I don’t think I’ve ever reacted to the announcement of a new handbag collection by saying “you’ve got to be kidding me” out loud to my laptop, but that’s exactly what happened when I realized artist Jeff Koons and his Masters collection of Louis Vuitton bags were back for more. I felt existentially terrorized by the collaboration’s results when the first group debuted several months ago, especially since I’ve been such a vocal supporter of the direction Vuitton’s bags have taken overall under creative director Nicolas Ghesquiere’s leadership. Our readers almost uniformly hated the bags too, which is why I was so surprised to see an additional five painters added to the collection earlier this week, as well as some new bag shapes.
Now Monet, Manet, Boucher, Turner and Gaugin have all been immortalized on Louis Vuitton bags, the lineup of which has expanded to include the recently popular Neonoe and Pochette Metis styles. The new additions are just like the old ones: one of the artist’s classic paintings is rendered across the expanse of the bag’s exterior, and just for extra subtlety and sophistication, the artist’s last name is then added atop it in large, all-caps, gold-tone lettering. On a spiritual level, they still feel like the fine art version of the mall kiosk bags that feature Elvis and Marilyn Monroe’s stylized portraits, sometimes wreathed in plastic crystals.
As with the previous release phase, there is a bright spot: most of the artists also have their works rendered on silk scarves or shawls, which do them much better justice and seem much more wearable. Check out some of the bags below or head over to Louis Vuitton to browse the full selection.
Louis Vuitton x Jeff Koons Boucher Speedy Bag
$2,800 via Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton x Jeff Koons Gauguin Keepall Bag
$4,000 via Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton x Jeff Koons Manet Montaigne Bag
$4,000 via Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton x Jeff Koons Monet Pochette Metis Bag
$3,400 via Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton x Jeff Koons Turner Neonoe Bag
$3,200 via Louis Vuitton
To tell you the truth these bags don’t get enough credit. I know that sounds insane.
When I saw the first collection, i said wtf is this. I have been a part of the Louis Vuitton cult since 2002
I guarantee if you saw the pieces in person you would have a different reaction.
Unfortunately you don’t see many people online wearing them, and the photos at the Louvre are distracting.
I purchased the Montaigne in Fragonard And Van Gogh and a Titian shawl (which eventually I’ll hang In my home).
In person the prints are gorgeous and it’s like viewing the actually painting, you see the strokes and the cracking of the painting,
Like Louis Vuitton is all about the canvas, it’s awesome that the worlds famous painting are on it.
They clearly aren’t a everyday look for most, but it’s a bag that would be seen. You’ll stand out.
To tell you the truth there are times I stare at them for a long time, you forget the history of art.
Online it looks like a cheap kiosk item but believe me you it is crafted by the best, imagine a kiosk at the Louvre and Vuitton and Koons made the pieces.
IM GOING TO SAY THIS ONCE! you can hate the artist lettering in the front, the opposite side doesn’t have it , so make that your backside if you hate it so much, I’ve heard this many times, and it’s so silly, there is two side to the bag one with the artist lettering and one with an LV.
I PROMISE in the future your all going to regret not having one of these pieces, it will be like having the monogram cherries and camo or multi color or miroir or sprouse.
The Keepall are gorgeous, I saw them at the NY LV exhibit, I wish I had a Keepall.
I chose the Montaigne Because during the first collection, it was the only piece that had the painting wrapped all around
The Keepall and speedy have the solid color leather with monogram on the side. Even though it’s beautiful. I might get a Rubens if I come across on online, I don’t like to buy re used.
You do however have to find the right painting for you. The fragonard has pink leather so I said it was more “wearable” but it all depends on what you wear.
If you come across one in good condition purchase it, you won’t regret it.
The outside is canvas(some people still think it’s leather)
Inside is an amazing leather with artists descriptions and leather trimming
In the future they will be extremely valuable, take care of these pieces