When it comes to instant recognition, Louis Vuitton’s monogram canvas—patterned in overlapping initials, diamonds, quatrefoil clover petals—is as distinct as you get. Created in 1896, the material enjoys instant recognition till today when used on trunks and carriers that accompany noble, famous and unapologetically attention-loving women on their adventures.

The French luxury house has also been steadily expanding its range of leather bags in iconic shapes that have become synonymous with the brand. The finest leathers are meticulously cut, shaped and finished by its craftsmen to forge arm candy.

Along the way, premium leathers have been designed and treated for specific bags, giving us Veau Cachemire leather for the latest Lockit, for instance, and Taurillon Caviar leather Capucines, the embossed Monogram Empreinte with its deliciously soft looking leather, and even the tufted Monogram. With the launch of its haute maroquinerie, the brand’s ultimate offering in terms of bespoke handbags, an entirely new range of ultra-premium leathers has been introduced.

These leathers are in a class of their own, each a continuation of the monogram canvas story and a refined rendition of Louis Vuitton’s finesse in craft and creativity.

 

Secret to Refinement

Veau Cachemire Leather in the Lockit

The latest adaptation of the 1958 original, the new Lockit is something every style maven wants to have and hold close. Handcrafted of beautifully refined, silky-smooth Veau Cachemire leather, this is the most precious Lockit yet.

Traditional elements of this stylish-yet-practical tote, such as the sensual curved top and LV side padlock, are married with contemporary-looking skinny handles and striking V accents—a harmony that can only be achieved by leather craftsmen who get their confidence from years of practice.

 

Tough Chic

Taurillon Caviar Leather in the Capucines

From left: Michelle Yeoh, Michelle Williams and Angelina Jolie with their Capucines

The house’s leather craftsmanship goes on full show in this 2013 creation from the Parnasséa line, which gets its name from Rue des Capucines in Paris (where founder Louis Vuitton opened his first shop in 1854). Made of taurillon caviar leather, a full-grain bull-calf leather that is highly resistant and supple, the city tote is for the sophisticated woman who appreciates simplicity. Only true aficionados will be able to tell it’s an ode to the iconic trunk.

Signature elements have been so ingeniously reinterpreted in a way that makes the Capucines a most masterful expression of the understatement. Bejewelled accents adorn the chapes while the house’s emblematic petal decorates the flap. When closed inside, the flap reveals the LV initial partially clad in leather, an innovative first for the brand. It’s not surprising that the Capucines has been spotted on the most well-known style symbols including actresses Michelle Williams and Angelina Jolie, and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

 

The New Edge

Monogram Empreinte and Tufted Monogram Leather

From left: The Monogram Empreinte and the new W bag with tufted monogram leather

Always ahead of the pack when it comes to innovation, LV experiments with new treatments and techniques in the art of leather goods creation in a way that makes an age-old craft exciting again. The Monogram Empreinte leather for instance is the result of embossing the house’s diamond-petal-initials insignia on exquisite calfskin. So delicate is the imprint that it amplifies the fine-grained texture and plush feel of the leather. Used in a variety of bags, including two new shapes this season, and available in 11 colours, this brilliant urban material imparts sweet grace to its owner.

Another well-liked reincarnation of the monogram canvas is the tufted monogram leather. Combining the art of leather crafting with tapestry, calfskin is expertly embroidered to create monograms. The tufted monogram leather features in the well-loved W bag, where the intricate stitching is showcased either on the sides or body of the bag. 

 

Top Class

Haute Maroquinerie

A bespoke accessory isn’t just the highest order of luxury but of sentimental value. LV’s Haute Maroquinerie service lets you behold just that. Clients can choose from three historic bag shapes (the 1932 Noé created by Gaston-Louis Vuitton, 1934 Triangle and 1958 Lockit) and two new ones (Milaris and Noé Steamer) in various sizes.

They can have it crafted of their choice of eight fine leathers, including shiny or matte alligator skin, and 27 hues, offering over 40,000 possible combinations. A patch bearing their name makes the perfect finish. Could anything be more indulgent than an iconic carryall crafted by artisans in top-of-the-line leather that tells a bit of your own story?

 

 

Images: Louis Vuitton