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  • Karen magazine is a glossy fashion, beauty and travel publication.

  • Sophia Cappola, puts a lovely little collection together for Louis Vuitton.

    Posted on | June 3, 2009 | Posted by Marian Simms Comments Off

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    Images on post © LOUIS VUITTON / photographer ANDREW DURHAM

    The long serving muse of Marc Jacobs and the darling of the indi film scene, steps into a design role for the house of Louis Vuitton, complimenting her relationship as role model in the core values campaign with her father producer/filmaker Francis Ford Coppola. The range, unpretentious practical timeless and seriously desirable is in store now, we hear from Ms Cappola about designing the range.

    How did your collaboration with Louis Vuitton come about?
    I had met some of the people who work there through Marc Jacobs, and the idea of doing something together came after I visited the factory and museum. After seeing all the things they’re making and custom orders, its hard not to imagine what you would want for a custom order for yourself.

    Did you have a clear idea of what you wanted to do before you started?
    I had an idea of what I was looking for and couldn’t find. I wanted a day bag that could fit everything I wanted, but wasn’t too big or heavy, something chic and discreet. The day bag was based a little on the Keep-all duffle bag- something chic and classic, but not formal, for everyday use.

    How did you work with the teams from Louis Vuitton?
    It was great to work with the teams because they’re really experts at what they do- so I could tell them what I wanted, and they helped me with the exact proportions and details. It was similar to on a film telling the costume designer or the art director what you have in mind, and then they show you options to choose from to get your idea across.

    How long did it take to complete the collection?
    We worked on and off for about a year.

    What inspires you about Louis Vuitton?
    I love their history- they symbolize glamorous travel to me, and I love their high level of quality and craftsmanship.

    What was your image of Louis Vuitton before you became so closely involved with the company, and have your impressions evolved in any way as a result of the collaboration?
    My idea of Vuitton was of a company with a heritage and great quality, and working with them solidified this.

    What were your key considerations in designing the collection? What, for you, makes a great bag and a great pair of shoes?
    It was great to be able to make exactly what you want- For a day bag, I wanted something that can fit all of my things I need, but not too big, I wanted something that could go with everything, and was chic but not flashy. For evening, I love to have a small envelope that fits just a phone, lipstick, a key and a credit card. I like leaving all my work things behind. For the shoes, I wanted something chic, but not too dressy..I wanted a 70’s version of a 40’s sandal, that wasn’t too high, so easy to really wear- but looks great on…and you can wear with a lot of things, so when you travel you don’t bring too many shoes.

    Why shoes and bags ?
    It started with wanting to make a bag that I could use, and they asked if I’d be interested in doing a shoe also- and I thought, sure, would be fun to make a custom shoe. It’s a woman’s fantasy…

    How did you choose the materials and the colors?
    For the bags- I wanted classic colors that could go with everything and you wouldn’t get sick of, but weren’t black. It was great to look at all the materials they have available to them at Louis Vuitton, the teams showed me great things once I told them what I was looking for. The gold for the piping is nice, because it’s not too shiny…

    Can you talk us through the products – the key details, what you most like about them, the aspects that were most difficult to get right?
    I used the protoypes, so we could add practical things..I love that the pochette has a little enamel mirror inside and slots to put a few credit cards… And the day bag has a zipper pocket inside and an open one to find your phone easily…and lightweight lining.

    Which products are your personal favorites?
    I like them all, anything I didn’t love we eliminated from the line…but I especially like the navy day bag, and asphalt grey suede day bag…and the black pochette with gold piping with matching shoes- those are the ones I use the most…

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