A peek of what's in store for the Fall season from Louis Vuitton (if you don't care, skip to the next entry); I am going to take the high road and only review the bags that did not make me cringe (you have eyes, go to Style.com to see the scary ones for yourself). I fear I have turned in to a major grouch when it comes to LV bags but then today I came upon my set of antique Louis Vuitton luggage my friend gifted me when I gave birth and it brought back all the love I used to have for this brand. As you see, for Fall, the monogram and logo remain strong. It's the brand's bread and butter, why change it and go all simple and logo-less a la Bottega Veneta right? I mean how fun would that be? Who would we make fun of if Marc Jacobs started offering understated and subtly chic bags? We love Marc Jacobs because he shakes things up! So, back to the bags. Richly textured (looks like suede or could be fabric according to my source) with exotic detailing like python handles and ostrich trim, it is so lovely I can even overlook the monogram. I am especially liking the winter white version with python shoulder strap, it looks so luxurious next to the white cashmere coat. Is there anything more delicious than a white cashmere coat? I have to say, the Louis Vuitton ready to wear from MJ is exceptional this season. I can't wait to see the entire collection in person. What do you think? Will you ever be lured back to Louis Vuitton bags?
Photos: Style.com
It's so obvious you guys were paid off to start singing the praises of Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs. I've been a fan of MJ and for you guys to create this sudden turn around is so phony. Not to mention that of all the seasons you choose to be all adoring and loving of his work with LV is during THIS Fall 2008 season when the bags are not even up to par with some of the best luxury designer It bags. Its so sad. I had really hoped you guys would remain objective but this is absolute proof that even the most respected fashionistas can be bribed.
Brenda,
I assure you, Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs have not "paid us off" as you suggest. But what a novel idea- what do you think it would be worth to pay us to say something nice? $1 million, or two? Kidding! But I am flattered you think we are influential enough to be worthy of a bribe from Louis Vuitton. :)
In all honesty, I am just a bit sick of LV bashing. I have LV bags dating back to high school and it's a shame the brand has become what it is today. Over exposed and over hyped. Bits and pieces of plastic now made in Taiwan and finished in France with a strip of cowhide. (Read This- http://lifeandhealth.guardian.co.uk/fashion/story/0,,2248591,00.html) That's what it boils down to anyway.
But thanks for your thoughts! It's interesting that you would take it this way. I doubt the PR girls at LV will take it the same. Trust me, we are not very popular with the LV and MJ folks but not important enough to be worthy of a pay off :)
Plus don't you think we'd blog about being offered a pay off from Louis Vuitton? That would just be the biggest fashion news EVER. "Louis Vuitton Offers Bag Snob a Million dollars to stop making fun of its hideous bags!" But don't go spreading rumors now :)
And by the way, I do like the Fall Louis Vuitton bags featured above. They are not Bottega- http://www.bagsnob.com/2008/02/bottega_veneta_fall_2008.html
nor Oscar de la Renta - http://www.bagsnob.com/2008/02/goya_bag_by_oscar_de_la_renta.html
But they are not bad. Especially that white one, which I love with that white coat. Yum. So there you go, my two cents for what it's worth.
It's sad that LV was riding the monogram for so long - they should have innovated and come up with some new designs - but you're right, it IS their bread and butter. Monogram was great in my teens/early 20's - now I tend to gravitate more towards logo free (why am I advertising for free, anyway?!) and high quality bags like YSL, Bottega, Balenciaga.
The gray bag is "okay," but not anything I would be frantically calling the sales at LV to hold for me.
I'm still sitting on the fence when it comes to LV bags. The last one I bought was the "Eye Love" Limited edition bag and that was quite some time ago. I still to this day cherish that bag because it was so difficult to get at the time. The only LV bag that I have my eye on at the moment is the pink oversized ostrich purse from the Spring/Summer collection, it's very chic and cute for the summer holidays!
As for their ready to wear I have been an avid follower for many years - their clothes are truly beautiful every season! I have to admit that their shoe range has gone completely "downhill" though, so to speak. A good 5 years ago they really did make some very elegant shoes, nowadays though MJ just seems to be recycling all that leftover multicolor material!!
My two cents: I believe the reason Bag Snob is reporting on the Fall, 2008 LV bags is because for the first time in awhile the bags aren't sucking! Now, granted, I don't mind the bags with the jokes and silk screening on them, and I have to say that the Monogram Tissé Rayure Clutch is kinda great, but for the most part, unless it's the classic Damier or Monogram on classic bag styles (noe, speedy, alma), LV is sort of a was for me. It's a shame that such a historic house became the most spoiled by the It-Bag phenomenon. I love these bags because, while they may end up being It-Bags, the textures, shapes, and comparatively muted use of the monogram, I would actually carry some of them. It's like Britney Spears. We love to watch her fall; we are the ones that created this monster, and while it's sad that we love to watch our stars fall, it's exhilarating and I think we love a comeback more.
Hi Tina,
Thanks for the link to the article,made a very interesting read.I can't stand those cheap shops like Primark,every time I pass one it looks like doomsday,people throwing unwanted clothes on the floor and queuing to cash tills like sheep.
It is popular with British upper classes to buy cashmere and wool jumpers while on holidays in Scotland or Wales,eat organic food and have a good dig in their own garden.It's not reserved for the old&sad as Goldsmith brothers are a good example of young,cool and environment conscious.It will take years to convince everyone to eat,breathe and wear fair trade but to be honest I can't see myself doing so just yet. I do support the idea but there aren't enough stylish,well made products on the market just yet.
Hi Brenda,
I really can't see why you think that way,both Tina&Kelly always have their own,independent opinion and if they like some of LV designs then what's wrong with that? You can't be a fashion slave,if you want a bag plastered with LV logo then go on and buy one,if you hate it then don't.Simple:)
xoxo
Brenda..chill out, don't take things so personally! I like MJ and LV too, but that doesn't mean I can't acknowledge that the last few collections have been less than ..well, you know. But while I am not crazy about the rose bag's shape, these are pretty nice. Look carry what YOU like for yourself. do I care what anyone thinks when I carry a monogram bag - of course not! These girls are great but you don't have to agree with everything they write,
Both white and grey totes with python handles were delicious! Hope it's some kind of leather instead of fabrics. But then I hit the style.com link, and YUK!! I hate myself for being curious! You've done a good job pick out the cute ones.
I just don't understand why people have this need to make silly comments (like Brenda did). Of course I know we all have the right to express our opinions, but some comments are just silly! What if you were paid?? That would be great :) I wish I was paid hehehe
Anyway... I'm a fan of LV classic bags since ever! The newest bags are not big favourites, although some are very stylish. I just don't like the ones made with fur :( but that just me!
Love your website
Kisses
Su
Hey Brenda, there's an expression in French that translates roughly to "Only an idiot never changes their mind." I have always liked the sobriety of the Epi leather style. All bags should be reviewed each season and given credit when they meet a beautiful standard. Anyone see the Fall/Winter Versace bags on the detail shots of style.com? Those silvery/gray crocodile clutches and black and purple highly embossed styles are exquisite. I don't care for the fur bags though. Most of Donatella's garment collection is great but for the last few years I couldn't look at the Versace bags without crying for sweet mercy! The designers are not perfect and neither are the reviewers but everyone deserves a second chance. My three cents!
My goodness, it's early here on the west coast but so much drama already.
Brenda, I am surprised you would suggest such a thing. This article is not fawning in any sense. Tina has a true love for bags, she is merely reminiscent of better times with Louis Vuitton. This is what my interpretation anyway.
If you want to talk about being bought off, go open the March edition of Vogue. The first 200 pages are ads! I can't even tell where the ads end and where the editorials begin. Not that it matters because you will NEVER read honest reviews from any of the glossies. I worked at a major one for 5 years in NYC (first as an intern then as an accessories editor). I came home to SF last year because I was so sick of the bureaucracy and hypocrisy of the magazine.
Tina, do not doubt your influence in the industry. At our magazine (and many others) there were interns hired purely to give the Editors Blog reports from a list of influential fashion blogs. Bag Snob was on the top of every list in the industry.
How do you think I first discovered your site =)
Keep up the good work girls and ignore the crazies!
I actually like the grey big bag on the first row in the middle.Is it suede-looks so soft and I simply love grey as a color-where ever. The handles are inreresting too.
Hmm i can't seem to get the link to work. Could someone post that link again? or post the article? thanks
LV is still ver EHHH to me . :)
I am still waiting for my check! Haa haaa.
Epi leather is the only way I'll buy LV these days. The epi leather line comes in some fun colors, has great texture, nice design, and is not plastered in cringe-worthy logos. I get compliments on my Epi bags everytime I take them out. None of these bags would inspire me to buy outside the Epi line.
A set of antique LV luggage as a gift? Wow, sounds like I need to fnd some new friends...
I like the bags just fine,but I went to the site and saw the shoes, my god, the SHOES! they are literally gunboats! Are those kinds of shoes just for the runway? no one is actually going to make those for the general public are they?
SC- you'd be surprised. I think those shoes are going to be sold at the stores!
I'm totally a big fan of the monogram and logo. To me they are by far the most appealing, but to each their own. For me it's Louis Vuitton or chanel both are incredibly stylish.
Bagsnob Tina, you and I tend to agree on many of the same things and I find your comments on point on most of the bags out there!
But I find these new bags completely hideous! The last limited bags i bought from LV are the salmon limelight clutch and the black motard bag. But this season the collection is just dismal! I have started to only buy Hermes (the classic Birkins and Kelly, as well as a rare suede constance, and a Medor clutch ) and some selective Chanel bags. I find most bags out there today to be Unoriginal and overpriced and not even that pretty! As for LV, aside from classic luggage collection (which i have a few pieces), nothing really appeal to me anymore! If i am going to spend the money, i rather spend it on a Hermes or maybe a Bottega.
are you kidding? bagsnob these LVs are hideous! they are total copies of jimmy choo! the middle gray bag is an exact copy of the Alex bag by choo. sorry, but LV is still in the garbage can for me
i like the grey one... it's pretty but i think i'll look older carrying that...
I agree with Niki. I like the Epi line that LV puts out. I just got one in a gorgeous purple color last week. All the other lines look like they will be out of style in less than a week.
Tina,Kelly thank you for everything! For ALL your comments,
photos and for letting me buy a baghook. Just keep on keeping on
and someday, every manufacturer will be making the "perfect" bag.
I agree with Ping, for the prices that LV are now charging for these bags I'd rather buy Hermes. Infact I have restricted myself to only one IT bag per year, the rest of my money I spend at Hermes. Much better investment. Last year I bought the Fendi embellished B bag. Am still deciding on the IT bag for me this year...any suggestions?
In all honesty, these are some of the best LV bags I've seen in a long time. Excuse me for saying so, but I find the usual brown-and-tan monogrammed bags vile and cheap-looking, and to see the monogram embossed more subtly and in colors that actually match one's clothing, well, this is wonderful. These aren't standout bags and the design isn't stupendous, I find them to be smoothly elegant, pieces that aren't blatantly expensive.
In short, I enjoy major design houses putting out items that aren't so flashy as to be knocked off easily. Elegance shouldn't be trendy. :)
I absolutely adore these bags! I actually found a great website that has bags for much cheaper called artfulwears.com...I highly recommend it!
Miffy, it sounds like you probably have a massive and fab bag collection and I'm not sure what the "IT" bag would be:) I frankly find that most of the "IT" bags out there today seem to be another imitation of a bag that has been previously done. My last two purchases aside from Hermes was the chanel 2.55 reissue in purple with silver hardware and the lilac python chanel bagsnob kelly featured in her blog. All my other purchases went to Hermes bags, shoes, watches:) I can't seem to find any "IT" bags that grab me anymore!
Love real much the execution of the monogram pattern embossed on the "velveteen" fabric (or maybe it's suede) The Black one is extremely gorgeous!
i totally agree, my love for louis vuitton faded once i saw those hideous bags! but now im starting to like the water color speedy that comes out may 1 ! i cant wait :)
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