Comme des Garcons - Louis Vuitton Handbag Collaboration

Press release from Louis Vuitton:

A beguiling and individual vision of luxury will take shape when Louis Vuitton opens an impermanent store inside Comme des Garçons in Tokyo on 4th September 2008.

The idea for the project emerged from the memories of Comme des Garçons founder Rei Kawakubo. In 1978, as a young designer, she saw the first Louis Vuitton store to open in Japan and was fascinated by the image of French craftsmanship and art de vivre it projected – a luxury that seemed to her, at the time, unattainable. Three decades on, Rei Kawakubo wanted to revisit her impressions, and so the association between Comme des Garçons and Louis Vuitton was born. Intriguingly, Louis Vuitton is celebrating this year its 30th anniversary in Japan.

Rei Kawakubo has dedicated and re-designed the entire Comme des Garçons store on Kottodori, Omotesando especially for Louis Vuitton for the duration of the project, from 4th September through mid-December, into a space that will be a celebration of the Louis Vuitton Monogram. The fruit of this unprecedented collaboration – an exclusive collection of six one-off bags – will be presented in a minimalist space, at the centre of which will be a display of historic Louis Vuitton trunks. Inspired by her memories, Rei Kawakubo chose the legendary Monogram canvas to create two Party bags, small evening purses with outsized natural leather handles. The designer also customized two classic Louis Vuitton bags, endowing the Papillon with kawaii animal charms and the Mini HL with multiple slender handles. Lastly, Louis Vuitton is reediting two iconic designs from the 1970s – the Petit Marceau and the Sac 2 Poches – which Rei Kawakubo is likely to have seen in the windows of that first Louis Vuitton store.

[Mini HL w/multiple slender handles]


The bags will only be available upon order, which is only to be placed at the “Louis Vuitton at Comme des Garçons store”. No telephone or Internet orders will be taken. In return, customers will receive a certificate inside a special card holder in Louis Vuitton's traditional natural leather, embossed with the Louis Vuitton at Comme des Garçons signature. Only several months later will their bag be delivered to their chosen Louis Vuitton store. Other iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram bags, such as the Speedy and Alma chosen by Rei Kawakubo, will also be on display and available for immediate sale inside this special “Louis Vuitton at Comme des Garçons” store.

Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton Artistic Director, who has long been an admirer of Comme des Garçons, comments: "It is impossible to overstate Rei Kawakubo's influence on modern fashion. I find it wonderful to think that, thirty years ago, this immense talent, someone who has inspired so many others, was inspired by Louis Vuitton, and now that inspiration has now been realized."

Yves Carcelle, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, says: "This project not only brings a new meaning to luxury, but also speaks volumes about how the know-how and heritage of Louis Vuitton have always been perceived in Japan, including by its foremost designers. We are very proud to have been able to help Rei Kawakubo relive her memories in such an original and creative way."

Rei Kawakubo, President of Comme des Garçons, says: "These are party bags to celebrate the 30 years of Louis Vuitton in Japan. In designing them, I have kept Louis Vuitton's traditional concept as it is, but sometimes two handles become one, sometimes two handles become eight... It has been a remarkably exciting opportunity for me to have been able to participate in Louis Vuitton's traditional design and heritage."

Photos courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Prada 2008 Olympic Games Collection

In conjunction with the currently playing 2008 Olympics, many labels have introduced new collections. Among them is the Prada label who recently released their latest Limited Edition collection of tote bags, pouches along with other accessories to commemorate the event. All items include a symbolic bear in different sports gear to show the different events that take place at the Olympics.

Take a look for yourself!

[Swimming Tote]

[Judo Tote]

[Hockey Tote]

[Golf Tote]

[Assorted Pouches]

New Louis Vuitton Monogramouflage Collection

Presenting: Vuitton's Limited Edition Monogramouflage Collection by Takashi Murakami

Here's yet another collaboration with Marc Jacobs with the House of Vuitton and Japanese pop artist, Takashi Murakami. The new addition to the ever-growing range of Vuitton monogram bags, this Monogramouflage collection was specially created for the Murakami Exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum in New York. Launched at this very exhibition on June 1st, it is now available online and at select Louis Vuitton boutiques worldwide.


As you can probably tell from the name of the collection itself, the Monogramouflage is a combination of Vuitton's signature monogram and army-esque camouflage design. This is probably one of the bigger Murakami Limited Editions out there. This Monogramouflage Collection consists of an accessories line, a travel line and a handbags line. Actually, when you look at the photos below, you'd notice that this collection is mainly for travel.

The Travel Bags


Pegase 60


Speedy 35 (there's also the Keepall 55 which is a hugggeee version of this speedy)


Passport Cover

The Bags and an accessory


Jasmine


Lys


Treillis


iPhone Case


The Verdict: Well my dear Bagaddicts. I don't know about you ladies out there, but Bagaholic Babe doesn't really like this Limited Edition collection. I've always fancied those cutesy Murakami cartoonesque and cutesy designs like the Panda, the Cherry, the Sakura and the Mushroom, but this one is too rugged for my liking. And I'm not a camo fan, so needless to say, this really ain't my thing.

Newsflash: Judith Leiber collaborates with Hello Kitty

Guess what? Uber miniaudiere extrodinaire, Judith Leiber has collaborated with Sanrio (Japanese brand that houses Hello Kitty). The result? This Limited Edition crystallized (need we say more? It's Judith Leiber after all innit? Lol) Hello Kitty compact mirror for the kid in all of us. I know that BagObsessed Babe, my counterpart and co-author of this blog would be delighted to see this as she is a massive Hello Kitty fan and has been one since young! Being a Judith Leiber creation, it comes with a dustbag and has Judith Leiber's signature enclosed within!


Get this Limited Edition Judith Leiber Hello Kitty Compact Mirror for $295 via Sanrio

Newsflash: Murakami's Exhibition & Limited Editions at MOCA

Does the name Takashi Murakami sound familiar? Well, it should. Murakami is the artist who collaborated with Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton to bring us collections such as the Monogram Cerises (Cherry), Sakura (Cherry Blossom), the Monogram Multicolore Range and other cutesy Limited Edition collections at the House of Vuitton.




From now until February 2008, Murakami's artworks will be featured at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles. But wait, there's more! For the duration of Murakami's exhibition at MOCA, there will also be an Exclusive Louis Vuitton Store at the venue!




Unlike your regular Louis Vuitton Boutique, this one that is specially set up at MOCA features only products specially designed for the occasion by Vuitton and Murakami. The exhibition store will feature a new Murakami-designed 'Neverfull' bag with an LV Hands print and a round Monogram canvas coin purse with the same design. In addition to that, Murakami has also designed a Limited Edition diary/organizer/Agenda/Year Planner featuring a new character called Chibi Kinoko (Little Mushroom printed on Vuiton's signature Monogram Canvas, Monogram Multicolore (available in both Black and White).


Murakami Limited Edition LV Hands Print 'Neverfull' Bag


Closeup LV Hands Print


Murakami 'Chibi Kinoko' (Little Mushroom) Agenda


Closeup of 'Chibi Kinoko' Character

"The presence of a one-of-a-kind Louis Vuitton Store within MOCA constitutes the pinnacle of the collaboration between the art world and the fashion world" -- LV President and CEO Yves Carcelle.

(All info and images from Vuitton.com and MOCA)

Julie Verhoeven for Mulberry

Brit brand Mulberry seems to be doing a lot of collaborations these days. Last year, the brand collaborated with Brit designer, Giles Deacon for the 'Giles for Mulberry' Collection. This Fall/Winter Season, Mulberry has collaborated with an Artist, Julie Verhoeven (who collabrated with Louis Vuitton in 2003) to create this Special Artist Edition 'Julie Verhoeven for Mulberry Bag'. Only made in limited quantities, this bag can be considered as a Limited Edition.


Julie Verhoeven for Mulberry Quilted shopper


Back View

Though a little Chanel-esque in more ways than one, (in terms of the quilted look and the chain shoulder strap) the artist illustrated appliqué by Verhoeven reminds me a little of Chanel's fun, funky and colourful Cruise Collections of seasons' past. A little Chanel-esque it may be, but Bagaholic Babe still adores this bag nonetheless. It's very me. Lol. This Quilted fabric shopper has a zippered top and also comes with the ringpull keyring charm attached. Get this Verhoeven for Mulberry Shopper for £580.43 via Net-a-Porter.

For those of you in Malaysia who are interested in this bag, it's available at the Mulberry Boutique ( Call 03-21448001) at the StarHill Shopping Gallery in Bukit Bintang. The Limited Edition Julie Verhoeven for Mulberry T-shirt can also be found at the StarHill Mulberry Boutique.

For more info on the artist Julie Verhoeven and the other brands she has collaborated with in the past, Click Here!

An Arty Endeavour

BRITISH brand Mulberry definitely has a thing for collaborations.


The quirky print from Julie Verhoeven for Mulberry.


Last season, the brand teamed up with British designer Giles Deacon for a capsule collection that saw the normally classic label walking on the wild side with lots of punk styles. This season, British eccentricity comes into play through a collaboration with artist and designer Julie Verhoeven.




Verhoeven had a successful collaboration with Louis Vuitton in 2003, and her recent commissions include collaborations with beauty brand Lancome and fashion brands Topshop and Sketch, as well as music projects with Primal Scream and Fischerspooner.

Famed for her collage of figure drawings which have a quirky, erotic style, this time round Verhoeven has used her signature designs and turned them into print designs for Mulberry. The print is an interesting and striking collage of flowers, faces and graphics in pink, rose and white on a black background.

The collection will make its first appearance on Sept 15 at London Fashion Week.

In an exclusive email interview with StarMag, Verhoeven says she has known former creative director of Mulberry Stuart Vevers for years and was thrilled when he asked her to collaborate.

“Stuart was keen for the collection to be bold and a touch naughty. I played with Expressionism and Surrealism in iconography and application with nonsensical elements thrown in.”

The collection comprises a dress, bag, key ring, T-shirt and scarf and Verhoeven says the core of the collection is the English Rose who is “steamed in tradition but with a thorny stem.”

Verhoeven, who says she is inspired by human behaviour and character, pop music and colour, would love to come out with her own accessories collection and wouldn’t mind doing more collaborations with other brands in the future.


Only the bag from the Julie Verhoeven for Mulberry Collection is available at the Mulberry boutique at Starhill Gallery, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. The bag is priced at RM4,899 and the T-shirt at RM499.


By DZIREENA MAHADZIR
The Star Newspaper - An Arty Endeavour
Sunday, September 9, 2007

Alexander McQueen for Samsonite

Alexander McQueen Collaborates with renowned Luggage and Travel Goods maker, Samsonite Alexander McQueen for Samsonite Black Label (Samsonite's Luxe Range) Collection of Luxury Travel Goods and Luggage. This Luxury line features McQueen's creations from Trolley Hardcase Bags and Beauty Cases to Garment Bags and Passport Holders. This Luxe line comes in Leather and Croc skin textured and Printed leather to create the illusion of Luggage and Travel Bags in Exotic Skins.


Passport Holder $99


Women's Boarding Bag $555


Beauty Case $435


Croc 24" Spinner Upright $875 - features multidirectional spinner wheels, enabling the bag to be pulled from any angle.


Garment Bag $600


Hero 20" Upright $750


Men's Boarding Bag $600

Wanna view the complete Alexander McQueen for Samsonite Collection? Click Here!

Spotlight On: Pucci Collaborations

A few days ago, I featured Pucci for Guerlain Cosmetics. It doesn't just stop there. Today, here's the spotlight on Pucci's Collaborations in the creation of everything from Pens, to Dolls and Toys.


Emilio Pucci by Omas Pens

Emilio Pucci and Italian pen maker Omas have joined forces in creating a special new writing pen, available in either Blue or Black ink. The pen is wrapped in Pucci's signature 'swirly' and graphic style. 3 versions are available, each using a base of graphic black and white, and punctuated with 2 other colour schemes: geranium-mint or peony-nile. Constructed with airbrushed, thermoplastic resin, the pen features a clean stell base that has been engraved with a simple 'O' signifying Omas.

It's being released in a Limited Edition series of 3,972 single certified pieces. This figure is actually signifcant to both the houses of Pucci and Omas, for it is the sum of both houses' founding dates: Emilio Pucci in 1947 and Omas in 1925.


Coquette Doll by Pucci

The Coquette is a doll designed by British artist, who has collaborated with Pucci to created a Limited Edition doll, dressed in an assortment of Pucci prints and fabric (Choose from 'Hawa', 'Lace', 'Dome', 'Amelie', 'Montalban', 'Leite', 'Hibiscus', 'Quadrifoglio' and 'Chad'). Each doll is individually handcrafted by the artist, Moth, utilising fabrics such as silk jersey. The dolls are filled with lavender, making them perfect for keeping your drawers and cabinets fresh!

They have been sold at Le Printemps in France, for a special 60th anniversary installation, and one has been sold for US$ 5000 at Unicef. They are available at all Pucci boutiques in Milan, Rome, London and Paris for US$300.


Emilio Pucci Qee Toy

Remember the Qee Toys that are seen in all the Tokidoki for LeSportsac Collections? Well, this time around, Pucci is one of the exlusive 10 fashion houses that will take part in a fundraising charity project: The limited edition of the Toy Fashion Tour, by Italian Artist Felice Limosani. 10 limited edition toys have been designed for Toys on Stage.com . As a fundraising and charity project, Toys will be auctioned on eBay and proceeds are to go directly 'Telethon'.

Custom dressed by Pucci in the brand's iconic 'Vivara' print (shown), the Qee is a 60" toy.

For more info on all these Pucci Collaborations, Click Here!

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Source: Excerpts of Info and Pictures from Pucci.com

Emilio Pucci for Guerlain Cosmetics

Well, who would've thought? Guerlain by Emilio Pucci is probably THE hottest designer collaboration of the season (for the beauty industry, that is). This Limited Edition range comprises eight irresistable products that is available throughout Summer, from May to August and yes, it's available right here on our very own shores in Malaysia!


Eye Coffret Set RM333

The Eye Coffret set is the star product of the range. 4 eye shadow colours with 2 applicators, 2 eye pencils and a lash curving mascara are packaged in Pucci's signature Scarf Swirl Print mirrored Zip pouch.


Meteorites Powder for face, RM180, Meteorites Brush, RM105

Meteorites, Guerlain's most popular product is redesigned and repackaged in Pucci spirit. Now the tiny pearl 'meteorites' colour palette has expanded to include shades of Pucci's signature Scarf Print (as above). This Limited Edition Meteorites Powder comes in Fuschia, Turquoise, Gold, Apricot, Pink and White. The brush is encased in Pucci's scarf print tube pouch, which can be reused as a clutch! Hey, for just RM105 (brush only), it's like buying a Pucci clutch from the boutique for a tenth of its original price, and you have the brush thrown in for free!! Definitely worth it for a Pucci number, don't you think?

Hop on over to your nearest Guerlain counter now!

Newsflash -- New Artist Edition: Fafi for LeSportsac

LeSportsac Collaboration with French Artist Fafi for Spring 2007
(Source: LeSportsac Website)




Yet another designer collaboration for LeSportsac to add on to their ever-expanding list of Limited Editions/Artist Editions - Diane von Furstenberg, Gwen Stefani, Sara Schwartz, Tokidoki and now, French artist Fafi. Fafi creates an original print, designing a story in pictures to bring to life the tale of a girl "who was looking for the magic in her life and discovers a tree that blooms LeSportsac bags", in comic book-like illustrations. The original print by Fafi is called "Fafiness

Click Here to find out more about the Artist Fafi

Click Here to view the Fafi for LeSportsac Collection.

Limited Edition -- Lulu Guinness Hummingbird 'Penny'

Here's a bag that totally defines and personifies the Spring/Summer season!

This Hummingbird Collection from Lulu Guinness's Spring/Summer 2007 Mainline Collection is a result of a designer collaboration with British Artist, Carol Lake. Carol Lake is an artist and designer whose inspiration comes from her love of nature. Her signature style is of beautifully hand-painted, realistic flowers and imagery. This Hummingbird Print is a Limited Edition Collectors' Item!

This small 'Penny' Bag comes in White and in Black. Opt for White for that Classic Spring/Summer feel which is Ultra Fresh and Ultra Feminine! Perfect for the girly girl in you! The White is lined in Lulu's signature striped lining, with a side zip pocket and a mobile phone holder on the inside.


Lulu Guinness Hummingbird Print Small 'Penny' in White




Lulu Guinness Hummingbird Print Small 'Penny' in Black

The Black, on the other hand, is a slightly more 'luxe-d up' version of the White 'Penny'. Instead of a striped liining, the Black version is lined in fuschia satin that just teases you with a hint of pink, peeking out at you from the side (see pic above). More suited to the Glamour Girl, this Black 'Penny' is perhaps the key piece for a date or a casual evening out about town. But fret not, what this little beauty lacks in size, she makes up for in style!

Both the Black and the White retails for £160.00 via Lulu Guinness Online. Be warned though, there is a waiting list for the Black one! To view the Hummingbird Collection in other styles, fly over to Lulu Guinness.com. Hurry, because every piece from the sought after Hummingbird Print Collection is a Limited Edition Collectors' Item! And for all you Malaysians out there, it's available at Isetan, KLCC for RM1000+

Click here to see more work by artist, Carol Lake

More from Mulberry for Giles Deacon Collection

If you are a regular reader, you'll remember that I posted about the Mulberry for Giles Deacon Collection awhile back. Here are more goodies from the Mulberry for Giles Deacon Collection...



Mulberry for Giles Deacon Small Drawstring Hobo and Mace Bag Charm

Whether when you're walking to your car alone in a dark carpark, or arming yourself should snatch theft occur, The Mace Bag Charm is a perfect self-defense weapon (besides Pepper spray of course). Just hold it in your palm and you have yourself armed! Since the studs and spikes on the Nappa leather body is made of metal, you can actually poke someone's eyes out with them. If you wanna get this, you gotta be patient though, for it isn't available yet. If you're not a fan of whites, it's also available in Black for £195 via Mulberry Online or your nearest Mulberry Boutique very soon.

The Small Drawstring Hobo, is in Bagaholic Babe's opinion, THE best bag from the Mulberry for Giles Deacon Collection so far. I mentioned in my earlier post that this collection is a tad too dominatrix-looking for me, but I guess if I had to choose, I'd probably pick this one. Made of White Patent leather (again, white is THE colour for Spring-Summer 2007), stud buckle closure and gold hardware and tassel details, it retails for £795, and will be available soon via the Mulberry Website .

Click Here to view the other Mulberry Bag from the Mulberry for Giles COllection

For those of you Malaysians out there who are interested, the Mulberry Boutique at StarHill Gallery already has the Mulberry for Giles Collection, but I'm not sure if they're gonna bring in the complete collection.

Mulberry for Giles Deacon Collection

Mulberry for Giles Black Patent Leather Shopper

One of the hottest accessories collaborations of the season, is Mulberry for Giles Deacon (a groovy young designer). Mulberry for Giles is a 10 piece collection, featuring distinctive designs...not the usual functional designs that Mulberry is known for. How different? Mulberry steps out of their comfort zone, using embellishments for this collection - something they have never done before. I'm pretty good at identifying the brand of the bags by just looking at it, but for this one, I was surprised that it was a Mulberry creation. There is an abundance of chunky zips and Gold and silver studding and hardware accent the Patent Leather and Washed Lambskin bags of this collection - a first for the brand that is usually known for its simplicity and functional, minimalist looks when it comes to design. As Stuart Vevers, creative director of Mulberry says" The collaboration was so good as it allowed us to both move outside our comfort zone".

However, it's A little too much of a bad-ass girl, wild child, dominatrix and S&M fusion for Bagaholic Babe though.

For those of you in Malaysia, you can Get this star-studded bag at Mulberry boutique at G2A, Indulge Floor, Star Hill Gallery. Prices for this Mulberry for Giles Deacon collection start at RM6000+