In rather hectic fashion, Shannon and I made our way to New York last Monday for the unique chance to meet and greet the Chief Operating Officer of Louis Vuitton North America, Mr. Daniel Lalonde. When we received the invitation last week whilst being on vacation, there was no real hesitation before realizing that we had to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
The Location
Shannon and I had high hopes that the event was going to take place in the flagship store on 5th Avenue, in our fantasies we had envisioned Vuitton clearing a whole floor off eager shoppers and letting the event attendees roam the palace freely.
The disappointment was only faint when a kind SA in the store pointed us to the adjacent building down 57th Street, where part of Louis Vuitton N.A.’s corporate headquarters are located. To my pleasant surprise, the showroom was presenting beautiful pieces of LV’s fall collection, some of which I captured on camera.
The Crowd
Overall, I believe a good 25 people circled in and out of the showroom during the two hours that we chatted, networked, analyzed and cooperated. The publishers invited were mainly local New York fashion bloggers, some of which included our good friends Daniel and Rebecca Saynt, Yuli Ziv, Wendy Lam and the ever-so-fabulous Gala Darling. There were more, sadly I had not the chance to meet everyone.
The Challenge
Purpose of the cocktail & hors d’Å“uvre hour with Vuitton’s CEO and the delightful Vuitton staff was to continue the ongoing dialogue between the fashion house and us online fashion publishers and bloggers.
Generally speaking, the big challenge faced by independent fashion bloggers is the hesitant recognition and support by well-established fashion houses. Despite the Internet realm and its fashion bloggers having massive customer outreach, strong influence on buying decisions and readerships that challenge long-time print magazines, the relationship between online publishers and companies like Vuitton, Hermes, Gucci and the likes, is still in its infancy. To continue the relationship analogy, fashion houses and traditional print media enjoy a long-lasting marriage with kids, while online publishers are just out on their first date, clumsy, nervous and dripping ice cream on the date’s shoes.
The Dialogue
Shannon and I actually had the opportunity to introduce ourselves and have a chat with Mr. Lalonde when he entered the showroom. To our astonishment, he seemed very receptive to our ideas and genuinely interested in our suggestions, requests and input. Not that we expected otherwise, but it was a very refreshing moment to realize that we were being heard and that we had (hopefully) contributed to paving the way for a closer relationship between publishers and LV. A very cool feeling to converse with a corporate head figure that makes decision on a daily basis that have an effect on millions of people. Humbling, really.
The CEO was not the only corporate figure in attendance that night. It was a sleek gentlemen who I met near the entrance of the showroom, who turned out to be the LV Director Of Advertising Eric Lichtmess. I noticed a yet-so-slight accent in his voice, it turned out that he was indeed from a city near where I grew up in Germany. We engaged in a very interesting discussion on general advertising strategies, Vuitton’s future plans in terms of online presence and devised plans for a possible collaboration. Very nice chap, a delight to talk to.
It was an absolute pleasure to meet everyone in attendance, including the PR managers (thank you Lesley) and other bloggers. Shannon and I had a great time and left the event with a feeling of accomplishment. The travels may have been crazy hectic, but there really is not a price tag on having opportunities, such as this one.
The Goods
We had the opportunity to capture some of the Fall 2009 collection accessories that were displayed in the showroom. Click each thumbnail for more information on the item!
LOVE IT. Could you give specifics as to what you particularly asked him via members of TPF?
Great article, fantastic photography and thanks for sharing. Hope you had fun too, sounds like you did.
Wow, you have the best job in the world! Love the recap. Thank you!
Great article! I love the photography. I’d also love to hear the questions and answers from the interview in which you were engaged with Mr. Lalonde.
Sadly, we have no transcript of our conversation. However, I am confident we will be able to do a Q&A with PB reader-submitted questions in the near future!
WOW! Sounds like a walk in the clouds!!! Congrats!
great write up and pictures vlad!!!!!!
Sounds like a great event & opportunity Vlad & Shannon! Great pics thanks!
Sounds like a great evening, I love the pictures. Were there other bags that you did not photograph? Were they ok with you photographing? Also is the CEO going to look at TPF and see what we talk about?
They gave Vlad the ok to take a camera, which I was a tad surprised about but SO happy about!!!
I think that was most of the bags, but I could be wrong!
And yes, LV is aware of our site and I believe Daniel LaLonde looked at it before the event started and told Vlad that he did!!!!
^ OMG, how cool is that Mr. LaLonde visited our website! Thank you Megs and Vlad for the write up and eye candy 🙂 I look forward for the possible Q&A in near future~
Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks so much for this great insight. I love the sleek detailing on these pieces. Time to save for that Silver clutch…swoon.
That is so cool that they did that for you guys. I hope the big denim fashion houses do that for us at some point! Love the monogram revelation keepall…its like Speedy Monogram and Epi combined into one…love…I hope they make it in a 25 and 30 too!
xoxo,
Liane @ Denimology
As always Vlad you have provided some spectacular photos. For years the internet has been known as a great way to improve market share and it’s surprising that recognition of blogwriters such as PB is slow to catch on with the bigger fashion houses. Looks like this was a great event and thanks for reporting on it.
wow what a fabulous opportunity! thanks so much for the great info and pics!
That’s SO cool! I’m so envious of Vlad and Shannon for getting to meet with Mr. Lalonde…
Great pics Vlad and I can’t wait to read any other updates on the cocktail reception!
What an amazing experience! I love the photos too….Are my eye deceiving me or is that a green graffiti speedy with PINK piping? Hot stuff!!!
Hi. You seem to “know your stuff”, so I was wondering if you could help me out a bit.
I found a Chanel 2.55 online, and I was wondering if you could give me some tips.
I am afraid of getting ripped of and getting a fake one, so can you take a look at this and tell me what you think? Here´s the link:
I´ll be very thankful if you could answer me. Thanks!
karinahtveit@gmail.com
Sounds so exciting, fabulous reporting! I can’t wait to visit the flagship store on 5th Avenue, in 2 weeks…..just being there gives me goosebumps!
Thanks for the heads up! Glad you enjoyed your visit!
“disappointment was faint” not “feint”
I couldn’t be happier that there is a blog like this, as it enables communication between a brand, its decision makers, and the customers, such that is never experienced before but which can only be enabled by the semi-informal track introduced by the blogosphere. In my view, attendances and collaborations such as this are extremely valuable for fashion brands tackling with controversial exposure in the Internet, and thus I must applaud the folks at Louis Vuitton for venturing to such relationship. Also, gotta say that the sequined pochette will be a huge success -although I guess they always are because of their approachable price tag. Nice photos, and well chosen runway items. I had to say this, because some of the pieces in the Fall Show got me a bit scared (and I might add the first real-life exposure with Madonna’s Met outfit didn’t really help!).
loooooves LV!!!
This is so exciting and awesome that you guys got to be a part of it. I love the shoes and the clutch.
wow its so amazing! you are so very lucky you were invited, thanks so much for the picturess! i think the new season pieces are interesting…but not for something akin to everyday use like some other pieces can be. speaking of which, i really adore the sprouse collection! thinking about getting a neverfull sprouse.. =)
LV are totally drool-worthy. Wish I could have been there! x
I need help. Can someone please pick up my jaw from the floor? Because the fall ’09 accessories are gorgeous.
What a great opportunity to speak about such topics with Mr. Lalonde and others from the LV family! In regards to connecting to the online world, Louis Vuitton’s presence on Twitter alone is a move in the right direction. Its a great an easy way for the fashion house to connect to us and visa versa. I know that some industry professionals/insiders worry using such outlets could “cheapen” a luxury brand, but I don’t see that happening with LV. Their longetivity, amazing quality, and loyal customers and fans would prevent such a thing from happening. If anything, it would make the house and brand even better.
the shoes looks faboosh!
Sounds like a great experience! The photos are great.
sounds like you all had a fabulous time!
wonderful pictures! And what a great opportunity that was. The new collection is gorgeous; especially love the clutches! Now I’m wondering what Mr. Lalonde wants to do with purse blog? Is it our turn to answer questions?
Looks like fun, lucky you!
wow that looks amazing!
Amazing. So colorful!
Excellent pictures!! And love 2009 fall purses!! Amazing!
those bags for Fall 2009 are beautiful! i especially love that alma.
gorgeous accessories! drool!
the night sounds amazing, great pics~
Sounds awesome – great article!
You are so very lucky!! Any girl’s DREAM!! 🙂
Great article! Purses.. my one true obsession!
Oh! I love them all! Thanks!
i’m so jealous, look how delicious the purses are!
Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Great photos, thanks for sharing!
I love all the pics! Looked like fun! I am a fanatic of good quality handbags, so thanks for sharing!
Oh, wow! I’m loving the fall 2009 collection. It’s nice to see different colors and textures on the purses.
Wow, so elegant and beautiful!!
Such fun
I wish I was there! I’m so glad that PurseBlog got this fab opportunity though… and it just shows us how influential the blog really is! Yay PurseBlog!!!
Sounds like you had a great networking opportunity.
I’ve retweeted… http://twitter.com/DavinaMarie
Great article you really did a nice job! Thank you so much!
lovely pics!! so wonderful to see the fall collection
I echo some of the sentiments of fellow commentors — it’s great that LV is recognizing the blogging world and inviting you as “press” to events like this. Sure, it has a long way to go, but you making the trip to something like this is a milestone indeed. Cheers and thanks for sharing!
This is fantastic! I live vicariously through you.
The fall collection is beautiful. I’m jealous.
I retweeted and commented above
Retweet — http://twitter.com/FashionBabies/status/2097338178
Such a unique and special opportunity! Sounds like you had a great time. How come Megs did not go?
Great pictures! I retweeted! http://twitter.com/amelieinparis7
What a wonderful opportunity!
Oops! forgot my retweet: http://www.twitter.com/blueidblonde
If that were me, it would be like being in heaven! I adore that Silver Biseta Clutch…be still my heart!
RT:
http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/2099651501
Wow great pictures. This looks loke a party I would have loved to be at.
RT:
http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/2099686366
Very chic and stylish!
I am drooling over all these pictures!
& I tweeted the giveaway, btw!
http://twitter.com/SlurpeeFan/status/2100165172
Those are all fabulous pictures. I love the red shoes. Thanks for sharing your experience. It looks like you had a lot of fun.
Sounds like fun — I love the new fall collection, especially the pink Satin Plisse Matelasse!!
Those are all fabulous pictures. I love the red shoes. Thanks for sharing your experience. It looks like you had a lot of fun.
http://twitter.com/berrydelicious/
Fab pictures, everything looks gorgeous!
I RT’d the giveaway as well!
http://twitter.com/StephanieNoelle
Love, love love the Satin Plisse Matelasse!!!! Retweet:http://twitter.com/LVmomt
That sounds amazing! Love to have been there.
retweet!http://twitter.com/southrngrl/status/2107009657
Wonderful article and the photos are great!! I RT to enter giveaway. Love PurseBlog, keep up the good work!!!
http://twitter.com/greendiva08/status/2107034724
love the new bags!!!
Love it! Love Purseblog!
Retweet: https://twitter.com/KrystinMac
I think I may be in love with the paillete Alma. *drools*
interesting shoes! Very unique. Nice bags as well.
Love the shoes at the end!
Glad you got to have such a nice and open conversation!
Retweet: http://www.twitter.com/YW_tol
twitter: frostedcouture
The shoes are like a piece of art–very cool 🙂 I love the pictures.
wonderful!
i also retweeted! – http://twitter.com/kaylawicker/status/2107149663
thanks! you girls rule.
oooh i love the pictures… i saw a gorgeous green neon graffiti that i wanna snatch from the table LOL
Wow! Those purse look gorgeous!!!
I retweeted: http://twitter.com/littleleslie
I have read through this entire event recap several times, and it still feels like I was right there with you! The only thing you forgot to mention was what YOU wore to the event, and how all the other press and fashion bloggers in attendance were dressed, bags they carried, etc. I’m sure that the crowd was a lot of fun, independent from all the LV goods (which are gorgeous!).
I’m retweeting and linking here, too.
New collection is beautiful!!!
Retweeting http://www.twitter.com/luliferrer
Great write up and pics!! 😀
Love it!!
Those purses are gorgeous!
Retweeted; https://twitter.com/EloquentLace
“Ere you consult your fancy, consult your purse.”
-Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790)
“Ere you consult your fancy, consult your purse.â€
-Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790)
Retweeted
twitter.com/lyzzstauffer
Lovely
I LOVE the shoes!!
I retweeted: http://twitter.com/YaniMarvelous
I re-twittered.. :
http://twitter.com/mirenny
I love the products! Beautiful shoes and bags… I lust after them!!
LOVE it!! the shoes or fierce and the bags are sexy!
I want to order a few of those fabulous shoes for myself! The purses are to die for! I must have one… I’ve also RT on Twitter
Gorgeous photos and great article! Keep them coming!
Love your site. it doesn’t help my purse obsession but it’s okay :]
twitter.com/kbabi0348
thanks. xx!
Great event….And Vlad took super great pics of the LV bags and shoes…I wish we all could be there with you guys…
http://twitter.com/zaali
You guys are so lucky! Thx for all the details!
What a great recap!! I am loving the new 2009 bags! Thanks for keeping us in the loop!
Thanks for the recap! Love the new bags!
Looks like it was a lovely affair and very elegant!
Retweeted: http://twitter.com/hrbeck/status/2109309362
retweeted: http://twitter.com/ashieho
thanks for the recap! i love the handbags 2009 LV handbags <3
Oh wow, fashion and blogging – two of my favourite things! 🙂 I can’t imagine what it must have been like to be able to attend such a prestigious event! Amazing!
Retweeted here: http://twitter.com/ninalicious/status/2109683715
Retweeted: http://twitter.com/Goldie9899
Loved reading the recap and seeing all the new fabulous bags–especially the Satin Plisse Matelasse in Pink (love it)!!
very nice.longie1363@twitter.com
Loves it, and I shall Retweet!
twitter.com/recessionista
You should definitely do a Q&A or interview. That would be awesome!!
Great article though and fun pics!!
RT on http://twitter.com/thehousewife
What a fabulous event!
Wonderful recap..what an awesome opportunity. Thankful for yall at TPF 🙂 & Fall 09 accessories are beautiful! Esp. the pailette work.
RT at http://twitter.com/brigette_r
Wow! What a wonderful opportunity for you guys! I’m glad that the fashion houses are now starting to take bloggers seriously akin to the brick and mortar stores. I’m glad that I’m part of the “purseblog family”!
RT http:/twitter.com/nicolerichie
This sounds like the start of something exciting for the growth of your readers and supporters. I love the opportunity to get to check out and talk to others on how they are successful.
http://twitter.com/agirlw I retweeted
OMG !!! What an amazing event, and look at all those pretty new bags!! I’m retweeting now at http://twitter.com/StephieT224
Love the bags, gorgeous! Love the shoes too! I retweeted!
http://twitter.com/mikoism
For the first time, I think LV shoes are drawing me more than the bags.
Retweet: http://twitter.com/jessfk/status/2133639201
I love the dark red shoes with the black lace overlay!
Retweeted: http://twitter.com/fashionablegal/status/2138165985
MEGs, I would kill to have your job!
& I retweeted as well http://twitter.com/annaversary
Retweeted: twitter.com/iheartally
what a wonderful party!
http://www.thelifestyletrend.com
Very good blog and read!
I love LV! The photos of the handbags and shoes are beautiful, everything looks gorgeous! As a handbag lover I would have loved to have been able to had this experience myself, so I’m very glad that you’ve shared it, sounds like a fantastic experience!
I retweeted: http://www.twitter.com/pandakissesxo
Retweeted: http://www.twitter.com/misaisms
Loved the description of the LV corporate showroom – it’s neat they have LV pieces here and there like art – which is exactly how I think some of their purses / SLGs are!
What a great opportunity!
Retweeted: http://www.twitter.com/JennyG
Love the denim clutch!! Retweet: http://twitter.com/LindiCole
Thanks for the report and love all the pictures! RT: http://twitter.com/circepear
Oops that wasn’t denim it’s quilted silk! Beautiful!!! Me wanty!
Great photographs. Those clutches are to die for!
It’s great that they are willing to talk with fashion bloggers. I would imagine that was a big step for them.
Retweeted: http://twitter.com/beth1170/status/2153900772
Retweeted Sounds like a wonderful event with great networking with bloggers. So nice to see the big fashion houses getting involved
Those mens shoes are siiiiiiiiiiiick.
http://www.twitter.com/lifelady
Excited about the Fall ’09 collection! What a great opportunity to build relationships with a forerunner in fashion houses!
http://www.twitter.com/mshahab
Love the write up and pics of the new collection! SO exciting that you were one of the privileged few that were invited to go!
the bags are GORGE!!! <3’in all the hardware!!!!
AMAZING pictures! Love the shots. RT – http://twitter.com/justmellowdee/status/2159293883
You are so lucky you got to go! Love the pics 🙂
Love them all! 🙂
It looks like you had an amazing time and got to see a lot of beautiful items! Jealous!
RT here: twitter.com/imasadgiraffe
Twitter: Bubchen
I love it, all of it! I wish I was there…
Can you spell GREENWITHENVY?!! OMG guys you are sooo lucky! Just wish I could afford either item, one of these days Alice!
Those heels in ‘The Goods’ section look to die for. Now I am very interested. Some lovely photography and nice writing. Impressed.
Also, tweeted. http://twitter.com/sukiyatoyukara
The Louis Vuitton Satin Plisse Matelasse is to die for! So chic!
tweeted! http://twitter.com/warp65/statuses/2160245012
amazing! such a fantastic opportunity! great pics!
rt – https://twitter.com/hfxshopgirl
Those purses are droolworthy!
YIKES¡These bags are REALLY FUGLY!
http://www.bagsebay.com
Gday! Good thought, but could this genuinely operate?
wonderful products, seems as a great showing, (ipad)