A classic Louis Vuitton bag is interpreted by six artists as an epic exercise in creativity.
When the Capucines bag was originally unveiled in 2013, it was notable for eschewing Louis Vuitton’s traditional monogram canvas for just one bold italicised LV on its front, set into plain, full-grain Taurillon calf leather. Clearly, it had a certain air of discretion and sophistication—the logo gets completely obscured when the flap is tucked outwards. Call it stealth wealth if you want.
Six years on, the Capucines remains well-loved. The restrained, minimalist design keeps it beyond the realm of trends. Plus its modern shape and skilful construction makes it easily adaptable to anyone’s style. It is perhaps this blank-canvas quality that inspired Louis Vuitton’s latest art project: A collaboration with six visual artists who lent their singular, distinctive styles to the Capucines, to produce six brand-new iterations of this enduring classic, now available as limited editions.
ALEX ISRAEL
Los Angeles mixed media artist Alex Israel is fascinated with all things Californian—from celebrity obsession to the unwavering faith in the American Dream. But for this project, he was inspired by something simpler: L.A.’s beach and surf culture. Fittingly, his Capucines bag features graphic, sorbet-toned waves and detachable shark fins that double as a comb and a mirror. Israel’s design derives its aesthetic from some of his earlier work—like his paintings of Pop Art waves, and a short film centred on surfing. Here, he opens up about his work, what inspired his version of the Capucines bag and how he feels about finding a new audience for his art.
What are the major themes that recur in your work?
This story is from the July 2019 edition of Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
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This story is from the July 2019 edition of Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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