Louis Vuitton Monogram Guipure Carrousel

I've never really delved into the past Fall Winter pieces so I would like to feature the Carrousel Monogram Guipure which is part of Louis Vuitton's Les Extraordinaires Collection. "Guipure" in French means patterned lace and that what makes the body of this purse. It is then finished off with exotic matte alligator. As you can see, the amount of work and detail makes it indeed quite extraordinary. For a whopping $13,000, this piece must be special ordered and it comes with its very own number. I was inspired to do this post because Hydie sent me links featuring Leighton Meester as she was photographed carrying it while filming 'Gossip Girl' yesterday. LVoe, LVoe, LVoe it!!!

Louis Vuitton Vermont Avenue

A late release from last year, the Monogram Vernis Vermont Avenue is one of LV's day to evening bags. Tortoise acetate lock and strap accentuates this relatively small piece ( 8.6" x 6.7" x 2.4") which is priced at $2360. I wish they lined it with something more luxurious like suede or even the alcantara with that price point. So far, only released in Amarante. Available at www.louisvuitton.com.

Louis Vuitton Favourit Bracelet

Speaking of bows, here's a kitchy bracelet for the feminine in all of us, the Favourit Bow Bracelets. Being released in the Monogram canvas (which LVooks like a dog/kitty collar to me), it also comes in the flattering Pomme d'Amour as well Amarante, Rose Florentin and Rouge Fauviste. Purchase at www.louisvuitton.com for $370.

Louis Vuitton Multicolore Annie

"The sun will come out tomorrow..." That's what I thought when I saw the latest from the Monogram Multicolore Collection. I guess Takashi's creation is here to stay. Being true to its playful persona, the Annie is pleated and trimmed with a bow. It LVooks like a new twist lock hardware is introduced to this design. Priced at $2440 for the GM and $2180 for the MM, it comes in the traditional noir and blanc of the Multicolore. Visit www.louisvuitton.com.

Louis Vuitton Mahina Cirrus

This is my last posting for the night of the January 1st releases but it is by no means the least. Actually it is my favourite of all of them, the Cirrus PM of the Mahina Line. There is not much information about this piece except that it costs $2720. Quite substantial for a hand-held but the Mahinas are always more expensive due to their luxurious leather. It comes in four colours: (don't quote me on the names just yet) etoupe, biscuit, noir ar and cognac. LVoe, LVoe, LVoe it!!! From an Anonymous poster, the official colour names are> Safran, Coquille (similar to the poudre), Noir, Lin and for the big size Lin and Marine(Navy Blue).

Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Siracusa

Now here's a huge baby for all you Damier Azur LVoers. It's the Siracusa GM. But for those of you who don't like the biggies, the Cruise Collection piece comes also in MM (photo below) and PM sizes. The combination top handles and shoulder strap seems to be popular nowadays. I know this will be a disappointment for many, but only the GM has both. All models have a zipper to secure your items within. Priced at GM $1300, MM $1000 and PM $880; better hurry because the New Year releases are fast being depleted. LVoe it!!!

Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Sherwood

Slated to be released this month sporting Vernis' new colours is the Sherwood. Measuring 21cm x 40.5cm x 17cm for the GM and 17cm x 35cm x 15cm for the PM, this petite bag can transition from day into evening. The Sherwood sort of reminds me of the Damier Verona's shape. It comes in Terre D'Ombre (as shown), Blanc Corail, Rouge Fauviste and Pomme d'Amour. Priced at GM $1615 and PM $1300. LVoe it!!!

Louis Vuitton Monogram Estrela & Retiro

Released yesterday are these two exciting pieces for the Permanent Monogram Collection. First off we have the Estrela that comes in two sizes, GM (45cm x 31cm x 16cm) and MM ( 40cm x 29cm x 15cm
). Reminiscent of its best-selling predecessor, the Batignolles, this canvas city bag boasts a top handle and shoulder strap. It is is lined in beige Alcantara and has a zipper on top for security. I LVoe the vache leather detail on the sides to protect the edges. They remind me of those that were used for the Le Majesteux of the Suhali line. Priced at $1440 for the GM and $1300 for the MM.


The next one is more of a formal bag called the Retiro. Formal to my eyes due to its shape, exposing the zippered opening. It comes in GM (40cm x 28cm x 17cm) and PM (38cm x 28cm x 15cm) sizes and priced at GM $1530 and PM $$1390. Both were supposed to be released yesterday, but the stores only got a handful for the Estrela and the Retiro has not even reached our shores. LVoe both of these!!!
Visit www.louisvuitton.com.

Louis Vuitton New Monogram Vernis Colors 2011

New colourways are being released today, Jan. 1st for the Monogram Vernis Collection. They are Blanc Corail, Bleu Infinite and Terre d'Ombre. Infusing life to the collection by reinventing not only the Alma but the Wilshire, Brea, Melrose Avenue, Pochette SoBe, Zippy, Sarah, Cles and Porte Simple. I have yet to see them in real life to see how saturated the colours are. The Blanc Corail seems interesting but the two others are not outstanding. Afterall, doesn't Vernis suit the brighter colours?

Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Leopard Collection

Also being released today are the Monogram Vernis Leopard Collection. It's a combination of the Vernis leather with the Sprouse Leopard Print, a staple of the House of Vuitton. It will come in Rouge Fauviste, Bleu Infinite and Blanc Corail. The collection comprises mainly of small leather goods such as the Heart Coin purse (excellent sweetheart gift for V-day), Insolite and Sarah Wallet and Zippy Wallet and Compact. Accesories to compliment the line will also be released in bandeaus and the ever present cahsmere and silk stole as well as a heart key fob. (pics are NOT to scale) Visit www.louisvuitton.com.
I guess they won't be making these anymore...so sad.

LVook-See

One thing I enjoy the most is when I see bags in a Louis Vuitton boutique that I have never seen before. There are approximately 140 stores worldwide and I am fortunate enough that we have FIVE stores around where I live. Last night, I was arrested by two LVoely versions of the Brea in Epi Leather, happily sitting by LV's windows. I bet it is not a mere coincidence that both were sporting the colours of the season, Ivoire and Rubis.
I've always pictured the Brea as a business type bag but the colours pulled them out of their ho-humness and breathed life into them. (Gosh, so dramatic!)
Lastly, as I was stepping out of the store, my eye caught a huge chunk of leather sitting close to the ground. It was none other than Fall Winter's Intrigue in Gris. They did not have this in September's Trunkshow and I was dying to play with this $4000 baby. Sadly, it was near closing and I did not want to impose on my sales associate.

Louis Vuitton Pochette Altair

I was browsing through Saks' Holiday Catalogue when I saw what was described as the Bronze Pochette Altair. Crafted out of embroidered jacquard, the Limelight-esque evening clutch is accented by an acetate jeweled lock. Priced at $2070 this will surely be a show stopper to any holiday party. LVoe it!!!

The Louis Vuitton Petting Zoo

It was the perfect day today to go to the National Zoo. Though elephants and hippos abound there, I was more interested in petting a different breed...those that have been captured by Louis Vuitton for this season.
For starters, I wanted to feed the GM Shopper in Alligator and Python. Costing a whopping $14,100 this baby is a by deposit only piece. Perfect for the shoulder, the alligator handles were suprisingly comfortable. I just LVoe the colour green that they chose for it, plus the faceted brass rivets adds a fantastic detail. The interior is roomy with three divisions, a classic LV shape! Encased in glass, it wanted to go with me whilst I was playing with it. Sadly, I was short by $2.00 so it had to go back in its terrarium. Notice that the bag has a smiley face as I kissed it good-bye.
A few feet away, there was a python all balled up in the shape of the Artsy MM. Plain yet elegant, I wish I spoke parseltongue but could only utter L-V-o-e when I found out that it was a $12000 bag. Slither away from me little python!

Catty-corner from the snake, I was beckoned, not by an animal but Psyché herself from the Monogram Volupte Collection. Beautiful in its functionality, this $3270 city bag had alligator embossed leather to mimic its exhorbitant cousins.
Lastly, as I stepped out of the zoo and bade farewell to my new friends, I was accosted by Liza, a sequin embroidered pump with a price tag of $660. I declined the offer to follow the yellow brick road because I preferred ruby slippers for that job. It would have been a better match with my ol' Speedy Mirage, don't you think?
LVoe, LVoe, LVoe it!!!

Louis Vuitton Monogram Wilshire

I am always excited to see new additions to the Monogram Core Collection and the familiar shape of the Wilshire is no exception. This time it is being released in three sizes as opposed to its Vernis predecessor. Since it's more structured, it is a welcome alternative to the popular Neverfull. The long slender handles of the GM and MM will make it the perfect workhorse bag without sacrificing style and could easily morph into a casual evening bag. It really reminds me of the Mezzo. Visit www.louisvuitton.com.

LVook See: Louis Vuitton Fall Winter 2010 2011 Trunkshow

I know that it's been awhile since I have posted in my blog. I have been battling a bag funk lately but nothing beats a Louis Vuitton Trunk Show to keep the LVoe alive.

Let's start off with the re-interpretation of the iconic Fleur de Jais Speedy with its glittering black sequins and flocage. I must admit that I was hoping for more ummppphhh, but the Speedy was just okay. I would have preferred if Marc used the same black leather on the tabs for the handles. Instead, the vache seems to be competing with the overall LVook but I LVoe the brass feet underneath that protects the embellishments.
I did like the LVook though on the clutch version, the Manège. I'm all about clutches lately and this takes the cake. One worry though is the rubbing of one's hands at the bottom where sequins and flocking abound though the handly vache wristlet is a welcome alternative.

Next we have the Monogram Volupté as represented by the Beauté (small) and Psyché (large). The coated jacquard has an interesting feel to it and upon close inspection I was amazed at how the Monograms were woven.

Lastly, I played quite a bit with the multi-exotic Carrousel. The shape is delightful in petite form and is crafted with crocodeeel handles, autruche flap, lambskin lining and a clochette trimmed with mink fur. This will give any PETA supporter a heart attack...(and you thought Lady Gaga's dress was a bit much)!


Of all of the pieces I saw tonight, the Carrousel has got to be my most favourite. Small enough for formal dining and quite colourful for a casual run of the town. Ooohhh, and it comes with its very own pillow stuffer to keep the shape! LVoe, LVoe, LVoe it!!!

Louis Vuitton Exotiques!

I just LVoe, LVoe Exotiques so when Peter sent me these photos from the recently opened Bond Street store in London, I almost fainted. Feast your eyes on the wonderful skins that graces these arm candy. Thanks, P for sending them in.