IMAGE: LOUIS VUITTON

If you can recall what Louis Vuitton’s original Steamer Bag looks like (you know, the one that came with a single top handle that was meant to be hung and collect worn laundry), then you’ll find this one, Nicolas Ghesquière’s interpretation for Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2016 collection, vaguely familiar.

Known as the City Steamer, the only thing that was kept from the original as far as I can tell is the clasp/padlock detailing that sits smack in the middle of the bag. You could also say that it’s structured like the original, with stiff stitched sides giving it that sharp polished finish. The handles, though, seem to be borrowed from the Dora, another bag created during Ghesquière’s ongoing tenure at the French luxury house.

In other words, it’s Louis Vuitton’s answer to the standard work tote with short top handles that come with an additional sling that OLs (or office ladies) the world over can love. The City Steamer comes in 3 sizes, the PM, the MM and the GM. Made of smooth calfskin, the PM measures 26 cm by 23 cm, the MM 31 cm by 26 cm and the GM, 34 cm by 29 cm.

IMAGE: LOUIS VUITTON

Priced at SGD4850, SGD5600 and SGD6200 respectively for the 3 sizes in smooth calfskin, the ones that come in Black with gold hardware will be, in my opinion, perfect for work especially if you hail from the more serious professions. For everyone else (and for those who want a bit of fun), there’s always the tri-coloured ones, including the one in Vert Fonce that’s shown above.

IMAGE: LOUIS VUITTON

But if that is still a tad ho-hum for your tastes, well, go for the one that comes with rivets made specially for the Cruise 2016 collection, or the ones in exotic crocodile that are mouth-wateringly droolworthy. Available soon at a Louis Vuitton boutique near you, stay tuned for more updates on the City Steamer right here; I have a feeling this won’t be the only post on this new bag offering anytime soon.

Images: Louis Vuitton