In the same way that the Jean Paul Gaultier-designed Hermes collections are often overshadowed by their handbags and accessories, so are the Louis Vuitton designed-Marc Jacobs ones.
That said, there was certainly a positive attitude when it came to the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2009 collection. Marc Jacobs told WWD that he’s sure the economic advisers are not worrying about what colors to make sweaters, adding that “yes, there’s a crisis, but one can carry on and contribute to beauty and optimism and gorgeousness. I have a practical mind — cut the party and celebrities [a reference to his New York approach], but you can’t sacrifice the beauty of the clothes.”
Inspired by Victoire de Castellane, Loulou de la Falaise, and Ines de la Fressange, the collection certainly had a very coquettish feel to it, but with an edge – think ruffles and poufed skirts meet lace, thigh-high boots, and studs.
There was almost a Balmain feel to some of the shorter floral-print dresses and a Balenciaga one to a series of beautifully crafted, very 80’s angular coats and jackets – fitting given that Marc Jacobs was heavily inspired by the 80’s for his namesake line. However, while he went for full-on neon and shoulder pads for Marc Jacobs, for Louis Vuitton the influence was seen more in the ruched and ruffle detail and the angular silhouettes that gave some of his looks a power suit feel.
For his part, Marc Jacobs said that the 80’s inspiration came when preparing for the upcoming Model as Muse exhibition at the Met in New York City. He is the honorary chair of the opening gala and told style.com that he was thinking of all the great French muses of the late eighties when putting together the Louis Vuitton collection.
As for the bags, there were some ruffled ones, along with sequined monogrammed ones, and some done-up with studs, pearls, and padlocks – all of which are sure to be hot sellers. The jewelry was also eye-catching and included oversized leather necklaces that looked like they had been crafted from paper and in addition to the thigh-high boots, there were intricately shaped heels and glitter details on a number of the shoes.
From the first to the last outfit, Marc Jacobs’ optimism was everywhere and you can’t help but smile and covet everything making its way down his runway.
Images courtesy of the Fashion Spot forums.
