Meet the Graphites

one last Damier Graphite entry before they finally hit the shelves in less than a month *YIPEE!!!* the new Damier Graphite canvas will become part of LV's permanent collection roster. a perfect counterpart to the mainly feminine Damier Azur line introduced as part of the 2006 Cruise Collection. these new masculine models were named after the some of the most prominent and celebrated men in the field of modern architecture. come meet the bags...

Jørn





this soft briefcase is named after Jørn Utzon, the creator of the iconic Sydney Opera House.



Ieoh





the Nil reporter's darker twin honours the architect behind the world famous glass pyramids of the Louvre, I.M. Pei.



Renzo





architect Renzo Piano, best known for the truly unique Centre Pompidou in Paris shares his name with the newly reworked Bastille messenger.



Tadao





this brand new shopper is named after Tadao Ando, one of Japan's most celebrated architects. he is best known for the minimalistic and highly spiritual Church on the Water in Hokkaido, Japan.



Rem





this new incarnation of the Amazone camera bag is named after Rem Koolhaas. an example of his work can be seen in the Prada flagship store (the one with the undulating "skateboard" ramp) in New York City.



other LV classics include the Keepall bandouliere 55




Grimaud





Pegase 60





they are also introducing a new overnight duffle bag named Roadster:





while the strictly limited F/W 2008 Runway (Defile) Collection distinguishes themselves from the permanent collection with their removable white handle covers and trim. only two models are being made:


Sac DeVoyage





and Porte-Document (Soft Briefcase)





in stores worldwide 15 August.



with thanks to bagaholicboy for supplying the photos =)

here's to everyone

Joan Baez "Here's To You"



an simple but extremely moving one stanza song by the American folk singer in collaboration with acclaimed composer Ennio Morricone (he of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" fame) for the movie Sacco e Vanzetti (Guiliano Montaldo, 1971). this is a song about the trial and execution of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, two "anarchists" found guilty of armed robbery and murder which sparked mass protests for their release due to a gamut of issues such as anti-Italian and anti-immigrant prejudice, blatant disregard for civil liberties and general prejudice. more can be read about them HERE

LV Chaddy makes three

its official, Louis Vuitton is opening a third boutique in Melbourne at one of the biggest malls in the continent, Chadstone Shopping Mall. this self proclaimed "Fashion Capital" it is undergoing a huge renovation/redevelopment which spans like a two-level bridge between the high-end David Jones department store and populist Target. other high end boutiques reported to have signed leases are Tiffany &Co, Hermes, Chanel and Gucci. this will be the first time in Australia that Louis Vuitton opens a boutique outside a city's CBD. it is scheduled to open before the year ends. i don't know what to think about this just yet.

Feature Bag #15: Monogramouflage Treillis

ITS WAR!!!!!



if i ever get drafted by LVMH to fight counterfeiting and LV haters im all set:



presenting Treillis, part of Takashi Murakami's latest collaboration with Louis Vuitton - the Monogramouflage. my first and ONLY Murakami piece. after doing whacky flowers and cutesy cherries, they finally thought about the boys too. according to the French SA, "treillis" actually means combat/army pants. next to the bag is "Para-Kiti DOB", a lim. ed. print by the master of Superflat Pop Art:





the print was purchased in 2002. it coincidentally shows both camouflage and Damier patterns. i know there was initial resistance from a lot of LV lovers about this line, but i've always liked Monogramouflage especially the Treillis. although i thought i have convinced myself i can live without it. then when i finally saw it in real life i realized i couldn't. i was surprised that its twice as big as i thought. which is a good thing. my Ouvea Carryall (Feature Bag #3) can actually fit inside:




my brother wasn't impressed when i showed him photos of the bag initially, but when he saw it in real life he was an instant convert. one feature i like is the rigid base so it doesn't sag:




the black trim makes it more masculine and rugged:




and the interior pockets are very practical:




what serious LV collector could resist when it says this:




one more look:




im absolutely astounded!!!!

LV F/W 2008 shoe inspection

just counting the days until Damier Graphite finally gets released here in Australia. for the mean time, here's my F/W 2008 footwear shortlist:

Damier Graphite Elan sneakers:




but of course. also available as a high top and a motorcycle boot. now i know why i didn't get the other Elan in Damier ebene (see Jan'08 entry "the Zephyrs did it!").



im loving the rather understated style of these new "Poker" Derby with covered laces:








particularly the pink calfskin (top left) and the taupe patent (bottom right). it is interesting to note that LV's been churning out pink shoes for men recently. there's another one coming up next Spring. maybe i'll finally bite. but the one that really stood out for me is this beaut:







it looks like metallic patent degradé, but i'd like to think its mother-of-pearl. i love it!


many thanks to the Bagaholicboy for sharing those photos.

Vuittonize me!

if i was to have a portrait of myself done, i would pick either Julian Opie, Lucien Freud or Chuck Close to do it. these are the closest i'd ever get to a Chuck Close:





these composite photos are made up of my own LV collection and images gleaned from the Internet.

still can't see it? here's a closer look:




and a little closer still:




amazing what modern technology can do!

YSL S/S 2009 Preview

once again in lieu of a runway show Stefano Pilati opted for another avant-garde video collaboration with Colonel Blimp starring Jack Houston which explores the different notions of masculinity.



(WARNING: some nudity involved. so kids, look away NOW!)













absolutely brilliant!


SOURCE: www.ysl.com

LV Men's Prefall Collection 2008

presenting Cuir Siwa a brand new line of fine leather goods from Louis Vuitton. named after an oasis in the middle of the Sahara desert, this new collection comes in 4 models:

Trotteur




Camera Bag




Computer Case




and Soft Briefcase (Porte-Document Souple)





available in ecru, taupe and marron foncé (dark brown), this supple new leather is similar to Tobago (see Feature Bag #12) but with a finer grain:




which also shed light as to what sort of leather they will be using for Spring-Summer 2009 (click here). to me, the most exciting feature of these bags is the printed interior lining. it perfectly counterbalances the simplicity of the bag's exterior:





coming to your nearest LV boutique real soon!



SOURCE: Louis Vuitton.

in his footsteps

rumours have been floating for a while now but the cat is finally out ot the bag....




the self-proclaimed "Louis Vuitton Don", Mr Kanye West is collaborating with LV for a line of men's footwear. although my initial thoughts were of high-top sneakers in garish colours (what's new?), i shall remain optimistic. all one can do is hope for the best.



SOURCE: Fashionphile