I just might be in lvoe again.
In my post on the seasonal classic, I shared the first of the two bags that I have been hearting. This post is dedicated to the second one.
I recall the early days when I first got on Instagram, tag games were in-trend. We would post to, and tag forward until we have amongst ourselves, exhausted our collection pieces relevant to the tag. One of the most interesting tags I ever had to post to, was #ifIcouldonlyhaveoneLV.
Because.
I only had one LV (bag) – the Trouville, from 2004.
The absence of the brand in my collection was evident, and many of you have noticed and asked why. In part, I was (1) recovering from logo fatigue during those years; and (2) the non-logo LV bags that I liked never made it home with me because of little hiccups at the retail level. Customer service is truly very important. (But all is good, I finally met some lovely SAs recently at my local LV stores.)
I started paying more attention to the brand after the apppointment of Nicolas Ghesquière as the House’s Art Director for the women’s collections in November 2014. For I am a huge fan of Ghesquière’s work at Balenciaga.
This was his promise:
“Louis Vuitton has always incarnated for me the symbol of ultimate luxury, innovation and exploration. I am very honored of the mission that I am entrusted with, and proud to join the history of this great Maison. We share common values and a vision. I can’t wait to join the team. Together we will build the future of the brand while preserving its precious heritage”
– Nicolas Ghesquière, November 2013
At the time of my penning of this article last month, Louis Vuitton and Ghesquière have just announced and confirmed his continued role in the House.
The news came as no surprise, as Louis Vuitton had charted unprecedented growth in both Ghesquière-renewed women’s ready-to-wear and leather goods categories.
What’s next?
“I am very pleased to open the next chapter of the story I started with Louis Vuitton almost 5 years ago. Balancing an incredible heritage with a constant quest for innovation has always been an essential part of my work, it is also at the center of the history of this company and I look forward to further develop the codes we have implemented over the last years.”
– Nicolas Ghesquière, May 2018
Ghesquière has proposed several new bags for Louis Vuitton over the past years, but the one standout (for me) is the Petite Malle creation presented in his first collection (Fall/Winter 2014) for the House.
The Petite Malle – to be worn as a clutch or cross-bodied – has since evolved, having taken on different fabrications and animations. And have in a very short span of time, established itself as a new iconic classic of the Maison.
I appreciate how Ghesquière took, applied and reinvented the House codes, respectfully. The Petite Malle is inspired by the trunks created in the 1800s.
Petite in size, but huge in history, heritage and savoir faire.
The classic Petite Malle styles bear the following signature accents:
- Monogram canvas or Damier leather
- Calf skin trim
- Lambskin lining
- Golden brass finishing
- S-lock magnetic closure
- Adorned with the 3 crosses signature of beau monde photographer and world traveller, Albert Kahn
- Adjustable, and removable leather strap
A quick look at the some of the many creative renditions of the Petite Malle since 2014:
Fall/Winter 2014
There were seasons, when I would ask myself if I was ready to buy-in, from the sidelines. And then kick myself when the pieces I liked have passed me by. Several times over.
Your question to me: Which one (that got away) did I regret (the most)? 
My answer: This one (pictured) from Fall/Winter 2016. When the Petite Malle took on the Reverse Monogram print for the first time.
So imagine my delight to discover, and bring home a variant of the unicorn (featured in the cover image headlining this post), in reverse monogram, in the upgraded size that now fits the larger smartphones.
Never mind my baggage issues with logo, and gold-hardware, this Petite Malle is not getting away this time. Something about the combination, I love.
Coming to the best part before I sign off this post, Louis Vuitton does allow for you to customise your Petite Malle. You get to ‘assemble’ your dream Petite Malle from a selection of trims, leathers, colours, and hardware options. Approval and quotation from Paris depends on the complexity of the request.
I have sent in my request, and will see where this rediscovered lvoe takes me, in anticipation.
Images courtesy of Louis Vuitton and @happybaggage.
Related Links:
Louis Vuitton: Nicolas Ghesquière’s Reinventions
