Louis Vuitton and Frank Gehry fusions of fashion and design

Louis Vuitton x Frank Gehry Collection of architectural handbags

Louis Vuitton and Frank Gehry are no strangers to innovation and collaboration. Their longstanding partnership, spanning over two decades, has given rise to iconic architectural marvels and now, a groundbreaking fusion of fashion and design: the Louis Vuitton x Frank Gehry Collection of architectural handbags.

The bond between Gehry and LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault is palpable, as Gehry attests to their shared passion for classical music and mutual understanding of the creative process. This partnership has yielded remarkable projects like the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris and the brand's flagship store in Seoul. At Art Basel Miami Beach, the culmination of their collaboration was celebrated with an exhibition showcasing a diverse array of wonders, from perfume bottles to architectural models. Among these treasures was the unveiling of a limited-edition capsule collection comprising 11 handbags, most notably variations of the iconic Capucines, embodying Gehry's distinctive aesthetic and innovative spirit.

For Gehry, fashion is more than just attire; it's a medium for artistic expression. His affinity for Vogue and family ties to the retail industry underscore his serious approach to the subject. The handbags in the collection are not mere static objects but dynamic companions, envisioned to move alongside their carriers.

Each handbag in the collection is imbued with symbolism and homage to Gehry's architectural triumphs. The Capucines BB Analog pays tribute to the sail-like forms of Gehry's IAC Building in New York City, while the Capucines BB Croc features a handle reminiscent of his iconic crocodile sculpture at the London restaurant Sexy Fish. Gehry's visionary experiments at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall inspire designs like the Capucines MM Concrete Blocks.

Drawing from past collaborations, the collection also incorporates elements from Gehry's previous works with LVMH. The Capucines MM Floating Fish echoes the aquatic motifs of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, while the Capucines Mini Blossom pays homage to the floral stoppers of Vuitton's perfume bottles.

Complementing the Capucines are additional standout pieces like the Twisted Box, a reinterpretation of Gehry's design for Louis Vuitton's “Celebrating Monogram” program, and the Bear With Us clutch, a miniature brass rendition of Gehry's life-size bear sculpture.

Gehry acknowledges the unparalleled craftsmanship of Louis Vuitton's artisans, whose dedication allowed them to push the boundaries of form and materials. With each handbag, they embarked on a voyage of invention, guided by a shared commitment to innovation and excellence.