Stalking Louis Vuitton since 2006

Beijing, China, 2023

At the airport, on the day of departure, 7 March 2023, Beijing, China.
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro 2023

There is almost no excuse anymore. I didn’t exactly chase down Louis Vuitton Maison Beijing that officially opened in Beijing China World Mall in Feb. of 2015. It is a beautiful flagship store designed by renowned architect Peter Marino. But, I did however, manage to capture this image, which made me really happy to have found Louis Vuitton, as I was on my way from Beijing back to Sweden, at the airport.

Louis Vuitton holds an endearing place in the hearts of many in China, where the luxury brand has lasted over 20 years. When in China, the conglomerate employs a multi-channel marketing approach that integrates digital and in-store services. It actively maintains a presence on several popular social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu, Douyin, Weibo, and Wechat. Leveraging these platforms to showcase its latest products, consumers are invited to new travel and luxury goods experiences. In acknowledgement that traditional retail stores continue to play a role in customer experiences, in 2022, LV decided to expand its physical footprint in China by launching new stores at Taiyang Taikoo Li in Chengdu and The Mixc in Fuzhou.

Continue reading “Stalking Louis Vuitton since 2006”

Stalking Louis Vuitton, Europe

22 Jun. 2016. Munich, Germany.
Cheryl Marie Cordeiro, Louis Vuitton,  München Residenzpost, Germany  2016.

Louis Vuitton, München Residenzpost, Germany 2016.
Text & Photo © JE Nilsson, CM Cordeiro 2016

– You know there’s nothing much in Munich if you’re not into beer guzzling or wurst eating.
– I could do pork knuckles.
– Schweinshaxe. No, you don’t.
– No, you’re right, I don’t. And stop swearing at me.

I thought Munich one of the prettiest most liveable cities I’ve thus far visited. From the chimes of the clock tower in the city centre that advise the time of day and task to accomplish before sundown to the historic cathedrals built around the old market square, Munich is anything but nothing much.

I didn’t need to look for it. I knew I would come across it just like so, an old friend along the street. And I did. The Louis Vuitton boutique located along Residenzstraße.

Continue reading “Stalking Louis Vuitton, Europe”

Louis Vuitton Murakami Multicolore Petit Noé blanc – the balance in a new paradigm of luxe and anime

Louis Vuitton Murakami Multicolore Petit Noé blanc

Louis Vuitton Murakami Multicolore Petit Noé blanc. Datecode: CA1015.
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro 2014

Of all collaborations Marc Jacobs had done in the past decade till 2013 for Louis Vuitton with Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami , Richard Prince and Yayoi Kusama, the Murakami range remains one of my favourites in terms of the execution of precision chaos in art if there ever was such a thing.

Not particularly attracted by poparstic works per se, what draws me to the Murakami Vuitton range is the result of the unusual synergies between traditional handcrafted work grounded in rich European travel history with all its roundness of sensory experience, and the contrasting surreal ‘flatness’ of animations of a completely different era in pop culture, from Japan. If these two worlds can come together in any sense of classical physics and philosophy, then almost anything else can come to be of other areas of unlikely synergies. And the results are a certain finesse of execution in design that is not symbolically regressive Mad Max grunge that comes across in Sprouse-Vuitton collaborations or Gaudí organic progressive reminiscent that comes across in Kusama.
Continue reading “Louis Vuitton Murakami Multicolore Petit Noé blanc – the balance in a new paradigm of luxe and anime”

Louis Vuitton Trianon Sac de Nuit GM

IMG_4696a 598

Louis Vuitton Trianon Sac de Nuit GM (grande model)
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro 2014

The first thing you’d notice about this bag is how weighty the canvas and sturdy the construct of the bag is for its satchel size, where even in GM, it was clearly meant as something more fashionable heritage narrative than a luggage carry-on.

The Trianon Sac De Nuit was created and produced in limited edition in conjunction with the celebration of Louis Vuitton’s 150th anniversary, paying tribute to Vuitton’s early days of 1854 – 1892, when Vuitton began selling light weight flat-topped trunks covered with their signature grey Trianon canvas. Prior to Vuitton’s flat-topped trunks, most trunks for travelling had rounded tops so that water would run off, the disadvantage being that they could not be stacked. It was Vuitton’s Trianon canvas, airtight flat trunks that allowed stacking with ease, for voyages.
Continue reading “Louis Vuitton Trianon Sac de Nuit GM”

Louis Vuitton Monogram Manhattan PM

IMG_4937a 598

Louis Vuitton Monogram Manhattan PM.
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro-Nilsson 2014

I generally dislike totes. Personally, the very purpose of carrying a bag at all is to be able to go hands-free of carrying the goods, either by slinging it over the shoulder or in rucksack fashion, carrying the goods weighted on your back square between the shoulder blades.

But there are always exceptions.

The Louis Vuitton Monogram Manhattan PM is one such exception. Continue reading “Louis Vuitton Monogram Manhattan PM”

Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Koala wallet, framboise

Cheryl Marie Cordeiro, Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Koala wallet in framboise 01.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Koala wallet in framboise.
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro-Nilsson 2014

The Framboise colour, a rich and beautiful shade of deep Raspberry, was launched in the Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis line in 2006. The Koala wallet with its signature S-lock was one if not the most functional and stylish wallets of the Vernis line and definitely one of my favourite items in the Vernis line.

As with Vuitton craftsmanship, a detail about this wallet that I find absolutely charming is how the leather has been neatly pleated at each corner on the inner facing flaps of the billfold compartments.

Continue reading “Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Koala wallet, framboise”

A Singapore shortlist

Naturally everyone has their own shortlist of things to do when swinging by their hometown and when the opportunity arises. One of those pit stops on my list is to hit the pretty touristy Long Bar at the Singapore classic Raffles Hotel.

Settling for the classic Singapore Sling at the Long Bar, Raffles Hotel, Singapore.
Text and Photo © JE Nilsson, CM Cordeiro 2012

Continue reading “A Singapore shortlist”

Early summer in vintage

In the early summer sun.
Text and Photo © JE Nilsson and CM Cordeiro 2012

It was in 2010 that Marc Jacobs brought nostalgia with hints of the 70s back into fashion, hot on the runways. Today in 2012, the the flavour of the 70s are still in on the runways from Diesel to Halston, whilst Louis Vuitton Fall 2012 makes romantic the long train voyages of the 1920s in reminiscence of a time that was in reality, filled with great uncertainty – such is the magic of fashion, to take viewers into a completely different world, even if briefly.
Continue reading “Early summer in vintage”

While the Easter Witches were out…

Cheryl Marie Cordeiro-Nilsson, long weekend, Sweden.

A much appreciated long weekend in Sweden!
Photo: J E Nilsson and C M Cordeiro-Nilsson © 2011

With a caffè latte in hand, I couldn’t help but sit back, enjoy the weather today and observe with delight, plenty of Swedish children decked in their cutest Easter gear, as little Easter Witches. Several were daring enough to come trick or treating at the door with basket in hand, to which they were rewarded with some Italian made Easter chocolate eggs!
Continue reading “While the Easter Witches were out…”

Autumn blues in Filippa K and Isabel Benenato

Cheryl Marie Cordeiro, Filippa K dress, Louis Vuitton Suhali L'Impétueux 2.

Autumn outfit: dress is by Swedish designer Filippa K and wool shawl by Naples born Italian designer Isabel Benenato.
Photo © J E Nilsson and C M Cordeiro-Nilsson for CMC 2010

These pictures were taken a few days ago, after which the Swedish west coast turned grey, stormy and with winds so strong the trees needed effort to stay rooted and keep their last red-gold leaves of the season, if not only for decorating themselves.

Cheryl Marie Cordeiro, Isabel Benenato wool wrap shawl, back.

The green fabric belt with gold buckles in the outfit is a find from a vintage store here in Sweden.

From the pictures, you’ll also see the characteristic colours of autumn displayed in yellows, browns, reds and gold. The low rays of the sun at this time of year helps cast an over glow of gold on everything it touches. There are however, other complementary colours of autumn that we see here in Scandinavia, particularly in Swedish design houses such as Filippa K that favour shades of beige, grey, blue and black for autumn as shown in their Autumn 2010 Lookbook, with some exceptions, the sheer gathered dress I’m wearing can be found in lilac.
Continue reading “Autumn blues in Filippa K and Isabel Benenato”

Louis Vuitton Suhali L’Impetueux in white

Louis Vuitton suhali handbag in white, L'Impetueux.

Louis Vuitton suhali L’Impetueux in white.
Photo © Jan-Erik Nilsson and Cheryl M. Cordeiro Nilsson for Cheryl Marie Cordeiro 2010

In 2003, Louis Vuitton launched their Suhali range of bags, made with natural grained goatskins. Louis Vuitton bags are generally extremely structured, designed to keep their shape no matter the content (something I appreciate), and it’s no different with this range of bags, despite the suppleness of the material.

Louis Vuitton suhali goat grained leather, L'Impetueux in white, golden brass lock.

Golden brass lock.

The style of each of the bags in the Suhali range is designed to reflect the Traveller Trunk history that is iconic of Louis Vuitton. Most bags in this range have silver or gold hardware with s-locks, reminiscent of the tough trunks and suitcases that Vuitton began with making just before 1900s.
Continue reading “Louis Vuitton Suhali L’Impetueux in white”

Paisley

Cheryl Marie Cordeiro in purple paisley, Louis Vuitton L'Impetueux white Suhali

Photo © Jan-Erik Nilsson and Cheryl M. Cordeiro Nilsson for Cheryl Marie Cordeiro 2010

Paisley is not a common motif in my wardrobe, where it’s difficult to find a paisley print that doesn’t for example, overwhelm my frame. This casual weekend dress or sundress, from Marks & Spencer Limited Collection has a different sort of paisley print, more an over-sized print of it, a sprawling design that seems too large for even the dress to capture in full. It is also brightly coloured, something that contrasts to the pastels of paisley or the earthern tones of it on a lot more textiles. The deep magenta of the dress with contrasting blue-green of the paisley print is a nod to the Persian and Indian roots of this ancient design and the colourful textiles of the region.
Continue reading “Paisley”

Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Minna Street in Framboise

Louis Vuitton Minna Street in Framboise, small sling bag.

Louis Vuitton Minna Street in framboise monogram vernis.

I am not one for small bags and neither are most of my girlfriends, most of whom were schoolmates from more than a decade ago. The preference for larger bags probably came about through functionality and the practically of having a bag big enough to accommodate our daily items. When in school for example, it was all about carrying textbooks, exercise books, gym wear and whatever else you needed for the day. So big bags the likes of weekend carryalls were always the talking point for us girls back then. Once school days were over, shopping (a Singaporean hobby) took over and big bags continued to be popular for us, where I’ve often found myself sitting and chatting with my girlfriends over the latest carryall that could most fashionably hold our daily essentials and bought items.

This Louis Vuitton vernis monogram Minna Street in raspberry pink or framboise, is not a big bag. In fact, it’s so compact, you can hardly fit its matching vernis Koala wallet into it and think to find room to put your keys in too. It does however, contain a roomier main compartment than the slimmer, more rectangular vernis Mott that has a flap closure outer pocket (see ref. 1. Mott review, 2. Mott outfit, 3. Mott in background).
Continue reading “Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Minna Street in Framboise”

Louis Vuitton Murakami multicolore keepall 45 blanc

Louis Vuitton Murakami blanc white multicolore keepall 45, photography

The Murakami Keepall 45 in blanc. Product number: M92640.
Photo Jan-Erik Nilsson, Cheryl Cordeiro-Nilsson for Cheryl Marie Cordeiro © 2009

Launched in 2003 with cooperative efforts between Marc Jacobs and Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami, the Murakami canvas comes in a white or black background. The multicolore canvas took on several different forms amongst which was the classic Keepall 45.
Continue reading “Louis Vuitton Murakami multicolore keepall 45 blanc”

Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Sunset BLD Amarante

Louis Vuitton monogram vernis Sunset Boulevard BLD in Amarante

Louis Vuitton, Sunset Boulevard in Amarante.
Text & Photo © JE Nilsson, CM Cordeiro-Nilsson 2009

Despite its possible colour transfers, Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Vernis range continues to be one of my favourite for materials used in wallets and bags because of the rotating range of colours and soft embossed logos on patent leather. Patent leathers are also generally versatile, being able to take you from casual to formal with a switch in clothes.
Continue reading “Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Sunset BLD Amarante”

Paco Gil, a little bit of Spain in Autumn

Paco GIl suede wedge heels, Louis Vuitton Vernis Mott, Louis Vuitton Multicolore, Nokia

Paco Gil wooden wedge suedes that puts a little Spain in the Swedish autumn.
Photos © Cheryl M. Cordeiro-Nilsson for CMC, 2009

It is more yellows and reds these days on the ground and in the air, than the bright greens of a few months ago, and the guitar instrumentals of Michael Mucklow’s Joy and Govi’s Carioca Cat brings home a certain longing to be in Europe’s south, where the warmth lingers on just a little while longer than in its north.
Continue reading “Paco Gil, a little bit of Spain in Autumn”

De Fyra Kungliga Klubbarnas Fest 2009, a Swedish Royal event at the Grand Hôtel, Stockholm

In a sea of tailcoats, in the Hall of Mirrors, Spegelsalen. I am wearing a red silk dress with pearl appliqués, designed by Francis Cheong in Singapore. The purse; a Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Sunset Boulevard in Amarante, from the LV shop in Stockholm. Kungliga Klubbarnas Fest, Grand Hôtel, Stockholm 2009.
Photo for CMC © J-E Nilsson and Cheryl Marie Cordeiro, 2009.

On Friday the 13th, March 2009, the bi-annual event of the Fyra Kungliga Klubbarnas Fest was held at the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm. Grand Hôtel is situated in the very heart of Stockholm beautifully overlooking the River Strömmen, which is such a defining feature of the city. Just opposite, on the other side of Strömmen, is the Royal Palace and Gamla stan (the Old Town) of Stockholm.

The event was hosted by the Royal Swedish Motorboat Club and co-hosted by the Nation of Italy, and was most notably graced by the presence of H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf and H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden.

Cheryl Marie Cordeiro and Jan-Erik Nilsson at the Fyra Kungliga Klubbarnas Fest at the Grand Hôtel, Stockholm 2009.

Champagne reception in the Hall of Mirrors

The evening began most pleasantly with a Champagne reception in the Hall of Mirrors (Spegelsalen), a magnificent ballroom decorated in gold, white and red. Ever since its opening in 1899 it has been the scene of countless conferences and brilliant parties. This evening was no exception as it held all the splendour of a White Tie event, a modern ball filled with a touch of magic! Ladies arrived dressed in their best fur coats only to reveal even more beautiful ballgowns in jewel toned fabrics. The men came dressed in full evening dress, some even with a top hat, and some in their mess dress. Continue reading “De Fyra Kungliga Klubbarnas Fest 2009, a Swedish Royal event at the Grand Hôtel, Stockholm”

Meeting early spring in shades of white

Cheryl Marie Cordeiro, early spring 2009 in shades of white

In shades of white in early spring, against a clear blue sky.
Pictures taken for Bengt Enrique at I LVOE LV

It’s when you meet clear blue skies in the still biting cold of winter that you know spring’s along its way now. The temperatures will continue to pendulate between plus and minus degrees but the sunlight is showing itself more these days, with the days getting longer. A change in season is what I’m looking forward to and one that I welcome. Continue reading “Meeting early spring in shades of white”

Louis Vuitton Monogram Glacé porte-billets monnaie zippé, Grizzly

Louis Vuitton monogram glacé

Louis Vuitton Monogram Glacé porte-billets monnaie zippé in Grizzly.
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro-Nilsson 2008

Depending on what you’re looking for in design, this porte-billets monnaie zippé / wallet in collectible Glacé monogram holds bills, change and credit cards – zipped in. So why not that lipstick too between its covers if it fits?

Louis Vuitton monogram glacé
Louis Vuitton Monogram Glacé Grizzly

The colour is Grizzly or a rich dark chocolate brown that under certain light would look a sophisticated matte black. Embossed and soft to the touch, the glacé leather oozes understated luxe.

Measuring a 11×11 cm, it might not sit well in the back pocket of any pair of cigarette jeans but personally, I’m loving the feel of this wallet in the hand and in the bag. It comes from Vuitton’s men’s line for small leather goods, now no longer in production.

This Grizzly is for keeps, as far as androgynous goes.

The Porte-billets monnaie zippé wallet in Glacé monogram features:

  • Monogram Glacé embossed leather
  • Zipper closure
  • Silver grommet pieces, stamped with Louis Vuitton
  • A snap closure inside coin pocket
  • 3 credit card slots
  • Measures 4.5″ x 4.5″ or 11 cm x 11 cm
  • Datecode: CA1014
  • Product code: M66510

Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Porte-Trésor International wallet

dsc01965a.jpg

dsc01979a.jpgdsc01971a.jpgdsc01975a.jpg

dsc01966a.jpgdsc01980a.jpgdsc01981a.jpg

dsc01983a.jpgdscf0655date.jpgdscf0652hallmark.jpg

The Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis line, developed in 1998 by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton began with several baby soft colours, one of which was the coveted Marshmallow Pink as you see in the above pictures of the Porte-Trésor International wallet. Other soft pastels included a lavender, a light yellow and a neutral pearly beige, which is just a tad lighter in shade than the noisette (a sort of latte) colour launched in just about 2006/7. Continue reading “Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Porte-Trésor International wallet”

Easter inspirations, Gunilla Stolpe

yellow_coat-053.jpg

  • Yellow felt wool coat, Gare de Robe, style by Gunilla Stolpe
  • Wool scarf, Swedish label
  • Black skinny jeans, Baxter
  • Gold peep toe heels, Ellie
  • Epi leather Gobelins backpack, Louis Vuitton

I actually met with Gunilla Stolpe when I was at her shop browsing. I really had no intention on purchasing a short coat, but I spoke to her some about her inspirations, her designs and she explained to me in great detail, how she made this yellow coat – which is what sold me the coat and of course, her pleasant personality.

I call it an Easter-coat, because of the yellow and this particular yellow is strongly associated with Easter in Sweden (perhaps other countries too where they celebrate Easter). There was one in a dark brown but I figured I haven’t got anything yellow in my wardrobe. Or very few yellow coloured items in my wardrobe, so why not brighten it up with this?

Apart from its colour which cheers me up just by looking at it, it’s warm without adding too much bulk on the frame. There is actually a matching ribbon belt to it which is not featured in the picture above.

Louis Vuitton Epi Mabillon, Mocha

mabillon428.jpg
mabillon429.jpgmabillon436.jpgmabillon430.jpgmabillon431.jpgmabillon435.jpg
All pictures have been taken in natural daylight, without the use of flash.

The Epi Mabillon has been described as

The world’s chicest backback, Louis Vuitton’s elegant Mabillon is a lovely, hands-free alternative to a city bag. Ideal for busy lifestyles, with a full double-zip closure, comfortable straps, and hidden outside pocket.

Continue reading “Louis Vuitton Epi Mabillon, Mocha”

Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Minna Street and a touch of ’70s

Most of the time, I think I look more like my dad in pictures. But in this picture, I actually think I look like my mother, when she was about the same age?

Going ’70s?

2007sept29-081front.jpg

  • Beige fitted T
  • Wide legged sailor pants, MNG
  • Framboise Minna Street in Vernis, Louis Vuitton
  • Shoes, Chloé (under the sailor pants)
  • Here’s a picture of my mother when she was 21.

    mom-at-21.jpg

    Continue reading “Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Minna Street and a touch of ’70s”

    Louis Vuitton Damier Utzés tote, sunday casual

    In the Monday issue of DN a Swiss company called Pictet Funds has reportedly started a special investment fund, Premium Brands, that only specializing on well, premium brands. As for shopping, they don’t advise against buying any items that carry a premium brand in the first place since the brand and image guarantees that the product will have a certain standard regardless of what. The article goes on to tell that Armani, Prada, Cartier and Italian Bulgari beside the Swedish Absolute Vodka touch a soft spot with the Swedish investment company’s official. Personally, I would never have forgotten Louis Vuitton in a list of my own favorite brands.

    2007sept29-129sundaycasualu.jpg

    The bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Utzés

    My outfit for a shopping sunday.

  • Simple t-shirt in beige
  • Wool pants from MNG
  • LV, Damier Utzés tote
  • Coach ballerinas in crackled patent leather, bronze
  • Turquoise earrings set in silver
  • Continue reading “Louis Vuitton Damier Utzés tote, sunday casual”

    Louis Vuitton Murakami Mulitcolore Shirley clutch blanc

    IMG_4708a 598

    Murakami Mulitcolore Shirley clutch blanc
    Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro 2006

    The Shirley multicolore is a bold, chirpy clutch that is young but doesn’t come across as juvenile. It isn’t really too formal so I think, only because of its white canvas that explodes with Murakami’s signature colours. This was Takashi Murakami’s collaboration with Louis Vuitton for Spring/Summer 2005. It features gold hardware, an S-lock and a velvet-touch burgundy alcantara lining. The edges of the clutch are trimmed in natural vachetta leather which matures and gains a darker shade with use.
    Continue reading “Louis Vuitton Murakami Mulitcolore Shirley clutch blanc”