In honor of the recently launched Louis Vuitton x Jeff Koons The Masters Collaboration bags and accessories, we thought we’d look at the history of Louis Vuitton’s limited edition runway creations and artist collaborations. Through the years, LV has paired with artists and designers like Yayoi Kusama and Takashi Murakami to create pieces that turn heads–but also retain their value and collectibility.
While most limited edition collaboration pieces are beautiful works of handbag art–some make us ask “what were they thinking?” Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and these bags are definitely beautiful? and a little odd. These bags exemplify what we call “wearable art.” Without further ado, here are the top 10 most outrageous Louis Vuitton limited edition creations, featuring both collaborations and runway pieces.
Raindrop Besace “Garbage” Bag
We know what you’re thinking, and we thought it too. It looks like a garbage bag. This controversial Raindrop Besace bag is crafted out of soft patent lambskin leather with an orange pull tie closure at the top which looks very… “hobo chic.” Marc Jacobs created this bag in for the Spring 2010 collection in hopes to start a discourse about luxury high fashion. Sure, boss.
Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Moka Patent Leather Raindrop Besace Bag, original retail price was $1960.
The Goat Hair Transsiberian bag
I can’t even find the words for this one. From the Fall/Winter 2012-2013 collection, this furry friend is crafted from dip-dyed long hair goat fur. Inspired by the Transsiberian Railway that connects Moscow to the Russian Far East and the Sea of Japan, this bag is perfect if you need a new pet.
Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Camel/Goat Hair Transsiberian Bag, original retail price was $4750.
Marc Jacobs x Richard Prince: the Firebird – aka the SATC movie Bag
As seen in 2008’s Sex and the City movie, this chic creation was created in collaboration by Marc Jacobs and artist Richard Prince. Featuring a variety of textures, like Monogram Motard velvet, patent leather trim, and resin stones, this bag is the opposite of subtle. It’s definitely beautiful, but quite the transition from Louis Vuitton’s usual design.
Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Neon Noir Monogram Motard Firebird Bag, original retail price was $5400.
Louis Vuitton x Richard Prince: the Jokes collection
The Louis Vuitton Monogram Mancrazy Jokes collection is an original creation from artist Richard Prince. The Mancrazy Jokes has acid-colored Monogram canvas with snakeskin trim and is covered in jokes dear to the artist, some of which make no sense.
Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Richard Prince Mancrazy Jokes Bag, original retail price was $2820. Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Richard Prince Heartbreak Jokes Tote Bag, original retail price was $2850.
Craft Project Gone Awry: Monogram Denim Patchwork Bag
You can spend hours studying the details on this 2006 Spring/Summer Denim bag, marveling at the creativity of its design. This bag looks like a designer got a little too excited in the Louis Vuitton craft room and started affixing everything and anything to the outside of it. Featuring stonewashed denim patchworked together, this bag also features handles appliqued to the bag, because, why not?
Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Blue Denim Monogram Denim Patchwork Cabby Bag, original retail price was $3300.
Marc Jacobs x Julie Verhoeven: Conte de Fées Collection
Known as the “fairy tale” collection, Marc Jacobs created the Conte de Fées line in collaboration with Julie Verhoeven after September 11 for the Spring/Summer 2002 collection, when we all needed a little bit of escape and something to make us smile. A favorite of LV collectors everywhere, each creation has a mash-up of familiar LV materials like Epi leather, Vernis leather, Damier fur and snakeskin to create fun animal shapes.
Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Black Conte De Fees Musette Bag, original retail price was $1040.
Two-in-One Bag: Double Jeu Neo-Alma Bag
There are so many details on this bag, it’s hard to know where to begin. Appropriately named, Double Jeu roughly translates to double play, which refers to the bag-in-bag nature of this limited edition bag. Inside this crazy creation, there is an entirely separate tote bag. The outer Monogram Alma also has hotel room key inspired zipper pulls inspired by Louis Vuitton’s travel history. This creation even had a cameo on Gossip Girl in 2009.
Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Blue Monogram Double Jeu Neo-Alma Bag, original retail price was $4500.
The Most Beautiful Bike Chain You?ve Ever Seen
There’s a lot happening here. Though this bag is seriously beautiful–you have to admit that it’s a bit? over the top. Louis Vuitton has never been scared to play with adventurous materials, but the resin pearl and chain handle to mimic a bike lock is a little impractical for the beauty of this bag. From the Fall/Winter 2009 runway collection, the Brocade Calliope bag features shimmering python and metal detailing add a unique dimension to the most expensive bike lock you’ll ever buy.
Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Pink Monogram Brocade Calliope Bag, original retail price is $12900.
The Underground Duffle Bag
2010 was a strange year for Louis Vuitton’s runway shows. This bag is made from a bold, urban-inspired combination of multicolored leather, headphone cords and bright resin beads, but its versatility is what really sets it apart from other bags: there are at least five different ways to carry this bag. It’s definitely “extra.”
Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Monogram Underground Duffle Bag, original retail price was $4200.
Marc Jacobs x Louis Vuitton: Polka Dots Fleurs Tinkerbell Bag
This bag from the 2007 Spring/Summer features multicolored leather Trunks & Bags decals with press-stud details at the center to create a polka dot look. Be prepared to be the center of attention with this one. This bag was in the same collection as one of the most ridiculous Louis Vuitton bags ever created, the Tribute Patchwork bag, which Yoogi’s Closet has never been lucky enough to have on its shelves.
Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Polka Dots Fleurs Tinkerbell Bag, original retail price was $4100.
These limited edition pieces inspire us to take chances with the bags we carry–let’s branch out and carry the pieces that truly inspire us, even if they are a little weird. The Marc Jacobs-era definitely showed us that we could let our “freak flag fly” with the bags on our arm; we don’t always need to carry a solid-colored leather shoulder bag or a Monogram Neverfull. These bags also show us that even though Louis Vuitton has had overwhelming success with their Monogram, Damier, and leather collections, taking chances on something new can also pay off.
Many LV fanatics buy limited edition pieces at their release and hold onto them for years, knowing the pieces will fetch more than they originally paid in like new condition. On the pre-owned market, many Louis Vuitton limited edition pieces still sell for their original retail price or more.
Looking for the best place to Louis Vuitton Limited Edition bags or accessories? Get a quote in 1-2 business days at Yoogi’s Closet. If you’re looking for Louis Vuitton Limited Edition pieces, buying pre-owned is the way to go.
Did we miss any Louis Vuitton limited edition bags? Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page!
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