Picking Polka-Dots - Louis Vuitton & Yayoi Kusama Collection

The fashion world is buzzing over the collaboration between Louis Vuitton & artist Yayoi Kusama.

And rightly so.

Yayoi's use of organic shapes and rigid dots are infusing the often times staid LV pieces with a playful spirit.  I appreciate that LV has allowed it's branding to take a bit of a backseat and is only represented with LV-initial brocade fabric and signature shapes.

It's a great pairing because there is just the right amount of fission between the two.

I love nearly every piece in the extensive collection - which includes clothes, outerwear, collars, jewelry, shoes, sunglasses and handbags - there is one huge thing that jumps out at me the most.

This whole collection is a knock-off dream.

These pieces are simple and classic, differentiated only by the association with Yayoi and subtle LV materials.  

I fully anticipate seeing a HUGE number of look-a-likes come out in the next few months.  From bow adorned heels to dotty-fabric sandals.

I hope that will not be the case.  Yayoi is a remarkable artist who deserves to be respected for her career, not have her work, even that used in a collaboration, stolen for a quick profit.

Clear as Day

I just realized that I have a new love in shoes... the clear wedge. Clear heels were in last season but I only bought one pair and ended up not even really liking them. But the clear wedge... now that's a whole different matter. Much more sculptural and graphic than trashy, they look iconic.

Of course, you remember these Junko Shimadas that I MUST have.



I WILL have!



But I'm also very much interested in these bold hot pink, orange and black slingbacks from the Louis Vuitton Resort 2009 collection.



This whole collection is filled with great bursts of color and I think these heels are very pop art yet classic. (Thanks to nitrolicious for the images.)



But the one that got away were these Maison Martin Margielas. Ohhh... I cried when I waited too long to get them when they were on sale on YOOX. Silly silly girl.

They could be yours if you wear a 10.



I haven't seen a lot of this style yet but I think it could be very interesting for Spring. It's light and airy and brings a freshness to the wedge style.

Eeeewwww!!!

Does Keith Richards in the new Louis Vuitton ads remind you of anyone????



Namely our new Joker in The Dark Knight?



He's probably about as wacked out and bat-s**t crazy, right?



Not exactly shoes or fashion, but Keith is kind of leathery so... maybe it is related.

A quick lesson in good vs bad

Okay, just in case you weren't sure, good patchwork is...

...warm snuggly quilts made by your grandmother, great aunt, mother or the Amish. Perfect for cold winter morning hiding beneath and/or snuggle. Also good for picnics and hot chocolate.



... madras jackets, clam bakes, G&T, mint juleps in silver julep cups, Cap Cod, lobster rolls, sailing, khaki men's shorts and suede or saddle shoe Bucs.



Bad patchwork is...

... any button-down shirt paired with "mom jeans". I don't care if it hides spills. You look like a badly upholstered sofa.




... this purse. Not because its $52,500 but because it's plain ugly and egotistical.



... Marc Jacob trying to make us believe that trolling through scrap piles and making a shoe out of it. Uh-uh, no.



Patchwork in 99.9% of fashion is not "whimsical" or "versatile" or fun. You look like pile of used hankies or a remnant pile at best.

It's best just to avoid this look altogether.