Insolite Wallet & Another Galliera

'Unusual' is the English translation for the new wallet that is coming out in Monogram and Damier. And unusual it really is! It looks to me like a zipperless Zippy but instead it has two buttons in the inside that fastens it closed. It's quite large because it was photographed with a passport in one of its slots. Lastly, get this, the inner lining has several colors to choose from like green, blue and red. Retailing with an estimated price of $525, I'm pretty sure that this will sell well. Also, another interpretaion of the Galliera is going to be released. We've seen the photos of the Azur, Raffia and Python but a Saint Tropez version is due to come out as well. Taken from the namesake scarf of Cruise 2008 but in blue, it features a French Riviera-like scene with boats and helicopters, the symbols of the luxurious life. Priced at $1860.

Besace Angele and Mowa

There are two new bags that I am dying to see in real life. Both are slated to be released in October. One, is the Besace Angele. It's very much akin to the Marina Cruise but this time it will come in ebene and platine (the new silver color for Mini Lin). The other bag comes from the men's Utah leather line and is called the Mowa. Don't quote me on the name but what struck me the most is the burnish finish of the S-lock on the front. I LVoe, LVoe S-locks so this might make it's way to my collection. It's a briefcase, so as most of you might know, it's NOT MY STYLE, but still...Moving on, the Angele is roughly around $1200 and the Mowa around $2K. P.S. Oh, there is also a new computer sleeve with embossed monogram lining that is to die for! Estimated price $650.

The Matelassé from the Étoile Collection

Matelassé which means 'quilted' in French is the latest offering from Vuitton, belonging to the Étoile (star) Collection. The design of quilted bags is not new. It was made popular by Coco Chanel when she translated her beige, suede sofa from the 1930's into her classic flaps of the '50's. The material and color of the sofa, which can still be viewed in her private apartments to this day, were very unusual for that period and the pillows were quilted all over. Even then, she was ahead of her time. Marc Jacobs has now borrowed this innovation to offer, to what looks to me like a reinterpretation of the Montorgueil and Griet.
The quilting pattern is so precise that a line cuts through the same flowers from top to bottom. Three intersecting lines meet at designated points to frame the LV monogram within which is never cut. Amazing! No wonder this collection has a high price tag to them. So much material would be wasted in making one bag. Also, let's not overlook the fabulous hardware that these bags are outfitted with. The 'Louis Vuitton' script crowns it perfectly! I can't wait to see these in real life! Comes in bowler $2950 and tote $3500. LVoe it!!! Photo: the book from Incircle NM

New Mink with Fleurs

Imagine my excitement when I saw a re-release for this season of the mink stole from 2004. The differences are is that the newer version has three mink flowers attached to one end with Louis Vuitton signed silver rivets. Disappointingly though, the back lining is made out of fabric as opposed to the older version that was all fur. Still, it's luxury at it's finest as I almost fainted at the sight of it. $2250 at your nearest LV boutique.
Pic of me with my stole from last winter

LV et Comme des Garçons

I wanted to revisit the Comme des Garçons collaboration since it's being released next month. I've always wanted a Papillon especially because the bag was popularized by 60's British fashion icon, Twiggy. Here, she's shown carrying the 19, a size that is still available amidst the big bags of the day. The Comme des Garçons version on the other hand, has creatures hanging from it that makes it super cute! I don't really like things hanging from my bags, but this would be an exception. Remember, these Comme des Garçons pieces will only be available in Japan, to celebrate LV's 30 year presence there.

Photos: Fashionphile et Bagaholicboy

It looks like this is not coming out...

Runway bag from Fall Winter 2008-2009 that sadly, I believe, will not make it into production. What's coming out though are its more glamorous cousins, the embossed suedes that costs an arm and a leg but are so chic and subtly LV.

It's so puuurrrteeeyyy!!!

Speedy Cube

Tate & Greta

No pics yet but the Tate is a new Damier ebene piece and the Greta a new multicolore. Both are hobo styles akin with the newly released Manon (pic above), which by the way, I saw in real life today. It only comes in ebene and apparently the dune color is on its way out! A new color of the mini lin would be launched soon and is tentatively called plantain. Correction as of Aug 7th. It's not plantain but PLATINE. It's a beautiful shade of silver with black trim.

Ensemble, Cube & Lutèce

OMG!!! I can't believe that my beLVoed Lutèce is on the ground!!! Will someone please call 1-866!!! Vogue France August 2008 Issue

I think I'll bring out the animal in me this Fall

Taken from the late Stephen Sprouse's design, this leopard stole is made out of silk and cashmere. With the success of its predecessor, I bet this will hit the streets donned by celebrities and LVoers alike. Visit www.louisvuitton.com.

Eight Handbags That Stand The Test Of Time

Forbes.com For the pics & the article click the links.


Louis Vuitton Speedy Cube Bag
Starting price: $2,000

This bag is an innovation of the classic speedy bag, an LV best seller. The Fall/Winter 2008 version merges trend with tradition, allowing for a useful and beautiful bag that will outlive seasonal trends.

Postscript on Arjay's Lockit

Did you know that the new Suhali clutch with the adorable padlock was inspired by the iconic shape of the Lockit? $1040 at www.louisvuitton.com or eLUXURY.com

Monogramouflage Key Ring

I was shown this tonite and was highly tempted by it. Though inspired by the Monogramouflage line, it worked perfectly on my Mirage Bordeaux that I was carrying. Every ounce of will power was exhausted to resist acquiring it and I am happy to say that I was triumphant!
$480 Visit www.louisvuitton.com.

Lutèce, slither into my life

LV et Comme des Garçons

I have been seeing reports about Louis Vuitton celebrating its 30 years in Japan with a collaboration with Comme des Garçons. A transient store will open featuring special pieces born from it. The idea for the project emerged from the memories of Comme des Garçons founder Rei Kawakubo. Back in the late 70's, she saw the first Louis Vuitton boutique open in Japan and was fascinated (along with her fellow Japanese) by French craftsmanship, a luxury that at the time, seemed to her unattainable. Three decades later, Kawakubo wanted to revisit her impressions and this is what they came up with:
It's not for the faint of heart and it actually reminds me of a beautiful thangka of Quan Yin:




There will be six bags in total and can only be ordered in person at the Comme des Garçons store in Japan. You will then receive a special certificate along with your bag which will be delivered several months later at an LV of your choosing. Sounds pretty complicated and I LVoe it!!! I just don't know if I LVoe the bags as much!
Lastly, a Speedy and Alma would be available for immediate purchase. Now that's more like it!!! That papillon with animal charms is tite!!! BILLY DEAN!!! Are you going back to Japan?!?! Release Date: September 4, 2007 PS. That's Kawakubo's silhoutte

Fall Winter 2008-2009 Ads

Thanks Bengt for sharing. Visit his site here.








Dang!!! Those shoes are bangin'!!!

Lookey Dookey

They look like fashionable footballs!!!
Visit www.bagaholicboy.blogspot.com

New Suhali Pieces

Le Majestueux and Le Radieux, $2730 & $3180, respectively.
And the pièce de résistance
, the Wallet Le Favori. It's definitely my favorite of the new releases for the Suhali line. $885 Visit www.louisvuitton.com.

New Suhali slated to be released

Photo: sjunky13

I need money for the downpayment!

Purchased by deposit only, the Lutèce from the Monogram Collage Collection, is got to be the most fabulous creation for the FW 2008-2009. It's luxurious exotic material lures me into a deep trance as the words 'Louis Vuitton Paris' parades before me. I hope that I would be fortunate enough to even see this in real life. THANK YOU, Marc!