louis vuitton

Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama Sarah wallet

April 26, 2023 in General Fashion / Handbags tagged art / collaborations / louis vuitton / wallets by Bay Area Fashionista

louis vuitton x yayoi kusama second collab

pictured: Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama Sarah wallet /

How pretty is this long wallet from the Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama collaboration! I am so excited!

As you know, I am fan of Yayoi Kusama’s artwork. I love her whimsical work with polka dots and her pop-art vibe. It is amazing how she expresses her inner feelings through pop-art. Normally pop-art, and the whole pop-art scene in the 1960s in general, was fun, but Kusama expressed really deep, troubled emotions and mental health issues through her art. It is a combination of the colorful pop-art of the 1960s and the inner depths of the classical artist. I feel honored to be able to have a small piece of her work, even if it is on a wallet. She truly is an icon of the art world.

The first collaboration Yayoi Kusama did with Louis Vuitton was roughly ten years ago, and at that time I invested in a small, polka dot handbag. This time around, I wanted more than just cute polka dots, I wanted something reflective of Kusama’s art itself, so I decided to invest in the Louis Vuitton Sarah Wallet. I don’t own a long wallet, and it seemed like both a practical item to purchase as well as large enough to showcase Yayoi Kusama’s collaboration with Louis Vuitton. Love!

If you haven’t checked out the collaboration yet, I highly recommend doing so! There are plenty of pumpkins to choose from, and if pumpkins aren’t your thing, there are several color combinations of Yayoi Kusama’s signature polka dots. I love the blue pieces and also the black with magenta. Of course, I already have a piece of her black and white polka dots from the first collaboration with Louis Vuitton.

I love how Louis Vuitton packaged the collaboration this time around. The polka dot ribbon is so pretty and the box is ideal for storage. I plan to keep all of the packaging because it makes the collaboration whole.

Yayoi Kusama around the web:

What do you think of the second collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Yayoi Kusama? Did you invest in any pieces the first time around, or this time?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

Louis Vuitton X Yayoi Kusama take two

May 23, 2022 in General Fashion / Handbags tagged cruise 2023 / louis vuitton / runways by Bay Area Fashionista

pictured: This is my little pouch from the original Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama collaboration in fall 2012. I love this little bag and have pulled it out for many occasions over the years, including fashion week!

I love a good designer collaboration. While some are interesting to look at, such as the recent Gucci and Balenciaga collab, others are so intriguing, I want a part of them. This re-collaboration between Louis Vuitton and artist Yayoi Kusama is exactly that; a collab I want a part of.

In case you just read that last paragraph and are wondering what in the world I am babbling about, here is the tea! Ten years after the first collaboration, Louis Vuitton is collaborating, once again, with famed artist Yayoi Kusama. Her work is instantly recognizable and renown throughout the world. In 2021, Kusama collaborated with Louis Vuitton to created totes, handbags, and accessories in her famous dot patterns. Most of the pieces were black and white, yellow and black, red and white, or red and black. I loved the black and white patterns, so I snapped up this little pouch to wear on special occasions; after all, it was a special collaboration, so an everyday bag didn’t feel right. I am in love with this little bag!

For the Cruise 2023 season, Louis Vuitton has once again partnered with Yayoi Kusama to create another special collection, and it is just as fabulous, if not more, than the original. Hold onto your hats, this one might blow them off! While I don’t have permission to post photos from the collab here, you can see the bags yourself on Louis Vuitton’s Instagram. Check out their saved stories to see the bags walking down the runway.

The new collection includes a more three-dimensional version of Kusama’s famous dots. There are stud-dots, which I want in my collection, and there are rainbow dots painted on bags. I love the soft box bag with studs. It really is a fabulous piece. Please check their Instagram so you know what I am describing.

Missed out on the first collab? Here are a few pieces on the secondary market online, enjoy!

This new collection is said to launch in January 2023, but I suspect you can get your hands on it before Christmas, after all, many designers release cruise a bit early in order to take advantage of the holiday rush. What do you think of the collection? Do you have a favorite piece?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

Top 10 classic handbags right now

December 28, 2016 in Handbags / Trends tagged balenciaga / chanel / chloe / classic style / givenchy / gucci / hermes / louis vuitton / stella mccartney by Bay Area Fashionista

It seems every season we are seeking the current IT bag of the moment. While there are many IT bags on the market, there are always classic handbags out there which catch our eyes.

What is a classic handbag? To understand this, we need to ask ourselves what makes one handbag more classic than another handbag? A classic handbag is one which withstands the test of time. Timeless handbags have stood on the IT bag pedestal, and when another IT bag du jour stepped into the limelight, the previous IT bag never faltered; it never became cliché.

The reason I have titled this article “Top 10 classic handbags right now,” instead of saying “all time,” is because this list will change very year, or every few years. There are always new IT bags emerging in the fashion world which will eventually fall into obscurity, or rise to classis status.

There are several IT bags on the market right now which are hot for the moment. They may, or may not, become classics over time. To see the hottest bags on the street right now, visit my post here. For classic handbags, read on!

Without further adieu, here are the top 10 classic handbags right now.

Hermes Birkin or Kelly: Groundbreaking right? You already knew this one! The Birkin and the Kelly have sleek lines and they are customizable in different sizes, colors, and fabrications. There is nothing gimmicky about the styling. The silhouette is chic and timeless, making it a classic handbag.
Givenchy Antigona: Say whaaaat? Oh yes, this is the perfect example of a recent IT bag turned classic IT bag. The Givenchy Antigona has slid into the closet staple category; everyone feels the need to own at least one. It has a classic doctor bag silhouette and is offered in mini, small, medium and large sizes as well as several colors, and different fabrications. This is must-have for the modern age.
Chanel Classic Flap or 2.55 shoulder bag: Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! Every handbag fan out there needs at least one in her closet. The classic flap and the 2.55 come in mini, small, medium, and jumbo versions. All sizes are hot, all colors enviable, and all fabrications lust worthy.
Chanel Boy bag. Another example of a recent, modern IT bag turned classic. This bag has an edgy slant to it, surprising many when it became an instant hit. Since Chanel keeps reinventing this now-classic style every season, it is one of the most sought-after handbags of all time. Invest in at least one. It is the ultimate classic, casual shoulder bag to own.
Chloe Marcie satchel: This casual, closet staple has held IT bag status for over a decade. The popular colors include black, beige, and caramel. This is a great everyday bag Chloe Girls love to own! It has an unique design which is slightly boho. The bag is easy to use and extremely durable, making it the IT bag for everyday.
Gucci Boston Bag: This is a classic duffle satchel. It has been around fooooor-eva! The Gucci Boston is an everyday bag which is quite casual. It has a roomy interior making it great for girls who like to tote a lot of things around. Vintage versions can be found for well under $1000, making it a budget-wise purchase from the pre-loved market.
Stella McCartney Falabella Tote: This vegan handbag is loved by celebrities and comes in small or large sizes. The Falabella is also available in many different colors making it a fun, everyday bag. The smaller versions can be worn for dressier occasions; not formal, just dressy.
Balenciaga City Tote: The City Tote put handbag zippers and tassels on the map. This soft and scrunchy bag is roomy and practical, making it a go-to everyday bag on casual days. Balenciaga introduces it in new colors every season creating a market of superfans who collect the bag in every color imaginable. The most popular color among handbag lovers is Anthracite.
Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote: This might be one of the most recognizable totes on the planet. The plain, simple design of the Neverfull has made it an easy go-to tote for Fashionistas everywhere. Almost everyone has it in their closet. It is a go-to when traveling, beach-bound, and the like.
Chloe Drew: This chic, 1970s inspired shoulder bag has a very of-the-moment saddle bag silhouette, yet it has proven to withstand the test of fleeting IT bag status. The Chloe Drew is extremely sought after, and continues to sell well in every color, fabrication, and unique style Chloe has thrown to market. This is most the modern of the current, classic IT bags.

What do you think of the handbags that made the list? Any surprises or bags you felt were missing? Data for this list was compiled through social media post frequency, natural observation throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, and online popularity. I worked on collecting data for this list over the course of six months, I hope you enjoy it! Feel free to comment below, I would love to hear what you have observed where you live too!

Thanks for stopping by

XOXO

Cathy

Cookie Notice