How many handles does one need to carry a bag? Eight, according to Rei Kawakubo (founder of Comme des Garçons). This mini HL (pictured above), is one of six bags designed/customized by Kawakubo to celebrate Louis Vuitton’s 30th anniversary in Japan. The other 5 include, two party bags, the Papillon, and a re-edit of the iconic Petit Marceau and the Sac 2 Poches.
O.K I have to interrupt and this point to say I much prefer the limited edition Papillon complete with cute animal charms to the confusing mini HL with its multiple handles. If you’re already thinking “I want one!, hold on a sec because there is a catch.
You can only purchase any of the six bags exclusively from the Comme des Garçons store in Tokyo which has been specially redesigned to accommodate a temporary Louis Vuitton store from September 4th to mid-December. No, no, you can’t telephone and place your order, neither can you order via the internet.
And even if you decide to hop on a plane, and run straight to the store, it’ll take three months before you get your beautiful bag delivered to a Louis Vuitton store near you. You can however purchase the Speedy or the Alma (adored by many handbag lovers in the 70’s), which will be on display inside the Louis Vuitton at Comme des Garçons immediately.
Speaking about the project Rei Kawakubo, said,
“These are party bags to celebrate the 30 years of Louis Vuitton in Japan. In designing them, I have kept Louis Vuitton’s traditional concept as it is, but sometimes two handles become one, sometimes two handles become eight… It has been a remarkably exciting opportunity for me to have been able to participate in Louis Vuitton’s traditional design and heritage.
