, model types and all other lovers of Louis Vuitton. This is one of the ideal clutches that calls to me; structured, elegant, and classic. The outside is designed with monogram-embroidered silk satin, which is perfect for those of you who are not super keen on the LV monogram. The structured frame-top body is designed with shiny golden brass hardware. There are two other major perks, including the removable long link chain shoulder strap and golden lambskin lining. Small clutches transformed into shoulder bags do not look great on everyone (unless you are super tall and super lean, I am talking about myself too), but it is a great plus. And the luxurious leather lining really is a nice finishing touch, seeing that many LV bags are lined with canvas.
Two high fashion labels, with seemingly polar opposite aesthetics, are going to be seen collaborating this coming fall – Louis Vuitton and Commes de Garcons. Rei Kawakubo of Commes de Garcons will be opening a joint store with Louis Vuitton in Tokyo this September.
The guerilla-style store will be open just three months, until late December, and will continue with a theme seen throughout Marc’s tenure at Louis Vuitton – guest artists designing bags for the brand. The store will consist of just six limited edition Louis Vuitton bags, designed by Kawakubo, which are also available to order.
Rei Kawakubo has revamped the look of the CdG storefront on Kottodori, Omotesando especially for the collaboration. Yves Carcelle, chairman and CEO of LV has announced that the brand is investing in the store, and all profits made will be split between both parties.
Perhaps this collaborative effort was inspired by Marc Jacobs’ love of Japanese culture and repeated references to both Japanese aesthetics and Kawakubo’s work?
I have never denied or hidden the fact that I am a huge fan of Louis Vuitton. While the monogram line does not always tickle my fancy, I find Louis Vuitton to be one of the longstanding luxury brands left designing bags. Not every bag is a homerun, but there are plenty of great options every season. But if you do not want the glitz and glam, opt for the Louis Vuitton Epi Line. I have brought up the Epi line often, speaking of its ease of cleaning, lack of logos, and overall likability. The Alma comes in a classic shape, is light-weight, and available in an array of colors from the Epi line. Cassis, Ivoire, Black, Red, and Grenade are the colors available in the Louis Vuitton Epi Alma, the textured hand-held carryall which is a staple of the house. The bag is named after the Place de l’Alma, the grand Paris square at the end of Avenue Montaigne. The Alma features textured leather and is trimmed with smooth leather. The inside is lined with Alcantara lining (which is precisely what Vlad goes gaga over in his favorite luxury cars).
I found one of my favorite Louis Vuitton Clutches in the exact colors that I adore. We loved the Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Montaigne Clutch when we first saw it in black and white, and have fallen in love with it all over again in purple and pink. The sleek and clean lines of the textured Epi leather, smooth leather trim, and stunning shiny palladium hardware combine to make this bag a show stopper. The flap top is closed with a stunning large logo-engraved push-lock closure. I loved this bag so much that I bought one for my mom at Louis Vuitton Bal Harbour. Somehow I decided not to get one for myself, and now I know why. It is because these two colors have my heart! The only issue is deciding which color to go for. The more wearable hue of purple or the girly pink? Sure, this has not gotten me far in my wedding planning, but the side-tracks in life always end in stunning shopping purchases.
Louis Vuitton’s Aquarelle bag designed Marc Jacobs and artist Richard Prince features a Multicolore monogram print that looks like it was painted using watercolor paints. The bag is based on the Speedy bag and has lizard skin handles with a wooden frame. The price on this bag is said to be around $3,600.
Louis Vuitton Mahina Bags (XL and XXL), these gorgeous bags feature the perforated LV monogram pattern, very similar in appearance to the earlier Onatah Collection. Interestingly, the Louis Vuitton Mahina Collection is named after a Polynesian Lunar Deity.
Back in October, only the XL and XXL sizes were available. These bags are wonderful, but my goodness, they are HUGE! So what if you like this collection, but you are looking for a more “normal” sized bag? Well, if this sounds like you, then you’re in luck! The Mahina XS is here and its even available in metallics! Its the perfect size to use as an everyday bag when you don’t need to carry everything including the kitchen sink!
Here’s the specs:
- Soft and supple calf leather
- Shiny golden brass hardware
- Belted leather shoulder strap with link attachments
- Buckled bands at each side create subtle gathers and adjust bag capacity
- Zip top with banded push-lock closure
- Interior flat pocket, cell phone pocket, and D-ring
- Protective metal feet
- Measures 16.8″x 10.1″x 4.7″
- Retails for $2,780.00 – $2,940.00
- Available in White (Perfect for Spring/Summer), Black, Silver, and Bronze
The Gina sunglasses are a tribute to Hollywood glamour, with oversize rounded lenses, gold honey glitter curved frames, and the Louis Vuitton signature in gold.
# Oversized rounded acetate frames
# Graduated lenses
# Original signature of Mr. Louis Vuitton engraved on left lens
# Fine metallic fixings
# Curved acetate arms
# 100% UV protection lenses
# Comes with a brown hard-sided case
