Handbags as art pieces? We’re here for it! This June, Louis Vuitton is unveiling its latest artistic collaboration with noted contemporary artists Jonas Wood, Sam Falls, Alex Israel, Tschabalala Self and Urs Fischer. The limited-edition ARTYCAPUCINES Collection presents Louis Vuitton’s iconic Capucines bag as the ultimate ‘blank canvas’ for each artist’s unique creative vision. The result is a dreamy collection of droolworthy bags that would be equally as at home in a gallery space as in the walk-in closet of our dreams.
The house of Louis Vuitton has a storied history of partnering with renowned artists to reimagine their most classic bags as art pieces; the brand has collaborated in the past with art luminaries including Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami, Richard Prince, Yayoi Kusama and Jeff Koons. We’re obsessed with the newest collection, a fresh and fun collection of handbags that embrace both the House of Louis Vuitton’s dedication to craftsmanship and passion for art.
Inspired by Jonas Wood’s paintings, the printed bag is embroidered with over 200,000 stitches to give this statement-maker a rich texture. The pink and red striped interior give a fun pop of color and are an unexpected surprise. Our favorite touches are the pink matte LV logo and whimsical giraffe charm.
Nicholas Hlobo’s take on the ARTYCAPUCINES features a beautiful and intricate hand-laced floral pattern that evokes the Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas. The craftsmanship that goes into the bag makes it a true work of art that feels simultaneously handmade and luxurious.
Urs Fischer’s limited edition ARTYCAPUCINES bag looks good enough to eat. The white Taurillon Capucines BB is transformed from handbag to hanging sculpture with the addition of hand-painted silicone fruits, veggies, and even an egg suspended from an ultra thin, delicate gold-plated brass chain. This playful piece definitely doesn’t take itself too seriously!
Sam Falls’ interpretation of the ARTYCAPUCINES is a jacquard weave reproduction of his large scale original artwork. Featuring meticulous handmade embroidery and a luxe mother-of-pearl inlaid logo buckle and detail on the handle, the texture and 3D detail on the bag make it a true stunner.
The ARTYCAPUCINES PM by Alex Israel brings his signature playful Cali-style to the LV brand, interpreting the Capucines PM as a bold, bright and colorful statement-maker. Splashed with candy colored leather waves, our favorite touch is the two functional surfboard fins that peek out. (One is a comb, the other a mirror, perfect for touch-ups on the go!) The interior pocket zipper pull features Israel’s profile for a whimsical little bonus.
Tschabalala Self’s limited edition ARTYCAPUCINES deconstructs the iconic LV Monogram pattern and reimagines it as a stunning patchwork of nineteen different types of leather and 200 hand-cut and painted shapes. Due to the handmade nature of the bag, each one is 100% unique… a true one-of-a-kind bag!
This limited and numbered edition collection is set to launch June 27th and is ultra exclusive-- only 300 units of each style will be available, so snap up yours while you can. The collection will be exclusively available in only a handful of stores, including at MDD.
Photos by Studio Lenthal