I LVOE LV

Louis Vuitton Malle Mars

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:12:00 PDT

One small step for man, one giant leap for leather goods, WWD reports. July 20 marks the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11’s first lunar landing, but to commemorate, Louis Vuitton has created a custom-order “Malle Mars” trunk designed with a trip to Mars in mind. The aerodynamic trunk, which looks like something out of “Star Trek,” opens up to unveil compartments for all kinds of space necessities — from tool and pharmaceuticals drawers to shelves for dishware and even a folding chair to take in the views of Earth.

The trunk, as well as other NASA photographs, space toys, sculptures and astronomy photos, will be on view this Monday, when Louis Vuitton is celebrating the lunar landing’s anniversary with a party at the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History. Vuitton North America president and chief executive officer Daniel Lalonde is playing host with Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell and Sally Ride — the history-making astronauts who star in the company’s new core values campaign. For the occasion, Vuitton is donating an undisclosed sum to Al Gore’s Climate Project, and sales of the travel collection at the Fifth Avenue flagship from July 13 to 20 will benefit the organization. - WWD

Photo of the opened Malle Mars after the jump...

Images via Louis Vuitton c/o WWD

LVoe Letter #28: Contessa LVoes LV!

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:45:00 PDT

Contessa from New York sends us her LVoe Letter showing her beloved Louis Vuitton collection which consists of classic and iconic pieces in Monogram, Damier Ebene and Damier Azur canvas, Inclusion bracelet and hair clip and the Louis Vuitton: Birth Of Modern Luxury. Wait a sec, I've been blogging 'bout LV for a year now and I still don't have that book. Eeek..

Here's Contessa's collection:

I see a gorgeously patinated Monogram Speedy, a Neverfull, Keepall, Poche Toilette, Pochette Accessoires, Damier Alma, and Damier Azur Speedy. A bunch of timeless pieces! Thanks Contessa for sharing your collection!

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Do you want your recent Louis Vuitton purchase, collection, or your stunning good looks to be featured in I LVOE LV? Follow these simple instructions.

Image via Contessa for I LVOE LV

Making of Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2009-2010 Ad Campaign

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:41:00 PDT

To know more about the story behind the Fall/Winter 2009 ad campaign, check out this article.

Vogue Deutsch August 2009: Edita Vilkeviciute

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:41:00 PDT

20-year-old Lithuanian model Edita Vilkeviciute lands on the cover of German Vogue's August 2009 issue wearing a piece from Louis Vuitton's Fall/Winter 2009 collection and photographed by Greg Kadel.

I just love Edita, she's becoming one of today's top models grabbing elusive ad campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, Blumarine both for Fall 2009, Dior Beauty, Emporio Armani, CK Jeans, Pepe Jeans, Gap (Japan), K for Karl Lagerfeld for Spring 2009.

Check out a preview of the main editorial called Edita also shot by Greg Kadel after the jump...

Sunglasses from Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

Images via Models.com

Emma Roberts at Louis Vuitton & Vanity Fair Sunset Cocktails

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:06:00 PDT

Spotted! Emma Roberts in a Louis Vuitton jacket from the Spring/Summer 2009 collection attends Louis Vuitton and Vanity Fair Sunset Cocktails in Los Angeles on July 6, Monday. Before the party, Emma tweeted: "LV party tonight! Love their stuff."

Follow Emma Roberts on Twitter: robertsEmma
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Image via INFdaily

Danielle Deleasa loves the Boétie

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:42:00 PDT

Danielle Deleasa with fiancee Kevin Jonas of the Jonas Brothers celebrated their engagement at their favorite pizza parlor in Los Angeles on July 3, Friday night and was joined by 30 of their closest friends and family, JustJared reports.

Danielle totes the chic Monogram Boétie PM with the Rock Flower Bag Charm, perfect accessory for the romantic occasion.

Image via Rachpoot/Stefan / INFDaily

Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Melrose Avenue

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:47:00 PDT

Named after a well-known street in Los Angeles, California, the Monogram Vernis Melrose Avenue offers a definitive design and timeless sophistication. Its a perfect accessory for a casual stroll, a dinner party, or any event in between.

Melrose Avenue is crafted from the discreetly embossed Monogram Vernis patent leather, textile lining and leather trimmings. It features shiny golden brass hardware including a unique press lock closure and the metallic feet at the bottom of the bag for protection. Melrose Avenue can be carried by hand or on the elbow thanks to its rolled leather handles also made from patent leather.

Monogram Vernis Melrose Avenue comes in two dim and elegant colors: Amarante and Bleu Nuit. The bag measures 14.1" x 9.8" x 4.3", exclusively available at Louis Vuitton stores and online at louisvuitton.com for $2490.

Images via Louis Vuitton c/o Bagaholicboy

Making of Louis Vuitton Core Values Ad Campaign: Interview with the Astronauts

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:59:00 PDT

Louis Vuitton Leomonogram Ring and Bracelet

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:39:00 PDT

If you fancied the Leomonogram Bracelet straight from the Spring/Summer 2009 runway show, then rejoice as Louis Vuitton has widened up the selection and added two new pieces to the Leomonogram family: a thinner bracelet, and a ring.

What new you ask? Well they're just the same as the runway bangles made from chunky natural mahogany wood and lacquer and features Vuitton's iconic leopard print alongside the LV logo. But the new pieces comes in delicious new colors, Fuchsia and Navy in addition to the Gold. Prices are as follows:

Leomonogram Bracelet (Small) - $265
Leomonogram Bracelet (Large, runway piece) - $385
Leomonogram Ring - $150

Leomonogram Bracelets and Ring are exclusively available at Louis Vuitton stores and online at louisvuitton.com. Modeling pic after the jump...

Images via Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton SoBe Clutch

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:06:00 PDT

We first saw this clutch from the photos when Dazed and Confused previewed the pre-fall accessories back in February. And now months later, the SoBe is finally released.

Named after South Beach, a neighborhood in the city of Miami Beach, Florida, United States, the SoBe clutch is a must have accessory ideal for day to evening wear. Its crafted from patent calf leather with textile lining and it features a striking LV signature on the clutch's flap in stunning large golden brass letters. Now that's what you call a centerpiece!

SoBe Clutch measures 4.3" x 10.2" x 2.2", large enough to carry make-up, keys, coin purse and other small sized necessities. It comes in three lovely colors: Bleu Nuit, Amarante, and Orange Sunset. SoBe is exclusively available at Louis Vuitton and louisvuitton.com for $895.

Image via Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2009-2010 Ad Campaign

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:44:00 PDT

Following the success of Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2009 fashion campaign starring Madonna and photographed by Steven Meisel, Artistic Director Marc Jacobs was keen to repeat the experience for Fall/Winter, but equally determined to produce something entirely different.

Shot in a New York studio, the Fall/Winter 2009-2010 campaign thus features Madonna in a series of sophisticated portraits reminiscent of the golden age of Hollywood. Inspired by the photographs of Man Ray, who perfected the technique of solarisation, and nodding to the lush colours and sumptuous draperies of the paintings of Tamara de Lempicka, the images have a softer, more intimate quality than the previous campaign, while losing nothing of its power to arrest. In the seven visuals, Madonna models key pieces from Marc Jacobs' Fall/Winter ready-to-wear collection for Louis Vuitton, whose ruffled silks, extravagant accessories and sequinned Monogram bags strike an out-and-out glamorous note, which is balanced by the sweetly ironic presence of the bunny ears that were such a hit on the catwalk.

"After the fun we had with the Spring/Summer campaign, and the amazing reaction to it, all of us – Madonna, Steven and myself – were eager to get back together for Fall/Winter," comments Marc Jacobs. "While the two campaigns look very different, there is also a unity about them, so it now feels like we have completed both parts of the story."

Antoine Arnault, Head of Communications for Louis Vuitton, comments: "This is another superb campaign, reflecting not only the close relationship between Madonna, Marc Jacobs and Steven Meisel, but also their immense creative talent and their consistent desire to challenge and innovate."

The Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2009-2010 advertising campaign will break in the August 2009 issues of magazines worldwide.

LOUIS VUITTON
Fall/Winter 2009-2010 Ad Campaign
Model: Madonna
Photographer: Steven Meisel
Stylist: Marie-Amélie Sauve
Hair: Guido
Makeup: Pat McGrath

Images via Louis Vuitton / Steven Meisel

More Photos from the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2009 Ad Campaign

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:37:00 PDT

Now this is fierce!

Call me crazy but after I after I saw the other photos, I think the campaign is starting to grow on me. I like the negative color effects, its very new to Vuitton and it somewhat gives the photos something, something interesting.

Images via Absolument Madonna

Kanye West x Louis Vuitton Collab: Interview with Kanye

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:07:00 PDT

Here's an interview with Kaye West about his collaboration with Louis Vuitton, style and fashion, music and more. For more information about the collaboration, check out this article.

COLLABORATION WITH LOUIS VUITTON

How did your collaboration with Louis Vuitton come about?
I already knew and looked up to Marc Jacobs. Then Louis Vuitton called me and said they had this idea for me to do shoes. I was really excited about the opportunity. I don’t know if they quite knew what they were getting into asking me to help create something!

How did you work with the teams from Louis Vuitton?
We’d fly out there. They’d have ideas. I’d have ideas and I’d start sketching. I just sketched every idea in my head, women’s, men’s, everything. In the end Louis Vuitton had to narrow it down because I had SO many ideas that I wanted to get out.

How many sneakers did you design?
Ten, but I would have done more.

What inspires you about Louis Vuitton?
They’re the number one fashion house in the world!

What was your image of Louis Vuitton before you became so closely involved with the company, and have your impressions evolved in any way as a result of the collaboration?
They’ve always been my favourite aspirational brand from the day I bought my first wallet. Actually I used to dream of being able to buy their trunks and put them round my house.

Have your impressions evolved in any way as a result of the collaboration?
Hey, I just love the opportunity of being able to work with people who produce on a certain
level.

Why sneakers? (I know you are supposed to own at least 400 pairs)
Because they’re a great entry point for people who can’t afford the trunk, you know.
Also, sneakers, I think, are a way of displaying where you are mentally.

What, for you, makes a great pair of sneakers?
Comfort of course, but also the way they work with different outfits…

What sneakers are you wearing now?
The white boat shoes.

What was your inspiration for this collection?
I was inspired a lot by the movie Dune—remember those big padded collars they wore? Well I did that padded look as a flap at the back.….

So the accent is at the back of the shoe rather than at the front in the ‘tongue’ ?
Exactly!

How did you choose the colors?
The grey brown and fuschia combination in the Tour model is very much a concept I have for clothing. That juxtaposition of soft and electric palette is something I don’t see too often. The exception being Marc Jacobs who has touched on that combination with bags.

Which products are your personal favourites?
The grey boat shoes with pink sole.

And what socks would you wear with those?
Well, that’s interesting. I wanted to make a tube sock with an LV patch on the side to go with them.

STYLE AND FASHION

How would you define your style?
An expression of what I’m feeling today.

Do you feel you’ve got your look ‘down’ perfectly?
Actually I’m constantly trying to learn what looks good on me. It’s kinda hard. It takes a while to really get it, to figure out your style. Most people I know who dress ‘A Plus’ are 35 and older.

Who is an exception to that rule?
The singer, Rihanna, who is 21. She’s kind of like a genius because regardless of how many stylists she has, I know she does it on her own. That’s an innate talent, having style like that. It’s kind of like the way people play sport, some people just hit the shoots into the net better. Yeah. Fashion is a sport in a way.

Are you a fashion genius?
I don’t think I’ve reached genius level yet. It’s good. But its not good enough for me. I want to be better.

So you’re saying style-wise, you’re a perfectionist?
It’s not so much about perfectionism as creativity and needing to constantly evolve.

Do you remember when you first became interested in fashion?
In Kindergarten. I really thought about what I was going to put on every morning.

Who are your fashion icons?
Michael Jackson is the best dressed person of all time. Not today, I can’t say that, but in his hey day. When he was wearing all those jackets covered in Swarovski crystals. And then all those leather jackets and Mickey Mouse t-shirts and those tailored pants and penny loafers. Michael Jackson, he was for real.

What is your best fashion memory?
Getting dressed up to play. If I played football I wanted to put on the whole football outfit. If I wanted to play cops and robbers I had to put on the full cops and robbers outfit. I loved costumes.

What is your favourite item in your wardrobe?
My vintage Levi’s jeans jacket. It’s the perfect, perfect jacket. Someone told me it was really, really good because it’s got the big ‘E’ on the label, which means it’s from a certain year.

What are you wearing right now?
A Schott jacket. It had silver zippers but I had them put plastic ones instead. An old jacket with plastic zippers, it’s a kind of Japanese toy vibe thing.

What do you think is different about French and American attitudes to fashion?
Well, I notice if you’re in the ‘hood’ in Paris, you dress in a hoodie like they do back home. I love that, that the look is straight out of America. Because it wasn’t always thatway.

MUSIC

How do you find the ideas for your music?
I get inspired by concepts, theories, philosophies.

Give me an example.
The saying ‘What Does Not Kill Me Makes Me Stronger’ was an inspiration for the song
Stronger.

That’s from the philosopher Frederick Neitzche!
Exactly.

If you hadn't been a successful Music artist, what would you have liked to be?
An author, maybe. Although I have already written a book.

What is it called?
Thank You And You’re Welcome.

What’s it about?
It’s basically a manual to show you how to make every part of your life into a ‘thank you and you’re welcome’ moment. People say it’s a little like the book The Secret.

Give me one piece of advice from the book?
Well, my axiom ‘Get used to being used’. People have such negative connotations about the word ‘Use’. To use is necessary. If you can’t use or be used you’re useless. It’s like, You use me? Yeah, well I’m glad to be of use.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
Me! Meaning my mistakes, I’ve learnt so much from them!

Oh, so you admit you make mistakes! You have a reputation for having a pretty high opinion of yourself…
It’s true I am super confident and delusionally egotistical but believe me, I have conflicts with myself at night; like, damn, will I be able to make stuff that I like; will I be able to make stuff which will make an impact on the world?

What projects are you working on at present?
I’m in the middle of doing a video with Jared Leto and his band 30 Seconds To Mars. I’m doing a video with the photographer Stephen Klein called ‘Say You Will’. I’m also shooting a video with the director Spike Jonze. Oh and this morning I worked on the video for my song Robocop. My girlfriend got her whole body moulded in prosthetics so she could play a Barbie doll in it. They made the exact shape of her breasts, but with no nipples, just like Barbie…..

PERSONAL

How would you describe the experience of Paris / France?
Y’know, when I first went to Paris I used to HATE it. Now it’s one of my favourite cities in the world. I compare Paris to a girl that you meet at a bar who is very rude to you, who you end up falling in love with.

What do you like most about the city?
I like the heritage, the attitude. The vibe I get from Parisiens is highly educated, highly cultured and very impatient. And I’m into that. Paris forces you to step up your game. It forces you NOT to be ignorant about things.

What do you like least?
Nothing. I like it so much I may move there. They used to say if you could make it in New York you could make it anywhere. Well, if you can make it in Paris you can ANNIHILATE the world.

Are you a tough person to work for?
In the beginning I didn’t know how to get respect in a civil manner. I didn’t know you didn’t have to scream and jump up and down. I don’t have to be like that now.

Where is your office?
For me, the world is my office.

How do you take criticism? There are plenty of people, I notice, who like to criticize you on your blog, kanyewestunivercity.com.
Well, you have to figure out why people say those things. Like, were they having a bad day or something? Actually, I think it’s kind of fabulous, people saying stuff like Kanye, you’re a faggot, or Kanye, he doesn’t take himself too seriously. That’s a great blog comment! Because of course I’m taking myself WAY too seriously.

Greatest world leader?
Obama.

If you could label your style what would it be?
Ah, that’s the thing. Everyone wants to put people in supermarket aisles! The thing is when you do that with people, they just all kind of crash into each other while walking down them. It’s like when I first started making music in high school people couldn’t really describe how I dressed until the worked hip hop was invented. Then they were OK about it. I guess you could say I wear a lot of cultural coats, but I’m more than any label anyone puts on me.

Still. What’s it like being such a fashion icon? Kids of eleven want to dress like you...
Well, you do have this ability, when you are famous, to set trends just by being photographed and that’s really not fair. I shouldn’t get any more credit than the next person for, say, bringing back those Linda Farrow flying shades, I just happened to be wearing the aviators that to me were the most ‘normal’. That doesn’t make me a fashion icon though. People who have TERRIBLE style have the ability to set trends.

How do you deal with your fame?
I deal with it by realizing I’m kind of confined in my walking TV show. Sometimes I feel like I’m an animal at the zoo, with everybody the other side of the glass wanting to see the monkey overreact. It’s a little like being in a cell, but what’s good about living in a cell is I have cellmates. Jay-Z, he’s definitely in my cellblock.

You seem pretty sanguine about your celebrity, and the effect celebrity has had on you. Are you happy?
I’m at war with myself. I know I am in danger of cannibalizing myself, of talking about myself to death. My whole life for the past five years has been all about me.

So what now?
Well, there’s nothing more I could do with my life right now than to make it about helping other people.

What are your goals, then?
If it’s the last thing I do, I want to drop all the bravado that most urban rap artists carry. I want to make new good stuff and not brag about it. Just to do it. One of the other things I’m going to do is to take my next fee—I charge at least $100,000 a verse—and donate it to my charity (the Dr Donda West foundation he started up with his late mother to combat high school drop out rates).

In what aspect do you consider yourself Number One?
Actually, I don’t think I’m number one at anything…except for learning.

So the ability to learn is excellence for you?
I think so. You can never stop learning. Like my grandfather who is 90 and just took a painting class.

If you were marooned on a desert island, which one piece of music and one work of literature would you want to keep?
Could I take another person?

Ok
I’d bring my girl (at time of print Amber Rose) or a girl who, hopefully, wouldn’t drive me crazy.

What would be your one item of luxury?
My Louis Vuitton sneaker boots, of course.

How many hours do you sleep per night?
Eight.

What’s you favourite dessert?
The sticky toffee pudding at the Landmark Hotel in London.

Greatest world leader so far?
Obama.

What star sign are you?
Gemini.

Me too!
Yeah? That’s dope.

Image via Louis Vuitton

Garage June/July 2009: Matteo Guidicelli

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:24:00 PDT

Me and my friend Shin were at the Mall yesterday and we dropped by my favorite magazine/book store. We were browsing the local magazines when my sight laid upon Garage, a fashion magazine for men. 19-year-old racer Matteo Guidicelli in Louis Vuitton Graffiti T-Shirt and armband fronts the cover of Garage's June/July 2009 issue. I bought it. :)

Check out a preview of the main editorial after the jump...

Cool, no? This issue also has an article about Kanye West's collaboration with Louis Vuitton and an editorial featuring Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2009 Menswear collection.

Its my first time to buy this magazine and I totally love it. I need to find back-issues!

Images via Bengt for I LVOE LV. Garage Magazine

Louis Vuitton Men's Spring/Summer 2010: Shoes

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:57:00 PDT

"The catwalk was asphalt, the soundtrack was Lou Reed walking on the wild side and Cat Power offering her own enervated salute to New York, and the accent color was taxi-cab yellow. There were prints that suggested worn urban surfaces, and striking footwear that looked like graffitied sequins." - Tim Blanks

Images via Simone Manzo

Happy 1st Birthday I LVOE LV!!!

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 04:36:00 PDT

I honestly didn't feel the year pass by. Now, I LVOE LV has existed in the interwebs for a year. And within that year, I was able to diversify a random LV fan blog managed by a bored 17 year old a.k.a myself *coughs* into what it is today.. a still rather random LV fan blog but with the addition of thousands (?) of really lovely readers with whom I share the same passion with; fashion, art, and Louis Vuitton.

I'd like to thank everyone who visited the site, especially also those who were there since the beginning. Those who I torture with my rants and silly stories, those who I have been friends with along the way. Thanks to everyone for your support.

It has been a really fun experience. there are stuff that are really memorable and there are things that I can't remember but its alright a-alright just dance. Gonna be okay da-da-doo-doo-mm just dance, spin that record babe, da-da-doo-doo-mm just dance. Squeek squeek squeek, break it down, yo!

Big hugs and a million flying kisses,

Bengt

P.S. The cake tastes really good even though it doesn't look good in the photo. I love the marshmallow toppings. Special thanks to Shin who paid for it. Hahaha. :x

Image via Bengt for I LVOE LV

Louis Vuitton Men's Spring/Summer 2010: Video

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:08:00 PDT

Part 1

Part 2

Videos via Louis Vuitton ripped by Bengt for ILVOELV

Louis Vuitton Men's Spring/Summer 2010: Bags

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:57:00 PDT

"It was also telling that the dressed-up bike boys were carrying a particularly gorgeous reintroduction of Vuitton's Taiga leather range. I could barely tear my eyes away from the bags." - Tim Blanks

Image via Simone Manzo

Louis Vuitton Men's Spring/Summer 2010: Sunglasses

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:25:00 PDT

Along with the bags, sunglasses were also the highlight accessories from the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2010 show. Their really cool, perfect for summer!

I wouldn't mind if somebody sends me this one. I wouldn't mind at all! ;p

Images via Louis Vuitton / Youssef Boudlal

Louis Vuitton Men's Spring/Summer 2010: Celebrities

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:28:00 PDT

The Black Eyed Peas were among other celebrities who attended Louis Vuitton's Men's Spring/Summer 2010 show yesterday at Paris. More celebs after the jump...

Check out the guy between Will.i.am and Fergie. Epic! Hahaha...

Singer-songwriter Keziah Jones

Fergie

Actor/Producer Raphaël Personnaz

Italian actor Paolo Stella

Football player Yoann Gourcuff

Fergie

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper

Yoann Gourcuff, Antoine Arnault

Jason Rogers

Pietro Beccari, Bradley Cooper,Yves Carcelle

apl.de.ap, Will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo

apl.de.ap, Will.i.am, Fergie, Yves Carcelle, Taboo

Pietro Beccari, Fergie, Yves Carcelle

Yoann Gourcuff, Antoine Arnault, Keziah Jones, Bradley Cooper

Taboo, Marc Jacobs, Fergie, Will.i.am, apl.de.ap

Yohann Gourcuff, Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs, Fergie

Marc Jacobs, Keziah Jones

Gabriel Aubry, Fergie

Raphaël Personnaz

Gabriel Aubry

Images via Louis Vuitton / Bertrand Rindoff Petroff

Kanye West Collaborates With Louis Vuitton

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:05:00 PDT

“It’s overwhelming. I feel like I’m inside of a dream. Even with all the music awards that I’ve won, to be able to do something so official with the number one fashion house in the world − you know, no Grammy can buy you that.”-Kanye West

He has had a passion for fashion ever since, as a child, he picked out his outfits for kindergarten.He has honed his style on stage as a performer and in the front row at fashion week. Now, the multi award-winning producer and recording artist Kanye West has teamed up with his favourite label to create a collection of sneakers.

With this, one of his first forays into design, Kanye West has not only fulfilled a long-standing personal ambition, but has also brought his own considerable experience to the project. “I think because I’ve worn so many shoes, and had to be on stage and have shoes that were comfortable, and put them with so many outfits, that I’ve become an expert with gym shoes,” he says. “I didn’t want to do a sneaker that just had my name on it. I wanted to put in the proper amount of time and work to come up with something that was inventive.”

The result is a daring and innovative collection that fuses Kanye West’s edgy urban aesthetic with Louis Vuitton’s know-how and craftsmanship. The three styles − executed in suede, calfskin or a patchwork of leathers, and in mostly neutral colours − run the gamut from hi-top to low-top, and are all designed, in Kanye West’s words, to unite “form and function, and look good with a pair of jeans”. All share strong signature details, in particular a high padded heel flap into which the wearer can tuck the back of his jeans, inspired by a space-age jacket in the cult David Lynch movie Dune, and a Monogram flower-embossed outsole which, though sturdy, feels surprisingly light and flexible..

Louis Vuitton Don's

Don’s, named after Kanye West’s right-hand man, is the rapper’s take on the classic lace-up sneaker. In addition to the padded heel flap, it features a tongue specifically constructed to stand straight up, creating a hip urban look. Previewed in eye-popping red calfskin at Louis Vuitton’s Autumn/Winter 2009-2010 fashion show in January, it caused a sensation on the runway, and proved − as Kanye West intended − that it looked as good with formal wear as with dressed-down jeans.

Louis Vuitton Jaspers

Jaspers is Kanye West’s signature hi-top sneaker, which comes with laces and padded Velcro straps in black suede or off-white calfskin with suede and patent leather trim. In addition, a flamboyant leather patchwork version sports suede tassels with gold-finish accessories and a fluorescent pink outsole inspired by Japanese pop art.

Louis Vuitton Mr Hudson

The same tassels and fluorescent outsole also feature on the leather patchwork version of the third style, Mr Hudson, which gives the iconic boat shoe an edgy street-style update. Named after an artist who features on Kanye West’s latest album, 808s & Heartbreak, Mr Hudson is also available in bright white calfskin with patent trim.

Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton Senior Vice-President, Communication and Marketing, is a personal friend of Kanye West. He says: “Louis Vuitton has always been in tune with its times, manifesting its modernity through collaborations with the greatest talents of each generation. Our design partnership with Kanye West is a new instance of this, which keeps Louis Vuitton at the cutting edge of style and creativity.”

Yves Carcelle, CEO of Louis Vuitton, comments: “We are delighted that Kanye West accepted our invitation to extend his considerable creative talents from music to design. He has always been a good friend of Louis Vuitton, with a keen sense of personal style, and this impressive debut fulfils an ambition he has held for some time.”

The Kanye West collection will be available in Louis Vuitton stores from June 2009.

Louis Vuitton Dons

Louis Vuitton Jaspers

Louis Vuitton Mr Hudson

Images via Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Men's Spring/Summer 2010: Full Collection

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:50:00 PDT

Moving on from the depressing First Look at Vuitton's Fall/Winter 2009 campaign, yesterday or should I say a few hours ago (Paris Time), Louis Vuitton has shown its Spring-Summer 2010 collection at Paris spearheaded by LV Studio Director Paul Helbers.

I just saw these images now and I think it's one of the best menswear collections Louis Vuitton has ever released. I like the chill vibe in it, very comfortable and laid back. The colors are very well established, earth hues serves as the base while a pop of shocking yellow and orange gives the whole collection a zesty twist.

I really like a couple of looks, such as the second exit: those cropped pants are really nice, reminds me a bit of Balenciaga but its nonetheless cool pair of pants. The jackets were also good, I really really love this one, the one on the left... to die for. Also the sunnies, aw its the 'it' accessory for next season!

Here's WWD's review of the collection:
"Marc Jacobs and men’s wear studio director Paul Helbers are peddling an energetic fashion-meets-function theme for spring, inspired by New York City’s risk-taking bike messengers. On a sandy asphalt surface and with honking horns shrilling from speakers, the duo started with a washed linen blazer in taxi yellow paired with rolled-up shorts to set a downtown rush-hour mood. From there, they juxtaposed cropped nylon hoodies with sports jackets and handsome, ribbed cotton sweaters. Calling their men “gentleman butterflies of the urban landscapes,” the designers employed wing patterns to create fluttering silk jacquard trenches and racing bombers. And, as guys prefer to travel light, parkas were packed in to small satchels. And what’s a messenger without his bag? A variety of sacs in messenger shapes, as well as oversize backpacks in ostrich leather, were slung over shoulders or worn across the body."

Full collection after the jump...

Image via Catwalking

First Look: Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2009-2010 Ad Campaign

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:05:00 PDT

Here's the real deal!

To be honest, I don't like this at all.
Its over-photoshopped beyond reality.
She looks like a stiff doll, like a wax sculpture from Madame Tussauds.
Like a computer game character rather than a real person.
No emotion at all.

Check out her right hand. There's a line thingy that looks like her hand is detachable, like a mannequin!
Is that the concept?
Now, I really want Mert & Marcus back.
Or keep Meisel and use real models.

According to Madonna Tribe:

"MadonnaTribe has just received some fresh info about the upcoming Louis Vuitton campaign featuring Madonna who was photographed by Steven Meisel for their Autumn/Winter 2009 collection in New York on April 29 under the artistic direction of Marc Jacobs.

We've been told that the result of this new collaboration is once again simply stunning but most importantly for those who were worried about this "Part Deux" it looks very different from the Spring campaign and has a completely original feel.

Madonna's look in the new images will be basically the one you're all familiar with thanks to the MET gala: long boots, a few variations of dresses mainly in blue and magenta, and this year's Vuitton's signature bunny ears.

Madonna is always wearing gloves and in every image she holds a different bag from the new collection of the French maison. She's portrayed leaning on a sofa and seated on an armchair, with a heavy, plain curtain in the background. This time there is no set location at all - the atmosphere is a bit dark and definetly intimate.

One interesting part is that each image is digitally enhanced with colorizing effects that somehow recall the high-dynamic range photography, giving to the new campaign an absolutely contemporary yet timeless vibe.

From what we understand up to seven different images - spanning from close-ups to american-shot compositions - will be released in the August 2009 issue of fashion magazines worldwide coming out next month."

Image via Absolument Madonna

Is This The Louis Vuitton FW09 Ad?

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:32:00 PDT

Madonna replaced by models?
Single girl campaign turned into multi-girl?
You like it? I do!

But Louis Vuitton's Public Relations confirmed that Madonna will be the star of next season's campaign. Let's just wait for the August issues of fashion magazines to come out to be sure.

UPDATE: This is NOT an image from Louis Vuitton's Fall/Winter 2009-2010 Ad Campaign. In fact, this photo is part of an editorial from W Magazine's June 2009 issue. An editorial entitled Eyes and Beholders, a Fall preview shot by Craig McDean.

Marc Jacobs, CFDA International Award Winner

bengtenrique@gmail.com (Bengt) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:54:00 PDT

Marc Jacobs wins the International Award at the CFDA for his work at Louis Vuitton.

On June 15th, the Council of Fashion Designers of America honored Marc Jacobs with the International Award for outstanding creative contribution to the world of fashion through is work at Louis Vuitton.

The CFDA is not-for-profit trade association whose membership consists of more than 340 of America's foremost fashion and accessory designers.

This video was played at the CFDA event in tribute to Marc Jacobs.

Video via Louis Vuitton