Louis Vuitton Spring 2008 Collection

Louis Vuitton designer Marc Jacobs capped off Paris fashion week with a surprising and delightfully naughty presentation of his Spring 2008 collection. The handbags, carried down the runway by models decked in sassy see-through plastic nurse outfits worn over candy-colored mini-dresses, were a refreshing contradiction to the subtle elegance usually identified with the luxe brand.

The brightly colored handbags were co-designed by brilliant artist Richard Prince with a palette inspired by, of all things, Spongebob Squarepants. I kid you not! Between the 2 of them, they managed to redefine the brand that has always been synonymous with posh luxury. Classic monograms in subtle earth-tones were replaced with deconstructed and distressed prints, graffiti-like detail, large rhinestones and other loud accents, in bright and funky shades of yellow, pink, green, blue and purple leather. Multicolored monograms has also made a (very welcome) comeback. The new collection of handbags were presented in a variety of new shapes and unconventional silhouettes, although still in keeping with the current “big bag” trend.

Accompanied by a super-charged soundtrack mixed by Daft Punk, the show -much like the collection it presented- was an explosion of riotous color, vibrant prints and rich textures. This new collection may seem very un-Louis Vuitton in a lot of ways, but it remains to be something only Louis Vuitton can get away with.