The Downton Express {Louis Vuitton F/W 2012}
20/03/2012 § 1 Comment
Have you ever wanted to love something so much, because you felt it was thisclose to perfection — but you just couldn’t quite get there? This was the exact feeling I had while watching the Louis Vuitton Fall Winter 2012 show. Even before that magnificent train fully pulled into the “station” and the models disembarked one at a time, trailed by immaculate porters bearing the iconic bags the house of Vuitton is known for, I knew that Marc Jacobs was pulling from the same early 20th century inspiration well that Ralph had also dipped into (and that I loved) and I got excited — but I should have seen the kaleidoscopic Jacobs twist coming. Indeed, with all the glittery doo-dads, exaggerated silhouettes and ridiculous hat action, I wouldn’t be very surprised to learn Dr. Suess or Tim Burton had assisted. And while I definitely respect Vuitton for pushing their boundaries, I must admit that I frequently feel disinterested in the brand’s contemporary fashion collections. I suppose I’m just not a Marc Jacobs girl.
The bags and luggage are usually a different story, and while I did find plenty to like among the collection’s accessories, I was still most bowled over the amazing production value of the show — which is destined to be my favorite concept for a very long time. I did want to share a few bright spots from the show though, which were best shown by the detail photos of Yannis Vlamos for Vogue Magazine.
Perfection. Complete and utter perfection.
Of course, if you are more of a Marc Jacobs fan than I,
you can head here to view the full collection (via Vogue).
Also amazing is this short film produced by Louis Vuitton, which is a lovely behind-the-scenes look at the show’s preparations all the way through its execution:
Louis Vuitton – Marc Jacobs at Les Arts Décoratifs
22/02/2012 § 1 Comment
Simply adore this!
Presenting “Fan Club,” an art deco burlesque fantasy à la Busby Berkeley shot in honor of the upcoming “Louis Vuitton – Marc Jacobs” exhibit at Les Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Not a mere retrospective, the exhibit highlights the contributions of trunk-maker Louis Vuitton and designer Marc Jacobs (current creative director of Louis Vuitton) to the world of fashion through the parallel lenses of the industrialization of the late nineteenth century and the increased globalization of the early twenty first century. “Louis Vuitton – Marc Jacobs” runs from March 6 through September 16.
More information here (en français).
Les Arts Décoratifs – Mode et textile
107 rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
Tél. : 01 44 55 57 50
Métro : Palais-Royal, Pyramides ou Tuileries
Autobus : 21, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81, 95
**And don’t forget about Babar’s exhibit at Les Arts Décoratifs!
Asnières: The Home of Vuitton
12/01/2012 § 1 Comment
Home to Louis Vuitton and his family between 1880 and the 1970s, the house at Asnières is also the first and historical workshop of Louis Vuitton. At present, all the “rare and exceptional” Louis Vuitton products from the Leather Goods collections are made in Asnières, as well as all special orders. Located just outside of Paris, Asnières is also a “secret” museum of over 150 years of Louis Vuitton heritage not officially open to the public. However, I am told that if you ring them and ask very nicely, they might allow you to schedule an appointment for a tour. This gorgeous home and museum is at the top of my list of things to do when next I am in Paris, bien sûr.
Louis Vuitton Museum
17 Rue de la Comète
Asnières, France
Photos by Todd Selby, who visited the home in 2010.
Les Histoires de Babar at Les Arts Décoratifs
04/01/2012 § 2 Comments
Can you believe that Babar, the beloved king of the elephants from the popular children’s books written by Jean de Brunhoff and his son Laurent, is turning 80 this year? In his honor, Les Arts Décoratifs in Paris has put together a lovely exhibition of books, sketches, toys and memorabilia, drawing from great museums and private collections around the world, showing Babar’s journey throughout the years.
Growing up, Babar was one of my very favorite stories, and I strongly believe it is the source of my small obsession with elephants. I especially love the simplicity of the watercolor illustrations by Jean de Brunhoff, from the little pom pom on cousin Arthur’s beret to the wrinkles of the older elephants. It was even better to find out that Babar was originally a bedtime story told by Cécile de Brunhoff, mother to Laurent (who was five at the time) and wife to Jean, a painter, in 1930. Jean, at the request of his sons, turned the story into an illustrated album that was then published by his uncle’s publishing house in 1931 as Histoire de Babar, le petit éléphant (Story of Babar), to great acclaim. Jean went on to write six more Babar books before his untimely death in 1937, with son Laurent continuing the tradition after WWII. Laurent has since added more than thirty books.
A lovely interview with Laurent about Babar, his family and his own writing.
New York’s own Morgan Library — one of my favorite places in the city — has also contributed to the exhibition in Paris, and for good reason. In their collection they have the Jean’s original maquette (or first draft) of Histoire de Babar, which you can view online here with commentary and comparison to the published work.
The exhibit runs through September 2012, and I have very high hopes I will be able to make it to Paris in time to catch it. If you go before I do, please give Babar my regards.
Les Arts Décoratifs
107 rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
Impossible Choice: Paris or New York?
07/01/2011 § Leave a Comment
After discovering Paris vs New York, a tally of two cities, I am excitedly making plans for a select set of purchases to decorate my NYC pied-à-terre! (Okay okay, fine, it’s not a pied-à-terre since I live there all the time, but it is on the smallish and cozyish side, like a proper pied-à-terre. So there.)
Artist Vahram Muratyan is the creator of a visually engaging series of images that draw cheeky comparisons between the two great cities (le snack, le journal, la facade, etc.,) and a select few are available for purchase at the online shop. As someone who has been carrying around a Metro ticket from her last Paris trip, Muratyan’s images have me wistful to repeat it…and yet I’m feeling very competitive about the wonderful city where I make my home! The solution? Un pied-à-terre à Paris, bien sûr!
Some of my favorites are below. Be sure to drop by his blog to see what else he comes up with!
