Even in Hong Kong...

Well, I've done it again. Even in Hong Kong, I was able to return a recent purchase. I was surfing through let-trade's website and found a brand new, squeaky clean, Murakami Panda Pochette. I immediately set the wheels in motion if I can get that one instead of the soho backpack. I e-mailed first, then called overseas. NO ANSWER. On my second call (I was running outta time coz' HK time was almost 10pm) Someone answered and said that there was no problem. Phew...I decided to get the pochette instead, due to several reasons. One, it was a Murakami Limited Edition. I know that for the Western aesthetic, the Panda is quite freakish. But for someone like me who grew up with Japanese animation, I think he is adorable especially with his tush showing on the reverse. Second, upon close scrutiny of the pics provided by let-trade, I noticed that the vachetta on the soho had much scuffing and water stains. I prefer the vachetta to age with me, with my own scuffing and stains rather that someone else's. Even though it is a great bag that I know I could use, I went for the brand new pocheetoo. Lastly, did I tell you it was a Murakami?! So here's hoping that I made the right choice and that my little panda would be here by Monday. (Murakami Limited Edition Panda Pochette, June 28, 2007, Hong Kong) Gozaimasu domo arigato!

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From Toshiyo with LVoe: The Louis Vuitton Omotesando Store and the /underground/

"Hello Louis Vuitton lover (what is your real name?), I am back from Japan (I live in NJ). As I promised, here are some photos from the Omotesando store and the underground store. I LOVED the multi-color displays, there were soooo beautiful and cheerful. Really well done. I did ask if the mini pandas were on sale and the SA said "No, these are not for sale. But the large panda (the one in the middle of the store) is available for a sale if you are interested". I said "Sure... how much?" She said "21,000,000 Yen" which is about $210K. So I said "Oh... have you found a buyer yet?" and she said "No.... it's actually hard to find a buyer in Japan due to its gigantic size. BTW, the baby panda comes with the giant panda". I thanked for for the information and moved on... One of the SA was VERY nice, I asked her where the bathroom was and she actually escorted me to the secret bathroom, which was hidden in the underground level and actually waited for me outside the bathroom to escort me back to the front door (though this may be due to a security reason). All the SAs there were wearing the white MC bandeau which was really nice. I thought about buying one since I knew it was all out of stock in the U.S. but when I actually saw the scarf, it was too short for me. The underground store is actually a temporary store. It will stay open for another year or so until they find/build a permanent home above the ground. I love the last picture with the little girl - it's never too early to start with your little girl! In general, I saw TONS of people using Louie Vuitton in Tokyo, including the guys which I loved since it's kind of rare to see guys with LVs in NJ. I saw lots of girls using "Totally" already, though it was just released. Sad to say, I didn't buy any LV in Japan as the prices are about 10% more compared to the U.S. and with the unfavorable exchange rate. Hope you enjoy these photos! LVoe your blog BTW. Keep it going! Toshiyo" Thank you so much for taking me and all the LVoe readers out there to Tokyo, Japan through your fabulous photos. It's as if I was truly there with ya! (Well, maybe not in the secret bathroom) LVoe it!!!

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My Panda Pochette arrived today!

My absolutely adorable Takashi Murakami Panda pochette accesoires arrived today in excellent condition. The parcel post was pretty fast considering that they just mailed it out on Friday. Of course, I devised a scheme for me to go out and use it by inviting my friend Wilfredo to have dinner with me at Dupont Circle. Here's a pic of me at his loft after the meal. I know Tyra Banks would not have approved of the way my fingers are positioned but I assure you that it is behaving. Visit let-trade.com for great pre-owned LV bargains.

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Louis Vuitton Murakami Panda

When I first blogged about this adorable Murakami Panda a couple months ago, I instantly set the wheels in motion on how I would be able to get one. It was easy enough in my mind since Tokyo was so close to Manila and I would recruit my brother to be my go-to boy. Unfortunately, when I found out how much it was, I instantly said NO! I had to draw the line somewhere when I was informed that it would cost $3800US. Wow, that's like a really fabulous LV bag already! But seeing these pics from Cliff Edge Street, maybe I was hasty in my decision. Only 150 pieces made with a signed certificate from Takashi Murakami himself, this seemingly simple plush toy just elevated itself into a work of art. Sigh...

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Murakami at the Omotesando Store

I know a lot of us can't physically be in Japan right now, so it's good to know that we have photos of the Omotesando Store from www.louisvuitton.com. This is in line with the release of Takashi Murakami's animated short film, entitled "Superflat First Love" and LV's latest Multicolore additions. The event is highlighted with a huge installation of the artist's iconic Vuitton Panda and Flower Ball (3D) as well as video screens playing the animated film. (Hmmm...I wonder if they are showing the "Monogram Superflat" as well). In any case, it sure looks like a feast for the eyes, Japanese style, with wall to wall paper of Murakami's work. I can imagine the sensory overload especially after seeing the Brooklyn Museum Exhibit. Special limited edition plush toys will also be available of the Panda and Flower Ball. Sigh...I wish I could get one of those. LVoe it!!! Visit www.louisvuitton.com.

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Takashi Murakami Panda

I lifted this pic from a website: (http://www.thecityreview.com/f05phcon1.html) and thought that it's so cute. Too bad that this Asian inspired design was executed before I even got interested in Vuitton. The most fun work in the auction is Lot 16, "Panda," by Takashi Murakami (b. 1963). It is made of fiberglass with an antique Louis Vuitton trunk and wooden pedestal, it measures 100 1/2 by 65 by 43 inches. It was executed in 2003. It has an estimate of $350,000 to $450,000. It sold for $385,600.

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Louis Vuitton: A Passion for Creation

Opening tomorrow, May 22,2009 at the Hong Kong Museum of Art, this jointly presented exhibit (Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Louis Vuitton and the Fondation Louis Vuitton pour la Création) comprises of a selection of works from European, American and Chinese artists. "These reflect an energetic urban culture, leading to fictional landscapes located somewhere between dreams and adventure." Artists include: Jean-Michel Basquiat, Paul Chan, Cao Fei, Yang Fudong, Gilbert and George, Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster, Andreas Gursky, Pierre Huyghe, Jeff Koons, Bertrand Lavier, Christian Marclay and Richard Prince. Visit the museum's website for more info. Takashi Murakami Panda 2003 Fiberglass with antique Louis Vuitton trunk Collection Louis Vuitton pour la Création Jeff Koons Monkey trains (birds) 2007 Oil on canvas Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang and Chairman and CEO of LVMH, Bernard Arnault at the opening of the exhibit

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New Multicolore additions to brighten our Springtime

In a daze of the 33 silk-screened colors of Murakami, Louis Vuitton is now releasing a new collection of small leather goods to cater to our need for Springtime vibrancy. Softened with hues of pink, baby blue and lime green to name a few, the interior of wallets and small leather goods of the Multicolore: Insolite, Eugenie, Sarah and Cles Holder are revitalized. The Insolite and Eugenie are new releases whereas the Sarah and Cles Holder that used to have natural vache leather lining have acquire the new palette. Slated to be released in Japan by the end of the month, I wonder when it will arrive across the Pacific? LVoe it!!! I just LVoe the Murakami Panda! Multicolore Insolite Multicolore Sarah Multicolore Eugenie Multicolore Cles Holder

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Louis Vuitton Murakami Panda: I want one!!!

Special Limited Edition Plush released to coincide with the Multicolore Spring Palette and Takashi Murakami's latest animated feature: Superflat First Love. Photo source click here. LVoe it!!!

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The Mysterious Circle Stamp

I noticed that on my new Panda Pochette, an extra circle stamp can be seen right next to the "S" in the word PARIS of the heat stamping. I didn't think much of it at first, but I found out in my purse forum readings, that it signifies that the item was purchased by an LV employee. No wonder the pochette is still in like new condition even though it is 3 years old! The rational explanation behind it being that it's some kind of internal accounting so that the item cannot be returned at full price since I assume they get a discount. Hmmmm...you learn something everyday.

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Mamoru Hosoda Video SUPERFLAT MONOGRAM

I just luv, luv this video. Mamoru Hosoda is amazing and added a lot of whimsy to the House of LV. I thought this was a Murakami vid but TechnoBoi11 added this new caption in his youtube. Description: -An ad campaign for LOUIS VUITTON by Mamoru Hosoda. an updated alice in wonderland, in which a girl, searching for her lost cell phone, floats in a dizzying world of the company's logos. While waiting to meet her friends outside of a Louis Vuitton store, Aya's cell phone is eaten by the LV Panda, who then promptly swallows Aya - but the inside of his stomach is gateway to a psychadelic wonderland. Based on characters created by famed superflat artist Takashi Murakami. Location: -The LOUIS VUITTON store featured in this video is the Omotesando in Tokyo, Japan. Music: -The song featured in this movie: Fantastic Plastic Machine - "Different Colors" Facts/FAQs: -The original video on YouTube! -The director of the Digimon movie is the same person who directed this movie: Mamoru Hosoda. -Marc Jacobs and Takashi Murakami collaborated to create the fresh looking multicolore design for Louis Vuitton. Credits: TechnoBoi11

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The Murakami Panda is so adorable!!!

Spring Palette Multicolore Insolite Multicolore Judy Multicolore Pochette Sarah Multicolore Bandeau Multicolore Cles Multicolore Belt Antique Vuitton Trunk Visit www.louisvuitton.com.

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