The big push that put Louis Vuitton back on the arms of the fashionista brigade (and perhaps with the aid of Gucci's Jackie, and Fendi's baguette was responsible for the handbag revolution) was a collaborative effort between then newly appointed designer Marc Jacobs, and the artist designer Stephen Sprouse to shake up the sleepy Vuitton monogram canvas by splashing graffiti across some of the most classic, yet staid styles in the collection.
Sprouse made way for Murikami and his fanciful fruits, and rainbow interpretation which pushed the bar even higher. Then, it all fell flat. Nothing truly inspiring or fresh followed. Until
yesterday, when the next big thing in Vuitton handbags was unveiled...
The Richard Prince collection, and we're saying, "Murakami who?"
The blurred, double vision iridescent take on the monogram is completely fresh looking, and not as jokey as previous rainbow takes on the signature. Paired with color blocked ostrich, this hobo is simply awesome, and looks worth the arm and leg it is sure to cost.
With a monochromatic base, and the logo pattern embossed in a foil over a typical Prince print the bag is richer looking, a more grown up version of the previous one. You can just make out the block printed Vuitton Paris in the background.
One of my favorites, and I really loved this collection, is the Speedy with the print done in deep rich tones on white with an iridescent snake wrapped handle that mirrors the colors on the bag. It is exquisitely rich looking. I love the style name tag...a typical Marc Jacobsesque touch.
I didn't love everything, and there is more to follow, but of the monogram group, I thought the black fell flat and looked cheap. I would have loved to have seen something on the signature brown, or even a take on the Damier which needs more than a tonal makeover if you ask me.
Look for more Louis Vuitton bags to follow....
