Cafe Louis Vuitton

 I treated myself to a fashion-centric brunch for my birthday. Who knew a heritage luggage company could make a good morning meal? Cafe Louis Vuitton gives you exactly what you would want as an aspirational fashion fan or tourist; dishes built to feed your phone first. Almost every dish is branded with the brand's logo. Each latte is stenciled with a detailed logo. The waffle served with smoked salmon or caviar carries the logo. 

I'm surprised the basket of Viennoiseries did not contain branding, just delicious, butter laminated flakiness. My husband inhaled the pecan pastry like it was merely air. 

The cafe setting was a cozy library of books celebrating travel and art. Residing on the top floor of the temporary outpost of Louis Vuitton on 57th street, you get to journey through several floors of the company's beautiful merchandise on your way to your meal. This is why the experience is set up for the aspirational fan, more than the regular shopper. Your outing was designed to envelope you in the aesthetic and luxury of the brand for those who likely can't afford to shop there regularly.  

Was it worth it? If you are a fan of the brand, and the overall visit to the NYC store is as important to you as the meal, then yes. It IS about the brand more than the food. If you are looking for an exceptional brunch purely on a gourmand level, New York City has plenty of options that are stunning, likely at a more reasonable price point, in just as charming a location.

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Louis Vuitton: Volez Voguez Voyager Exhibit

Do you want to drown yourself in travel luxury inspiration? The Louis Vuitton Volez Voguez Voyagez exhibit at the American Stock Exchange building will make you yearn to take a posh cruise with 200 of your favorite frocks in trunks.
This was an extensive show, detailing the humble beginnings of Louis Vuitton, who at 14, traveled to Paris to work as a box maker. He perfected his craft to make a light, ergonomic travel trunk that quickly became the favorite accessory of the elite. Signature Louis Vuitton details established then that continue today are his use of canvas (which is waterproof) and monogram patterns that were a protection against counterfeits.
How could you not drool over the classic trunks of wood, metal bolts, handpainted monograms full of drawers for your precious things? There were many examples of vintage ads touting the practicality of Vuitton's products, not the luxury of them.
Other bags were introduced to adapt to the way his customers traveled. The canvas steamer bag was an innovation because it could be folded into the trunk but also brought out less formally, like the first overnight bag. Other bags included cases designed for the new craze of automobiles, more portable carryalls for plane travel, etc.
The house of Louis Vuitton had always collaborated with artists. The painting trunk designed with drawers to support framed works, documents, art supplies had me pushing my face up to the glass with envy. I don't know that many artists that can afford such a treasure, but we can dream. There were writers trunks, cases for your important LP records, tea sets, if your lifestyle demanded it, it was designed.
Modern collections of Louis Vuitton continued the collaboration with artists. Remember the Takashi Murakami craze of 15 years ago? How about the graffiti splashed Stephen Sprouse collection? There are collaborations with other designers like Rei Kawakubo or even the recent project with streetwear brand Supreme.
There was a glamorous display of the fashion the brand has put out. While I loved the clothes, they always seemed very removed from the classic travel luggage brand they had established. This certainly didn't stop the many celebrities who have worn them over the years on red carpets.
Just in case you forgot that Louis Vuitton products are a handcrafted creation, current artisans were on hand to demonstrate their craft in person.
I loved the theatricality of some of the rooms. Mixed media helped give you a sense of motion in traveling an antique train to the tiled subway video walls at the beginning.
One comes out of the Louis Vuitton Volez Voguez Voyagez exhibit ready to mortgage your house on a bag. Luckily for my finances, they don't offer the bags for sale at the end. Instead, you leave with a Louis Vuitton pin to wear as your souvenir.
Louis Vuitton, Volez Voguez Voyagez is at the American Stock Exchange Building in NYC until January 18, 2018. Book your (FREE) tickets.
photos by Mariana Leung

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Happy New Year! Louis Vuitton Paper Dolls

Happy New Year my lovelies!  I am looking forward to a fabulous 2013.  The state of Spring 2013 fashion is one reason I am optimistic.   Louis Vuitton presented souvenirs of their collection in a whimsical collection of paper dolls.

The looks were put together by stylist Kim Hersov and beautifully illustrated by Kerrie Hess.  Kerrie is a Paris-based Australian fashion illustrator who has collaborated with everyone from Vogue, Kate Spade to Chanel.  The Louis Vuitton site has a fun video profiling this project.  To download the paper dolls for yourself, you can get them here!

Paper doll images from louisvuitton.com

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Louis Vuitton Giveaway!

Made your big fall handbag purchase yet? Hello La Mode is giving away a brand new Louis Vuitton Avalon handbag in their Facebook contest.  The purse is in my favorite fall color of oxblood in their signature Monogram Vernis finish.  I wish I could get in on this, but I'm an employee, so I can only let all of you know about it and hope you let me borrow it if you win!

To grab this baby you just need to enter here and invite five of your friends to join in. Just for entering, you will receive a $25 gift code.  Win-win right?

Good luck!

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REEL Fashion at FIAF/MFIT - Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton

Tuesday evening, I watched the first of three film screenings of fashion documentaries by Loic Prigent.  The director followed designer Marc Jacobs from New York, Asia and Paris to document his work process.  The film showed the creative journey from embroidery to dying fabric, then bleaching the garment for a destroyed affect.  It showed artisans all over the studio experimenting with pressing, washing, burning, tearing and steaming a flower to achieve just the right look.

I really enjoyed how the film captured the endless all-night work sessions and how much a collection is a team effort.  It did not attempt to glamorize it and showed off the skills and dedication of his staff.  The contrast between Marc Jacob's relaxed New York office and the much more formal French Louis Vuitton offices were an interesting observation on the culture gap.

I had the opportunity of working with Marc Jacobs briefly in the mid 1990's as an embroidery vendor.  He was one of the fellow Parsons alumni who was remembered fondly by past teachers.  He was always sweet, polite and funny.  Since then, he has become an international celebrity that fashionistas swoon over.  It's nice to see that despite the fame and the much bigger business that rides upon him, that his personality has barely changed.

Director Loic Prigent was available for a Q & A afterward.  The film did not take itself or the fashion world too seriously.  The subjects were able to view themselves in a bittersweet or humorous light.  Mr. Prigent confirmed that the designer was indeed as nice off-camera as he was on.  He recounted how Marc Jacobs teared up while watching the montage of himself calling upon his assistant Joseph.  It made him realize how truly indispensable he truly was.

Coming up Thursday, the film will be "The Day Before: Prouenza Schouler" about the designers Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough.   Q & A available after the screening as well with the director.

The Day Before: Proenza Schouler (2009) ~ Director: Loïc Prigent

Thursday, February 23, 6pm

Katie Murphy Amphitheatre

Fred P. Pomerantz Art and Design Center, first floor

Admission is FREE with RSVP here.

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Valentine's Picks: Accessories

 Louis Vuitton has a luxury valentine in store for a lucky recipient with their coeur on a chain.

The Ashard Richley handbag has romantic ruffles, and a shirt placket detail that looks like it opens up where the 'heart' would be.

Are you a charmer?  Build your loved one a custom charm necklace from Jennifer Fisher. 

Sexy Red Pumps from Shoe Dazzle are $40 . Turning someone on in these can also do some good as a portion of the proceeds goes to The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease (www.womenheart.org)


What better way of winning a woman's heart than being able to save it too?

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Designers For Earth Day - Fashion Showing Love for our Planet

Is it an oxymoron for fashion houses to get involved in Earth Day? It may seem like an industry that promotes consumption and capitalism wouldn't put it high on their priority list, but that is simply not true. Major fashion designers, luxury, trendy and sporty are using their cachet and merchandising skills to help our dear planet.

Designers like Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler, Vivienne Westwood and Gucci have contributed items for Christie's Bid to Save the Earth auction. The proceeds of which benefit charities that focus on environmental causes. Prizes include lunch with Vera Wang and tickets to the Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Uber-chic department store Barney's has partnered with Loomstate label to create a series of organic cotton inspired by NBC's peacock logo. A percentage of proceeds will benefit the oganization 1% for the Planet as well as the charities involved with the Christie's auction.

Louis Vuitton will celebrate the 40th anniverwary of Earth Day by donating 10% of the day's online purchases to Global Green. The non-profit works with the Green Schools initiative in major cities.

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Paris Fashion Week – Louis Vuitton RTW Fall 2010

In the age of digital speed, Avatar and cyber-shopping, it seems like everything is racing for the future. Marc Jacobs on the other hand, brought Louis Vuitton’s Fall Ready to Wear collection back in the other direction. The clothing had very conservative silhouettes. Super-elongated jackets, hair pulled back, faded vintage florals. A few country plaids. The style evoked Chloe Sevigny’s character in HBO’s “Big Love” or a depression-era schoolteacher. Colors were muted, dusty. The shapes were still quite feminine, and a few pieces looked like the schoolmarm wanted to break out in the vintage patterned corset styling.

The handbags had some of the muted mustards. Some of the quilted monagram pieces had dusty pastels that worked back to the clothing. Some bags had very luxurious fur worked into the bag (I’m seeing a big comeback in fur across most of the Paris collections). Dark appliqued blocked florals were also seen on many of the handbags as well, with lace and hand-painted crocodile texture.

Spotted in the front row: Daisy Lowe, Alexa Chung, Corinne Bailey Rae

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Louis Vuitton Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Lunar Landing

Last night, the science-nerd in me loved being at Louis Vuitton’s party at the Rose Center at the American Museum of Natural History to meet heroes of my youth. CEO Daniel Lalonde introduced guests of honor Buzz Aldrin and Jim Lovell at the party celebrating the 40^th anniversary of the lunar landing. National treasures in their own right, the two former astronauts, along with first American woman in space, Sally Ride, star in the new Louis Vuitton Journeys campaign.

With a history in creating high quality travel goods, I loved that this campaign focused on the accomplishments and dreams of the human race (rather than your typical pretty faces). The ad is simply gorgeous n’est-ce pas?

This being a fashion event, the party had no shortage of the chic and famous… Gossip Girl’s Jessica Szohr, Miranda Kerr, a glowing, pregnant Adriana Lima and handsome Lance Bass were mingling among the planets. Singers Cassie and Estelle also made their way across the red carpet. The celeb fashionistas were carrying the latest bags of the Louis Vuitton collection, Jessica with an embellished clutch, Miranda with the metallic leather purse.

Since I attend many more fashion events than I do for science and history, I have to admit I was much more ‘geeked’ about the guests of honor (no offense to the glamor crowd).

The nibbles were themed… “Moons” of white chocolate dipped rice krispy balls were served for dessert along with champagne topped “Cosmos”. (Beats Tang!)

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Louis Vuitton Cocktail Party to Preview Fall 2009

Yes, the weather is just warming up. However, I know that you like to be ahead of the game when it comes to luxury design. I had the privilege of previewing the Louis Vuitton collection for Fall 2009 for Purse Page Monday evening at an intimate cocktail party for invited bloggers.

What is in store for you this September? The luxe went to glam for handbags. Jewel-toned metallic leathers, shimmery monogram brocade, prominent shiny hardware and glittery textured fabrics were all stars in the collection. The signature monogram pattern was re-embroidered in petite sequins for added elegance on one bag. On another the legendary design was imprinted onto fur for a demure clutch, (PETA be damned).

The clothing collection showed a rich palette of violet, saffron, burnt orange, browns and jewel tones. Highly elaborate seaming and complex embroidery embellished sculpted silhouette garments. On a tiny pair of shorts, I think I counted multiple shaped and pieced seams, pick-stitching, contrast thread pin tucks, beaded fagoting, all in addition to the chunky jeweled details on the front. I don’t think you can get more designer details per square inch than that.

There was the infamous "rabbit" ears headband that Madonna wore to the recent Met gala on display as well. The LV reps humbly admitted they were completely trampled in the press for it. Another snarky blogger had compared Madonna's outfit to the creepy rabbit in "Donnie Darko".

I sipped my champagne, nibbled steak tartare and chatted with fellow fashion bloggers. I also took the opportunity to make Daniel Saynt of fashionindie.com squirm a bit when I pretended to confront him about a catty review of my studio several months ago. He was a cutie and quite apologetic. I love the stuff that his crew and he are doing with their site.

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Louis Vuitton Party Celebrating Stephen Sprouse

Hey! Let's pretend I am still 19 and still have the energy to party all night on the Lower East Side. Let's also pretend this rockin' concert by Debbie Harry is actually 1982, and not being sponsored by big luxury label Louis Vuitton. The grande dame herself was doing the same, acknowledging the change of times, " I don't think I have ever seen so much mink in this room..." We were all partying it up at the Bowery Ballroom to celebrate the opening of the Stephen Sprouse exhibit downtown.

Gorgeous waiters served up sweets like chocolate dipped rice krispie matchsticks, truffles and cotton candy. The bartenders poured out the champagne like we were drowning. The music was a great mix of vintage and current rock as well as nostalgic pop.

Lots of "It-girl" models like Erin Wasson and Agyness Deyn were on the dance floor. Lots of the old 80's and 90's art/party characters were on hand as well, (the drag queen Brandywine and friend above). Cute boys snapped Polaroids and set them on cards with the Stephen Sprouse/Louis Vuitton art rose motifs as party favors. My partner-in-crime, the lady Ritika snapped a bunch of fab party pics the like ones you see above.

Am I really old if I mourn the loss of evenings like this or just immature?

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Blackjack and Hennessey at the Louis Vuitton Casino

The Soho NY location of the Louis Vuitton store was host to a ‘Casino Night’ Wednesday for a Fashion Week party. The event was held to showcase the Damier Graphite collection, featuring a new interpretation of the classic Damier canvas. The collection featured a Gotham-friendly black and charcoal checkered pattern with historic LV logos. Unlike the bright, Murakami print handbags, this collection is very sleek, minimal and masculine. Perfect business bags for the chic and cosmopolitan gentleman.

The party itself was a LOT of fun, with the boutique transformed into a casino. Charming and handsome dealers ran blackjack, roulette, and other casino game classics on custom-made tables with custom-made chips just for the occasion.

Yours truly played over an hour of Blackjack with the humorously printed Louis Vuitton play-money. The player with the most money at the end of the night won a special prize.

I started getting cheeky as I was winning. The dealer asked if I was a regular in Vegas. That is, of course, until my mother and date for the evening gave up all of my credibility.

This happened when I lost one hand (with play money) and she exclaimed and comforted me at the table like it was the biggest tragedy. (The "oh no! I'm so sorry honey!" was a great touch.. mm hmm.) At least all of the other players found it amusing.

It was at this point that I sent her back to the bar to retrieve some extra champagne and Hennessey cocktails. She also had a great time sampling all of the artful treats and sweets served up by male models. Cheesecake is her Kryptonite.

In the end, I did not win the big prize, but did win a bottle of Hennessey with a lucky hand at the table. Party favors were sleek Damier Graphite patterned playing cards.

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