It’s all about packaging, or at least that’s how it all began. ‘Louis Vuitton – Marc Jacobs’ maps the journey of two designers on the same page.
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Less a retrospective and more a glimpse into how two innovators transformed the fashions of their day, the exhibition at Les Arts Décoratifs begins with the birth of Vuitton in 1821 and his first forays into business in Paris as a packager. From here we’re taken through the journey and changing fortunes of Louis Vuitton and his casing, illustrated by real film footage and collections of antique clothing from the 19th century. Audiences are guided through the development of Vuitton casing, forming as it did via the changing needs of clientele and ending at the creation of the monogram created by Vuitton’s son. Similarly, on the second floor, we’re taken on the creative journey of Marc Jacobs. Bags, audio interviews, mannequins and an audio-visual moodboard and peepshow open the world of Marc Jacobs and help to position him into the wider context of global fashion. The latest film made by Ruth Hogben and Katie Grand, who was creative consultant of the entire exhibition, takes us right up to the present day. The Vuitton exhibition is by no means an exhaustive experience but it is popular with Parisians and tourists alike so choose your moment. With the Jean-Paul Goude exhibition in its final days and a large Helmut Lang retrospective about to open at Le Grand Palais (March 24-June 17), the Louis Vuitton – Marc Jacobs exhibition, that lasts until September 16, is well timed.
Watch the full AW12 show here!
Text: Sarah Hay
