IMAGE: LOUIS VUITTON

Louis Vuitton is no stranger to collaborations, having worked with big name creatives in both its collections for men and women over the years. In fact, it has become a core part of the French luxury brand’s mission and continued efforts in supporting the arts, helping artists showcase their creative work, be it on RTW, bags or accessories.

This year, 6 contemporary artists were invited to celebrate the 6th anniversary of the iconic bag named after the Parisian street (Rue des Capucines) where Monsieur Louis Vuitton opened his first store in 1854. Each of them was given creative freedom to express their designs on the distinctive trapezoid-shaped bag, bringing their unique vision to life in the highly limited #ArtyCapucines collection. Aside from the avant-garde pieces created by Nicholas Hlobo, Sam Falls, Tschabalala Self and Urs Fischer, these are the two that stood out the most.

The first belongs to Alex Israel, featuring his signature California Wave design, a bold juxtaposition of colours that’s treated with an extra sheen and shine on the leather. And if the name rings a bell, that’s because he was the artist behind the packaging of the cologne perfumes unveiled earlier this year. He was also the man behind Rimowa’s much-lauded collaboration that was launched at the Frieze Art Fair in Los Angeles. Another interesting point to note? The bag comes with a pair of decorative surfboard fins emerging from within that’s quirky too. And they aren’t just pretty; the ‘fins’ actually function as a comb/mirror, both of which can be detached and used on their own.

IMAGE: LOUIS VUITTON

Innovative digital printing and 3D embroidery are at the heart of Jonas Wood’s creation, which was inspired by his paintings of landscapes and disorientating patterns created from layering and collaging photographs and drawings. The intricate design is first digitally printed on his Capucines PM’s exterior, before it is carefully embroidered with more than 200,000 stitches to achieve the unique tactile effect. The bag is accessorised with extra pops of colour, thanks to the matte pink LV logo and the addition of a cute yellow giraffe charm which complements the safari-themed body to perfection.

All the bags in the #ArtyCapucines collection are priced at SGD12,000 each, and are only available upon order. That’s because they are limited to 300 pieces per artist and each will be numbered accordingly. To be officially released on 25 June 2019 worldwide, contact your CA now if you want yourself a bag that’s not only a bag, but also a piece of art.

IMAGES: LOUIS VUITTON