Louis Vuitton Neuf Icones: The Wardrobe, 1875

The Wardrobe, designed in 1875, remains perhaps as one of the most emblematic of Louis Vuitton creations.  It opens vertically to reveal a fully equipped hanging closet within. This spares the weary travelers of that time the additional chore of unpacking.  I wanted to feature Nine Icons by Louis Vuitton so that we can better appreciate its rich history.  So I invite you to join me in the next few weeks as we travel back in time through photographs to celebrate the works of this much celebrated malletier.  LVoe it!!!

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Louis Vuitton Polo Bicycle

Cycle Polo, a variant of its illustrious equestrian counterpart founded in Ireland is a growing sport not only in the US but also worldwide. It is no wonder then that Louis Vuitton has interpreted the human powered vehicle and made it its own. From the Monogram Flower chain ring to the customized mallet, the bike is truly Vuittonized. The Damier spoke guard is what kills me. Shot for Intersection Magazine, I think I may take up this sport for the summer. Special thanks to Julia S for the heads up. LVoe it!!!

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Louis Vuitton Teddy Bear

Isn't this one of the saddest things that you have ever seen? That poor lil' LV bear is suffocating! Part of the Men's Fall Winter Runway Collection in 2004-2005, this little bear was released in a limited number of 500 units. It's a numbered piece so it's a true limited edition. The cutie pie is number 445 according to the auction which I have been following when it was first listed as $8550. Now it has gone down in price since no one in their right mind would buy such an extravagance. Except maybe me, if I had the cash lying around. For the auction, click here.

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www.louisvuitton.com gets a revamp

Wow, www.louisvuitton.com has been updated. Check it out. LVoe it!!!

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Louis Vuitton Animals at Deyrolle

Last Monday night, Louis Vuitton showed their menagerie of critters in Deyrolle, Paris' premiere taxidermy store. Created by British artist Billie Achilleos, this is to mark LV's century of creating small leather goods. The artist says: "It sounds really silly, but a lot of the products to me look like elements of an animal,” she continued. “For instance, the bag that I’ve used on the deer’s body — the moment I saw it, the zipper pull on it, looked like a deer’s tail to me. I just said, that’s got to be a deer’s bum when I’m finished with it.” Vuitton chief executive officer Yves Carcelle, who is to step down next year, said the choice of Deyrolle was not perchance. “When Marc [Jacobs] joined the company, we started ready-to-wear, and our headquarters was not finished. So I rented for him a place which was 20 meters away from here,” he said. Source: WWD. Special thanks to Mary! The animals have already been to London and Milan and are slated to have a global tour by the end of the year or early part of the next. LVoe, LVoe, LVoe it!!!

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Don't you just LVoe a Classic Speedy?

Photo: the-decorator.net Despite the new styles and seasonal releases, the iconic Speedy is still one of my favourites. Photo from Spring Summer 2011 Catalogue at the Parker, Palm Springs. LVoe it!!!

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Happy Birthday, Louis!!!

Gosh, I almost forgot. I know it's kinda cheesy but I do celebrate his birthday every year. So Happy 190th B-day, Monsieur Louis!!! 1892 Engraving by H. Rozier

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Angelina Jolie Louis Vuitton Core Values Ad

Eeeeekkkkk!!!! The Jolie Ads are all over the internet. Stay tuned on Wednesday when Vuitton plans to post a teaser on its web site, louisvuittonjourneys.com/cambodia, showing an interview with Jolie that will be posted later in the month. She discusses her life changing visit to Cambodia that awakened her plight for developing countries. Her eldest son, Maddox, was adopted from Cambodia and she and partner Brad Pitt established the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation, which is active in community development and conservation in the country. LVoe it!!!

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"Secret Places at Louis Vuitton" - The Hotel Martinez Suite

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I LVoe this LVook

This LVook is effortless! Monogram Vernis Alma

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Billie Achilleos for Louis Vuitton

Versatile artist and maker of things , Billie Achilleos has done wonderful creations for Louis Vuitton by crafting Monogram scupltures as part of the press presentation for Fall Winter 2011 2012. This is the artist's second time to weave her nimble hands by using small leather goods to fashion them into amazing critters. Her last work with LV graced the windows of the Maison at Bond Street when it opened last year. It contained a menagerie of glass dome-encased amphibians, birds, and crustaceans. This time, a chameleon, beaver, grasshopper and armadillo are let loose for the press' enjoyment. LVoe it!!!

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Louis Vuitton Double Exposure with Sam Taylor-Wood - The Process

Photographic exposure brought to life through one of the world’s oldest and most authentic image making techniques - the mercurial collodion wet plate process. The first execution features Sam Taylor-Wood, and was shot by Tom Craig.

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Louis Vuitton Men's Spring Summer 2011 Ad

I am LVoein' Godfrey Gao in this year's Men Spring Summer Ad. Finally, Asian male models in mainstream advertz. I might be wrong but I think this is a first for Louis.

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Mona Lisa's Eyes

Hmmm...maybe there is some truth in Jason Alper's interpretation of La Joconde. I never paid attention to this bit of news that have raised eyebrows in the art world. Apparently, Italy's National Committee on Cultural Heritage has claimed that there are letters in the Mona Lisa's eyes. Care to guess what they are? It's "L" and "V". Of course, the attribution is to Leonardo da Vinci initials or merely scratches to the 500 year old painting. But, to a Louis Vuitton Lover such as myself, I would imagine that Lisa Gherardini has indeed exceptional taste.

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Hey iPhone users

Have you installed your free app of the Louis Vuitton 100 Legendary Trunks? Categorized as Lifestyle, the app was released on Nov 30, 2010. It's currently version 1.0 and requires 64.1MB; iOS 3.2.2 or later. Languages are in English and French and is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Description: Louis Vuitton, Abrams and Éditions de la Martinière are showcasing Vuitton's exquisite custom-made creations such as the trunk bed, the wardrobe trunk, the library trunk or the caviar box. Astonishing, handcrafted, luxury objects made for equally intriguing buyers. The application Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks will introduce you to the book of the same title and the astounding intricacies of manufacturing trunks. Navigate with the application into the world of travel luggage. Check it out at itunes.

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Louis Vuitton Leather Goods Shortage!!!!!

Did you know that there is a Leather Goods Shortage worldwide and you can now only buy ONE leather good per day?! Gone are the days when you can buy a matching wallet with your bag purchase. According to my sources, until the new factory in France opens, stores are instructed to only sell one item per day. The demand for LV is so high that the factories cannot keep up. This does not include RTW, sunglasses, jewellery etc... Of course, there is a loophole to this moratorium that you can purchase your second leather good the following day. I tried doing two purchases online at www.louisvuitton.com and there seem to be no problem though most of their items are out of stock. Anyone care to share their experiences lately?

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Louis Vuitton 100 Legendary Trunks

I am so excited about this latest publication from the House of Vuitton. Slated to be released in October, the book will feature 100 of LV's most notable trunks. A fitting homage to the utility that built this company of what it is today. $125 in boutiques but if you are not in a rush, you can preorder it at Amazon.com for $78.75 with a release date of December 1. Check out the vid!

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My BeLoVed Mona LVisa

If you have been to my place, there would be no doubt in your mind that after Louis Vuitton, the Mona Lisa is the second resident of France that I am in LVoe with judging from the five foot facsimile that overlooks the stairway landing. So, upon seeing Jason Alper's rendering of the Lady with the mystic smile, I could not help but raise my right eyebrow. His show entitled: “Proletarian Drift and the Enfranchisement of the Bourgeoisie in the 21st Century,” will be opening tomorrow at the Guy Hepner Gallery in West Hollywood. The collection comprises of eight oil paintings, all donning Louis Vuitton in one way or another. The artist says: “It’s quite simple. The art world has forgotten about humor and irony. Shouldn’t all of this be fun? I’m simply trying to make people smile when they see my work,” I wonder if he would still be smiling if LV decides to file a suit against him. Who's Paying? The Brown Boy The Stigmatization of Fashion The Laughing Chavalier Son of Man (Brown) Son of Man (Black) Son of Man (White)

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Louis Vuitton Core Values Ad with Bono & Ali Hewson

I was riding the Metro today and noticed that a couple of guys in their suits were carrying this week's copy of the Economist. Jeff has a subscription for it but I was never one to read such a periodical until I noticed that the back had the latest Louis Vuitton Core Values Ad. I guess LV cannot only be found in fashion magazines anymore since obviously they are expanding their market base.

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Vuitton Virgin

I believe in Art and its free expression, but being an ardent devotee of the Blessed Mother, the Vuitton Madonna is kind of hard to take for me. Artist, Francesco De Molfetta, 31 takes an image of Our Lady of Lourdes, and interprets it with her veil being that of the iconic Monogram Canvas. He claims that he created the work "to denounce a society based on the cult of appearance through the use of a brand that represents the search for ephemeral happiness." The biennial is held at Isola del Gran Sasso in the central region of Abruzzo. I think he's just going for the shock factor...just my 2¢.

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