Custom Design

The new Louis Vuitton Fox Bag Charm in Rose. Available also in Vert and Orange via LouisVuitton.com.

Original post by Vlad Dusil

Sometimes I just don’t get the French.

In a trademark infringement suit filed in Manhattan Federal Court, Louis Vuitton is going after the Korean Automobile manufacturer Hyundai for using its trademarked logo in a Superbowl commercial. The commercial briefly displays an LV Monogram basketball being tossed around in a random street hoops game.

The French fashion house argues that Hyundai committed infringement by displaying their iconic famous and incontestable logo in the commercial.

However, upon closer inspection, it is easy to recognize that the canvas is only made to resemble the LV print, it is not the true print that Louis Vuitton trademarked in 1932. The faux print was used as a visualization of expensive luxury that is easily recognizable by many and, if anything, only strengthens the awareness of the LV brand as a leading luxury manufaturer.

Keep in mind, would companies not kill to have the opportunity to score a commercial during one of the most watched annual television events worldwide? Not only do the slots cost millions but are also highly contested.

I am no expert on these legal matters, nor do I run a global multi-billion dollar fashion conglomerate, but it is my opinion that the efforts to protect the LV brand may just have gone a bit too far in this one.

We shall find out the court’s ruling soon. In the meanwhile, how do you feel as a consumer about this lawsuit?

Original post by Vlad Dusil

We’re ready to bid Winter farewell and welcome Spring with open arms.

Out with the new Louis Vuitton Cheche Bohemian, part of the 2010 Spring collection.

More info here. Detailed review coming to your browser shortly.

Original post by Vlad Dusil

Louis Vuitton continues to expand their online store and have announced the introduction of the Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram service. The service will allow you to customize your Louis Vuitton bag, ending up with over 200 million possible combinations on your selected bag. The selection of bags you can chose from include the iconic Speedy, historic Keepall travel bag, or the Pegase 55 wheeled cabin case.

Once you choose your item you can pick up to three initials and vertical or diagonal stripes. There are 17 color options to choose from. Once you have entered your selection the site will simulate the design for you to see what the finished product will look like.

Another brand known for customizing items like this is Goyard. Having a design house allow you to customize a signature bag from their line will ensure that your bag will stand out compared to others. I love the idea of personalizing a travel bag like the Keepall and Pegase. While I would not check a Louis Vuitton bag under a plane, I would certainly carry it on or take it in the car for weekend trips.

Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton Senior Vice-President comments:

“We are delighted to announce the launch of Mon Monogram on www.louisvuitton.com. For more than 150 years, this company has united tradition and innovation, and there is no better example than this initiative, which brings one of Louis Vuitton’s historic services – personalization – into the digital era. It is another great reason to explore www.louisvuitton.com.”

Check out the Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram service at Louis Vuitton online.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

I was looking at my handbag collection the other day and I realized that most of my handbags are very “safe”. There are typical shapes you would expect, typical colors, and typical materials. I can’t say that my collection is boring, but the day I was looking at my bags I felt the need for some spice and pizazz amongst my bags. I bought a new Marc Jacobs bag recently (reveal to come this week) that is so loud and edgy, it will surely bring an immediate burst of energy into my collection. But I am craving more.

After I saw the Louis Vuitton Spring 2010 handbag and accessories at the LV boutique in Bal Harbour, I ordered two items. One is the colored fox tail that continues to be seen adorning the Spring bags. The other item I will not reveal, as it is one of the four bags I am having you vote on. But I am second guessing my choice and want your help. Help me decide which Louis Vuitton bag from the Spring 2010 collection will add more spunk and character to my collection.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.

The contenders are:

1) Monogram Cheche Bohemian – This line is named after a protective garment which is worn over the head and neck. This line of bags shows off contrasted fabric and texture, with black on beige Monogramed jacquard with lurex and fluorescent threads.
Price: $2410
Size: 16.9″ x 13.4″ x 10.2″
Colors: Bleu, Rouge

2) Monogram Underground Messenger – This collection uses supple Monogram-embossed goat leather with additional pompoms and headphone cords.
Price: $3730
Size: 9.4″ x 12.6″ x 4.7″
Colors: Crème, Mastic

3) Monogram Denim Sunrise – Denim is back. This time LV brings us colorful ombre denim bags with bright contrast straps.
Price: US$2640
Size: 17.3″ x 14.2″ x 10.6″
Colors: Orange, Bleu

4) Monogram Denim Sunburst PM – This large shoulder bag features a fading blue denim with a hot pink shoulder strap and accents.
Price: $2800
Size: 15″ x 7.5″ x 7.5″
Colors: Vert, Bleu

Please vote to help me choose which bag to buy. And if you do not like any of the options, tell me what bag you think I should consider. Looking forward to seeing what you all think!

[info via ILVOELV]

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

I have a hard time putting into words the excitement I felt when I received the press release on the latest Louis Vuitton Core Values campaign. As with the previous campaigns featuring outstanding personalities like Sean Connery, Michail Gorbachev, Keith Richards and the famous astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell and Sally Ride, the latest campaign could not have chosen better Core Values icons.

There is no other photographer whose work I have adored and studied as much as Annie Leibowitz’s beautiful portraits for Rolling Stone, Vogue and Vanity Fair. Hence, I was delighted to find out that she would be featured in the latest Core Values campaign, alongside her close friend and legendary dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. The self-portrait captures a delightfully intimate moment between the two friends in Annie’s NYC studio, with subtle lighting accenting key elements of the scene.

Absolutely marvelous! Fantastic of the fashion house to honor the exceptional photographer and artist who has been going through rough times financially in the past year.

Press release below!

LOUIS VUITTON
ANNIE LEIBOVITZ WITH MIKHAIL BARYSHNIKOV:
A UNIQUE SELF-PORTRAIT FOR LOUIS VUITTON

As Louis Vuitton’s Core Values advertising campaign enters 2010, Annie Leibovitz, the photographer whose remarkable portraits have greatly contributed to its success, turns her lens upon herself in the company of her long-time friend, the legendary dancer and choreographer Mikhail Baryshnikov.

Never before has an Annie Leibovitz self-portrait appeared in the context of an advertising campaign, and the story behind it is almost as fascinating as the image itself. Over the course of their three-year collaboration on the Core Values campaign, Louis Vuitton and Annie Leibovitz have forged a relationship of mutual trust and respect. Given the photographer’s recent personal and financial troubles, Louis Vuitton wished to offer support in the most positive way possible, and suggested that she become the next exceptional personality to feature in the Core Values campaign. Annie Leibovitz was touched and flattered, and accepted on the condition that the self-portrait should show her alongside one of the stars she has spent her life photographing – her close friend Mikhail Baryshnikov.

One of the foremost dancers of the 20th century, Mikhail Baryshnikov defected from the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War and went on, in the course of an exceptionally long career, to grace the world’s greatest stages, before breaking new ground as an artistic director and choreographer. For Louis Vuitton, he is photographed in Annie Leibovitz’s New York studio, standing on a box in his dancer’s uniform of black T-shirt and trousers, with a subtle spotlight falling on his uniquely gifted feet. Annie Leibovitz sits on the floor nearby. Next to her is her camera, from which she is rarely parted, and a Louis Vuitton Neverfull holdall in Monogram canvas packed with books on dance. The tagline reads: “The journey of a star captured in a flash”.

Antoine Arnault, Head of Communications at Louis Vuitton, comments: “We have the greatest respect and admiration for Annie Leibovitz, both as a person and as a professional. We were delighted to be able to offer her our support in troubled times, and she has responded like the consummate artist she is, with a truly exceptional image which – with its association of photography and dance – once again broadens the scope of our Core Values campaign.”

The new Core Values visual will appear in the February 2010 issues of international titles. A film evoking the encounter between Annie Leibovitz and Mikhail Baryshnikov will go on line from 11th February at louisvuittonjourneys.com, preceded by an exclusive press preview from 1st February (louisvuittonjourneyspress.com). The film can also be accessed via the Louis Vuitton corporate website louisvuitton.com.

Original post by Vlad Dusil

Louis Vuitton Speedy size comparison. Contenders in this iconic trifecta:

• 25cm LV Monogram Canvas Speedy
• 30cm LV Damier Canvas Speedy
• 35cm LV Watercolor Speedy

Which size do you prefer?

At PurseBlog, we prefer the 30 centimeter Speedy to pack the daily essentials. Not too small, not too big. The most popular flavor of Speedy.

Original post by Vlad Dusil

Louis Vuitton Speedy size comparison. Contenders in this iconic trifecta:

• 25cm LV Monogram Canvas Speedy
• 30cm LV Damier Canvas Speedy
• 35cm LV Watercolor Speedy

Which size do you prefer?

At PurseBlog, we prefer the 30 centimeter Speedy to pack the daily essentials. Not too small, not too big. The most popular flavor of Speedy.

Original post by Vlad Dusil

Louis Vuitton Speedy size comparison. Contenders in this iconic trifecta:

• 25cm LV Monogram Canvas Speedy
• 30cm LV Damier Canvas Speedy
• 35cm LV Watercolor Speedy

Which size do you prefer?

At PurseBlog, we prefer the 30 centimeter Speedy to pack the daily essentials. Not too small, not too big. The most popular flavor of Speedy.

Original post by Vlad Dusil

The latest Louis Vuitton catalog was one of the best photographed catalogs I have seen in a long time. There was a holiday theme which was not over-the-top cutesy, rather sophisticated and perfectly fitting. One of my favorite photos was a fairytale-like forest scene accented with an array of Louis Vuitton Neverfull Bags.

From the minute the Louis Vuitton Neverfull hit the scene, it was a handbag lovers favorite. The design is inherently simple yet functional. And then Louis Vuitton decided to dress up the Neverfull with Crocodile skin, which had us at hello (though the $32,000 price tag is a bit out of reach).

The Neverfull is available in Monogram, Damier, and Monogram Roses right now (with new versions being released periodically). There are three sizes as well. Shop via Louis Vuitton online.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil