Discover the creative process behind Louis Vuitton‘s Autumn/Winter 2015/2016 collection at the Louis Vuitton Series 3 exhibition.
It’s the first time such an exhibition – if we can call it that – is staged in Singapore. Louis Vuitton Series 3 is an interpretation, in the form of an experience, of Nicolas Ghesquière’s third collection for the luxury house. Exhibitions were held for past Series.
Whether you’re in fashion and luxury goods – or not – it’s free anyway, so might as well check out a side of Louis Vuitton that doesn’t end with shopping. Nothing for sale here.
After signing in at the foyer, Louis Vuitton’s famous monogram – encased in a circle – is repeated in a 3D installation, projecting the House through time and space.
Master Mind
Gaze at both the heritage of Louis Vuitton and the creative mind of Nicolas Ghesquière, with a magic trunk in the middle that shows ‘hologram’ sketches.
Artists’ Hands
Take a seat and watch how the Petite Malle and Dora bags are created, from the perspective of an artisan.
Infinite Show
Immerse yourself in Louis Vuitton’s Autumn-Winter 2015-2016 show, where you can walk towards the looks.. or walk around in this virtual runway.
Accessories Gallery
White silhouettes hold accessories in a white room flooded with light. Also on display, historic pieces that have inspired pieces in Nicolas Ghesquière’s collections.
A trunk made for Roberte Cusey, Miss France.
Walk In Wardrobe
See the actual pieces from the AW2015 collections up close here.
The Racing Trunk you saw earlier? It inspired this Boite Promenade Orange Croisière. There’s a Petite Malle with the same look, too.
A Tale of Craftsmanship
The last room showcases live demos of the assembly of the Petite Malle in Monogram Canvas. This bag is introduced in Nicolas Ghesquière’s début collection in 2014. Variantions have turned up in every fashion show, and these mini trunk bags are collectible clutches.
Its introduction made a splash, because some sales associates have claimed that it’s the Birkin bag of Louis Vuitton. Limited edition, SAs having their ‘quotas’, “it’s entirely handmade!”, not every customer can place an order; and the mythic list goes on.
This never came to pass because a core line is clearly designed for the permanent collection. LV wants to sell this, and a lot of it. They need a new icon – one with a higher barrier to entry. Something for customers of their ‘entry-level’ class bags to aim for. An indulgent gift for that special moment.
While it’s a beautiful accessory that can be hand-carried or worn as a sling bag, this tiny trunk isn’t that functional. There’s barely any space after you put a smartphone in.
The Petite Malle in Monogram Canvas is the most iconic design, and one of the few still constructed the same way as the first series. Some of the newer Petite Malle bags are constructed with less metal – most obvious being the trunk corners. But hmm, the bags with leather corners don’t carry the luxurious trunk look.
Apparently the bags take 30 hours to make, including the final assembly. Is it over-engineered? Seems quite excessive to have every piece of hardware attached individually by hand. But those forking out S$7,050 for the Petite Malle will feel at ease that nothing will fall off – it’s as good as Vuitton’s famous trunks.
These are the ‘flaps’ for the interior of the bag, to prevent items from falling out. Those holes cutout allow access to the screws/rivets holding the hardware of the bag.
Partially assembled bags.
It is an opportunity to see the bag assembled by hand – the last steps. If you’re hoping to see how the canvas is put together, or the trunk frames, you will be disappointed. Certain aspects are carefully masked.
If you pay careful attention, you might notice some curious methods used in the construction of the bag.
The Petite Malle Craftsmanship is the final room, followed by the sticker wall that is the highlight for many. Grab stickers of your favourite accessories, or even letters!
Louis Vuitton Series 3 exhibition
Crystal Pavilion South, Marina Bay Sands
27 Nov 2015 – 23 Dec 2015
Free Admission
How to get there?
The Entrance is located at B2 of the Marina Bay Sands Shoppes, where Pangea used to be located. It’s just beside tcc – The Connoisseur Concerto.
This exhibition is not at the Louis Vuitton Island Maison (Crystal Pavilion North). Although you are free to stroll there and shop there if you feel inspired after experiencing the exhibition.
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