I’d not been very into Louis Vuitton of late. Their new bag designs don’t grab me the way the classics do. But recently, I was once again drawn into the world of LV with the Empreinte leather range. I believe it was launched last year and although I would break my no-monogram rule, somehow, it actually looks quite good in a little more understated way.
I do have a soft spot for LV leather products though. They are much better made than the monogram canvas but as can be expected, costs an arm and a leg. Perhaps some day I’d even own something in Mahina leather. Well one can hope 😛
There aren’t many bags in the Empreinte range I like actually, but the Artsy MM is a beaut! This is the Empreinte version of the same design available in Monogram.
I went to check it out in store locally recently and as can be expected, the leather felt absolutely lovely. Its soft and pliable but also feels hardy. It would definitely wear well for everyday wear. But as can be expected, there was a fly in the ointment, other than the price.
This baby is HEAVY!
I went to the store to try on the Artsy MM in Empreinte but even with nothing in there, the bag was just too heavy. I can’t imagine once I have all my daily items in there – I’d need a chiropracter after every use 😛
It is also very big and dwarfed me. Might be a good thing eh? Or I’d have walked out of there with a paper bag 😛
I like the use of gold hardware, the feel of the leather and the design of the Artsy. But the weight and size put me off. The Artsy comes in a smaller PM size but that’s only available in Monogram and just doesn’t look as good.
My personal favourite colours are Ombre as shown here which is a lovely warm taupe, and Infini a dark blue-black. The gold hardware really pops against these colours.
And the cost? A staggering RM9,000 or so locally and €1710. Ouches. Ah well, lucky its too big and heavy then eh? 😉
Paris B
lyn says
November 6, 2011 at 8:46 amI LOVE LV! Love! This bag is absolutely gorgeous but you’re right, too crazy heavy. Which is why I’ve more or less stuck to their canvas, idylle and epi range as they are much more lightweight.
I’ve been thinking about getting a new LV but I now plan to save up for a Canon 5D MkII and a new lens instead. I’ve had enough headaches with my current DSLR (wanna throw that stupid thing against a wall!) and for me, gadgets tend to win out in the end 😉
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 10:03 pmGet your camera first, we’ll be needing it at this year’s party 😉 but in a serious note, I honestly do not know how anyone carries these heavy bags. They are big enough to fit a ton but they already weigh a ton! I do like the epi range. At least it’s lightweight leather.
Stephanie/Yukaeshi says
November 6, 2011 at 8:51 amEeeek! That’s a really nice bag! 😀 I’m not into LV (Never was in the first place) but this looks really good! Too bad it’s heavy and big too though- if it’s too big for you, what more for me haha! 😛 I love leather bags because they can be more durable and stand up to wear and tear, but really dislike how “heavy” they can be, especially so after putting your 1001 daily items in it. A whole day out with a leather bag- ouch 🙁
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 10:07 pmThe only leather in LV that’s light enough to carry daily is the epi leather. That said, I do find that in most high end brands, leather usually is heavy but the weight differs depending also in whether they are lined in nylon, canvas or leather, and the hardware used.
Juan says
November 6, 2011 at 9:15 amThat was the first thing I saw when I went to LV the other day. Gorgeous, right?? But since I usually lug my MacBook air in my handbag, it wasn’t the most suitable choice. So u didn’t get anything?
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 10:08 pmOoh you saw this one too? Lovely right? I didn’t get anything….yet 😛 nothing’s grabbing my attention lately. The only one I might really want needs me to get it in Paris for best value 😛
Jess says
November 6, 2011 at 10:42 amI have been eyeing the Artsy and a bag from the Mahina line too! Yes, maybe one day… 🙂
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 10:09 pmYay *high5* I do think the Artsy is a bit heavy though but I have seen people travel with Mahina and thats quite heavy too!
Hanny Daforcena says
November 6, 2011 at 11:09 amI love LV! (Pretty strange for my age range, innit?) Seriously, I want an Alma in the red vernis leather. The color looks like a shiny, shiny red apple! *chomp chomp*
However, because I’m still young and bullish, methinks my Longchamp is the best thing ever. That baby takes every form of abuse I throw at it like a charm. ^.^ Will consider the finer things in life when I am able to take care of my possessions better.
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 10:16 pmNot strange m’dear 😉 It’s good to dream big 😉 btw pomme which is the red I think you’re eyeing is possibly limited edition. I liked a clutch in that color too but I opted for a bag in Bleu Nuit instead 😉
Monstro says
November 6, 2011 at 2:14 pmI love LV too! This is definitely gawjus. But I also hate heavy bags. Since having Grace, it’s been a pain lugging around all sorts of stuff in my bag. So good thing it’s heavy and way too expensive-phew! 😀
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 10:21 pmLol! Most mommies I know need something light, big and full of zips so stuff don’t fall out! Still one can look at this beauty and dream eh? 😉
jamilla says
November 6, 2011 at 9:44 pmooh la la! Firehouse!
jamilla says
November 6, 2011 at 9:48 pmI meant FABULOUS! I hate predictive text!
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 10:24 pmLol!!! I did wonder what firehouse was 😉
alene says
November 7, 2011 at 12:18 amand again i feel so SAD that i didnt get to attend the blogger meet! i wudve loved to be able to spend time with u Paris, because we r item soulmates! i too, have ignored LV for Prada because LV is just so boring, and yet i too, LOVE this and only this new design in BOTH the colors u mentioned! and also, i just bought the Vichy pop art bottle today in BSC. haha
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 10:25 pmLol!! Soulmates!! Never mind, make sure you come for the next 😉
LeGeeque says
November 7, 2011 at 8:42 amI LOVE the soft and supple leather too. Absolutely adore it. But, if it’s heavy, I’ll have to say no. I’ve learnt my lesson to not splurge on heavy bags considering how much crap I toss into them!
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 10:26 pmI learnt that same lesson too. These days I go for weight, then size. But usually leather bags are just so much heavier even without our daily crap 😛
peach_ says
November 7, 2011 at 4:59 pmI agree it’s HUGE, but I love that look! The gold hardware really is gorgeous. I love it in Neige/cream the most and the taupe looks so versatile. I think the Empreinte wallets are so cute as well. So which will it be, Miss Dior or Arty MM? 😉
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 10:38 pmIf the size and weight aren’t a problem for you I’d do the Artsy MM over Miss Dior. I thought I liked the Miss Dior but i don’t like how it can only be worn on the shoulder and the strap isn’t adjustable. Otherwise, it’d say it’s a tough call 😛
Petrina says
November 8, 2011 at 8:56 amyou are right – i tried this too and it was crazy heavy!! IMO all leather bags are incredibly heavy after being used to carrying the LV canvas. I’ve been carrying all my new Pradas (one leather and one nylon) from my holidays and am finding them crippling-ly heavy (yes even the nylon one! the hardware and handle weighs a ton) so am switching back to my beloved LV canvas
ParisB says
November 9, 2011 at 11:17 amHave to agree! LV canvas is sturdy and relatively light (provided the hardware don’t get in the way) 😉
Cas says
November 8, 2011 at 12:54 pmIt is gorgeous nevertheless. I would get it if I had the cash *looks at bank account*, nope, will just continue dreaming then!
ParisB says
November 9, 2011 at 11:29 amLOL! Yes, lets just lust at it from afar 😉
Ginny says
November 8, 2011 at 3:11 pmPsst, Paris. Could have got one for you from Paris at way below RM9K if you had posted this earlier. On another note, I’ve been drooling at your party pics – had a passing thought of attending but didn’t relish the thought of being an aunty among all the sweet young ladies present!
ParisB says
November 9, 2011 at 11:37 amAhhh Ginny! You should have come! Make sure you do next time k? I’m sure you’re pretty hip and all and you’re only as aunty as you make yourself out to be 😉
AnT says
November 9, 2011 at 10:42 amWoW! Very gorgeous bag indeed! Have you seen the Mahina range? I love the Mahina XL and will continue to dream for owning it one day 😛
ParisB says
November 9, 2011 at 12:04 pmI love the Mahina leather. Its subtle and so lovely! But the prices! *faints*
AnT says
November 9, 2011 at 2:01 pmLOL Let’s faint together and continue dreaming 😛