London Life Exhibitions

Louis Vuitton Series 3 Exhibition

October 15, 2015

This was one of the exhibitions in London I had no intention to visit. My curiosity got the better of me as I drove past yesterday and had an hour to kill in between meetings. So, what is Louis Vuitton Series 3 all about?

louis vuitton series 3 exhibition

It’s a stand-alone exhibition showcasing a designer and his creative process and influences. Series 3 retraces Nicolas Ghesquière’s Autumn-Winter 2015/2016 collection for Louis Vuitton. Apparently “far more than a simple collection, it is a stream of consciousness, dreams and self-reflexive journeys. Inside a designer’s mind, muses intertwine with cherished memories and visions of new shapes, cuts and meticulous craftsmanship.”

Did you get this? Well, that’s exactly what it was like. A whole lot of fuss over nothing!!

The best part was the derelict building that was purposely transformed for this exhibition. A lot of money was thrown at it but I came away pretty uninspired.

I could spend ages listing all the reasons why, but suffice to say that there was too much video, lightings, clever LCD screenings and not enough real content for me. It was flash, OTT in many ways and full of self admiration.

I’m not a particular fan of LV. I tend to prefer their classic designs and of course their craftmanship. The latest trends bore me and they are hyped up for their particular fan base. This exhibition was for them.

However, always one to see the silver lining, I made the best out of it by joining a guided tour. They actually hired actors for these who had to learn a certain script. How authentic!

Out of all the 14 rooms or so this one here below was the best and most inspirational. It was so bright you would have been forgiven for wearing your sun glasses. As you might imagine there were enough fashionistas in there with their oversized Jackie O sun glasses who did just that!

A bright white room full of white mannequins displaying individual products. Brilliant. There were also vintage trunks in glass cabinets to show where the inspiration came from.

louis vuitton series 3 || colourliving

louis vuitton series 3 || colourliving

A detail of this fabulous 1927 monogram canvas trunk for ‘Miss France’. If you look closely you’ll see the monogram is hand painted. At that time there was no printing on material.

louis vuitton series 3 || colourliving

louis vuitton series 3 || colourliving

louis vuitton series 3 || colourliving
There is much hype over this newly designed twist LV handbag lock.

louis vuitton series 3 || colourliving

louis vuitton series 3 || colourliving

This last room was an exact replica of Nicolas Ghesquière’s walk in closet room. Pompous and a little self obsessed. Doesn’t he apparently wear jeans and trainers?

louis vuitton series 3 || colourliving

louis vuitton series 3 || colourliving

On the way out you were handed a cheaply produced poster. Probably for students.

louis vuitton series 3 || colourliving

A nicer touch were these stickers of which you were allowed to choose two. They also had monogram letters which I opted for.

louis vuitton series 3 || colourliving

Well, I would have preferred less opulence and more depth for an exhibition like this. Thank you to the nice staff who looked after me, especially Luka!

If you want to catch this, be quick. It’s on till Sunday.

180 The Strand
London
WC2R 1EA
11am-6pm

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6 Comments

  • Reply Louise - 30s Magazine October 15, 2015 at 9:00 pm

    I was already making a checklist to bring my Jackie O sunglasses when I come visit, and then I read your last sentence 🙁 I won’t make it before Sunday, I’m gutted.
    Too bad, cause it would have been fun to see this one too. I’m not a LV fan either due to the type of people who carry the bags and the many knock offs, but I do love the vintage trunks. I think many of the fashionistas don’t even know that LV started with trunks. In Haarlem, a city near Amsterdam, there is an authentic vintage trunks shop. That’s what I like! Thanks for sharing and seeing it through your eyes.

    • Reply tina October 15, 2015 at 9:11 pm

      Haha. Don’t be gutted. It isn’t a patch on the ALexander McQueen exhibition.

      I also love the vintage trunks. The hand-painted one was amazing!!
      I’ll wait for you to come to London so we can visit the Chanel exhibition together x

  • Reply Parisbreakfast October 16, 2015 at 8:40 am

    The 100 legendary trunks was so much better a few years back.
    http://parisbreakfasts.blogspot.fr/2011/01/louis-vuitton100-legendary-trunks.html
    Do they really think we’re such fools as to run out and buy an over priced new twisted strap every season? Or ever in my case.
    Too bad no one uses trunks anymore,
    Unfortunately blatant glitz has entered the museum world with a vengeance. To see a clean simple, worthy show is the exception these days.
    Moan and groan ;))

    • Reply tina October 16, 2015 at 10:22 am

      Wow! LOVE… thank you so much for sharing your post!
      That book is wonderful and tell me, has bear got his customised model yet:-)

      My dear, there are millions of girls and women worldwide rushing out to buy whatever they bring out each season….

      I wish you would have seen the Alexander McQueen exhibition. Absolutely fantastic!!!

  • Reply Alison Sye October 16, 2015 at 9:39 am

    Tina, that top photograph is absolutely stunning

    • Reply tina October 16, 2015 at 10:23 am

      It was one of my favourites…..

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