Like a supernova, the world of Louis Vuitton continues to expand with frightening speed. Artistic director of women’s collections Nicolas Ghesquière is constantly shifting his view for inspiration, from the Belle Époque era of the late 19th century to the 1980s’ Thriller-era jackets seen on the runway in March.
It’s no wonder that people are turning to accessories for refuge from the constant time travel. The luxury leather goods label is offering stabilising solace by launching the LV Pont 9 handbag, which is set for instant classic status.
Riding on the wave of the bougie trend, which is shorthand for the type of effortless Parisian elegance that has us swooning at the sight of Jeanne Damas, Léa Seydoux and Caroline de Maigret, the LV Pont 9 is both understated and a stealth status symbol at the same time.
The calfskin bag’s gently padded and subtly curved silhouette is practical and purposeful, making it ideal for carrying your tablet to the office or your make-up essentials to cocktails, but the unmistakable LV logo still catches the eye.
Leaving the famous monogram to other ranges, the logo is an archive design updated by Ghesquière. So people don’t miss out on the provenance of this investment piece, named after the bridge outside Louis Vuitton’s Paris headquarters, the glistening details are mirrored on the bag’s narrow strap.
The timing of the bag’s launch is impeccable, with Ghesquière the co-chair of this year’s Met Gala, where the theme is About Time: Fashion and Duration. With a nod to the ’30s with the logo, the ’70s with the silhouette, and today with the magnetic closure details and practical, compartmentalised interior, the design is aimed at lasting for decades to come.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking that timeless is boring. Yes, the classic black is the most enduring shade, but the palette on offer – including cream, a rich gold, punchy rose and blue – tap into the variety of Louis Vuitton’s new world order.
Think of it as your anchor as you wait for the next decade of inspiration to take hold.
LV PONT 9, $5,650; au.louisvuitton.com
