WILL LEATHER GOODS, the American luxury leather accessories company presents its latest “Found: Made in America” Collections featuring authentic Mexican tribal rug patterns as hand-woven by Navajo Indians thousand of years ago. Each OAXACAN BAG is inherently unique bearing such Zapotec weaving that includes natural elements such as berries, moss, tree bark and larvae, giving vibrant colors of reds, greens, browns and yellows.

THE OAXACAN DUFFEL BAG has dimensions 21″ x 12.5″ x 11.25″, spacious enough to bring all your stuffs for the weekend. Its top flap, made from vegetable dyed Oaxacan wool rub, is set with natural shrunken leather, top zipper closure, as well as detachable cross body strap and top handle.

Price: $495.00

From a small leather brand stand in Venice, CA under the name “Billy Belts”, the former Hollywood star BILL ADLER has shifted the company in Eugene, Oregon in 1981, to become a leading American men and women’s leather accessories brand globally known for high quality material and exceptional workmanship. Today, Will Leather Goods retails its classic-stylish belts bags, wallets, and other small accessories at Nordstrom’s, Sak’s Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Barney’s New York, and many boutiques across the world.

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I know that pink is associated to the woman, yet the firm linings on this leather bag create an impression of masculine. Moreover, it’s a bright pink! So bold and fearless, fit very well for men either.

The CANDY luggage by modern heritage brand from England, GLOBE-TROTTER is a reissue of the fastest selling color in the company’s history. The limited edition travel bag features eye-catching Hot Pink body and Burgundy leather trim and lining.

Available at Globe-Trotter Flagship Store, the collection includes

• 13” Vanity Case Price: £400
• 18″ Air Cabin Case, Price: £560
• 18″ Trolley Case, Price: £660
• 21” Trolley Case, Price: £735
• 28″ Suitcase with wheels, Price: £870
• 30″ Extra Deep Case with wheels, Price: £910
• 33” Extra Deep Case with wheels, Price: £945

Founded in 1897 by Englishman David Nelki, GLOBE-TROTTER SUITCASE has remained virtually unchanged in terms of design and manufacture since the day. Their collections has been recognized and coveted by the Royalty and Great British Icons over the years. The world noted H.R.H Queen Elizabeth II, picked Globe-Trotter for her honeymoon luggage; Sir Winston Churchill chose Globe-Trotter for his Despatch Case during his time as Chancellor of the Exchequer; and Sir Edmund Hillary used Globe-Trotter suitcase during his conquest of Everest in 1951; not to mention the pilots and flight crews for the RAF and British Airways carried Globe-Trotter cabin cases.

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German design house, PORSCHE DESIGN has just released a new compass watch in March at Baselworld. The P’6250 COMPASS harks back the first navigational watch designed by Prof. Ferdinand Alexander Porsche and released in 1978 as collaboration between Porsche Design and the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen. Yet, to me, with the two-fold function, the gadget watch rings a bell of the Master Feng Shui Watch by Chinese international label Shanghai Tang.

The PORSCHE DESIGN P’6520 COMPASS WATCH consists of two parts. The upper part tells time by its three hands while the lower – revealed when you flip the watch face – is a removable liquid compass. Also, there are mirrors on the case back and top of the compass that click in place making it easier to read the direction. The case is made of titanium with a scratch resistant PVD coating set with black titanium bracelet. Animated by self-winding Swiss made Sellita SW300 movement, with a power reserve of 42 hours, the Porsche Design explorer’s timepiece is produced in limited edition of 911 pieces. Water-resistance is 50 meters.

IWC - Porsche Design Compass Watch 1979

new Porsche Design Compass Watch P’6520

I don’t know whether this timepiece will be very useful for recreational adventurers as GPS device has these days replaced the conventional navigational instrument as such magnetic compass.

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Following its success in tennis, RICHARD MILLE has also entered the sport of Polo. The Swiss premium watchmaking company has formed a polo team manned by Argentine players PABLO MACDONOUGH (ranked 1st in the 2010 World Polo Tour) and Alejandro Muzzio, the English promising young player Max Routledge, plus the patron Prince Bahar of Brunei Darussalam. Akin to Rafael Nadal who wears Richard Mille timepiece while playing tennis, all the players play with a Richard Mille DLC Titanium RM 010 Limited Edition strapped to their wrist. The watch features a unique ‘all black’ DLC-treated case and red dial to pay homage to the team’s livery colors.

The RICHARD MILLE POLO TEAM has participated in some of the most prestigious international high goal tournament and made its debut at Queen’s Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club early May. Next was the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup, began on June 21st until July 17th. Later in the summer, they will also compete for the Gold, Silver and Bronze Cup in Sotogrande, Santa Maria Polo Club, July 27th to August 29th.

Despite the tight schedule, Richard Mille Polo Team has also taken part on exhibition match, the BRITISH POLO DAY CHARITY CUP on Saturday, 2nd of July, in which Richard Mille was one of the title sponsors. For this special occasion, Richard Mille team was composed of Pablo MacDonough, PRINCE RASHID OF JORDAN, Harald Link (Founder and owner of Thai Polo Club) and Said Bin Drai. On the grounds of Lord and Lady Lloyd Webber’s Berkshire Estate, Watership Down, they played against Sentebale Team, manned by HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE HARRY OF WALES, Jack Mann, Alejandro Muzzio and Caroline Link (daughter of Harald Link), to raise funds for SENTEBALE and TUSK TRUST, Prince Harry and The Duke of Cambridge’s respective charities.

With attendance over 400 VIP guests and members of several royal families, the Richard Mille team – patronage by Prince Bahar of Brunei Darussalam, finally prevailed over the Sentenale team – patronage by Prince Harry of Wales and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The winner received The British Polo Day Charity Cup Trophy handed over by guest-of-honor Mr. Richard Mille.

(left to right): Said Bin Drai, Pablo MacDonough, Harald Link, Prince Rashid of Jordan, Richard Mille (center), Jack Mann, Alejandro Muzzio, Prince Harry of Wales & Caroline Link

On the day, MR. RICHARD MILLE also announced that a one-off RM 033 automatic caliber will be auctioned later in this year. All the proceeds will go to Tusk and Sentebale, shared in equal parts between the two charities. The timepiece will feature 18k red gold case and hands set with black rubber strap and red gold buckle. It also includes the colors of Sentebale, discretely reproducing its logo on the back sapphire.

The Richard Mille Sentebale Watch RM 033, to be auctioned this year

About Richard Mille

Richard Mille is a trademark of Swiss watches company, founded in 1999 by Richard Mille.

The factory is located in the town of Breuleux Switzerland. Using materials as well as advanced techniques, the Richard Mille watches are sometimes called “the F1 Watch”. The most famous model is the Tourbillon RM008 (chronograph tourbillon). Combining an engine with manual winding tourbillon, a chronograph, an indicator of torque, a power reserve indicator, this is one of the most advanced watches in the world.

About Sentebale

Sentebale is a charity set up in April 2006 by Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and the Prince Harry of Wales to help vulnerable children and young people in Lesotho, particularly those who have been orphaned as a result of HIV and AIDS. The new organization was a step in Prince Harry’s pledge to continue his mother’s work with disadvantaged children. Prince Seeiso’s mother, Queen Mamohato, a much-loved figure in her country, had died in 2003. Harry told the Concert for Diana website: “Sentebale means ‘forget me not’. We chose the name as a memorial to the charity work of our own mothers, as well as a reminder to us all not to forget Lesotho or its children.”

About Tusk Trust

Tusk was established in 1990 in response to an urgent need to halt the decline in Africa’s natural heritage and find a way to combine the interests of people and wildlife alike. Supported by UK celebrities such as Rory Bremner, Ronnie Wood, Griff Rhys Jones, Joanna Lumley, Ruby Wax, Zoe Ball, Ben Fogle and Alistair McGowan, the charity’s work to deliver direct sustainable conservation has been widely covered on television and in the media. In 2005 Prince William became the charity’s Royal Patron.

If you are a frequent traveler, then you will love these ones: PASSAGE ROLLING CHECK-IN BAG-28″ and Passage Boarding Tote from FILSON, the American outdoor clothing label with over 100-year experience. The first is for the baggage and the latter will accompany you on cabin.

The rugged the PASSAGE ROLLING CHECK-IN BAG-28″ – made from 16.4-oz. 100% 1050 nylon twill with 3XPU coating and nylon ripstop lining – is designed for easy packing and easy transport. It has lots of room comprising large front and rear exterior zippered pocket, two zip mesh pockets on inner front of bag and multiple interior storage pockets. The bag even has exterior removable carrying straps to help keep your hands free of coat, blueprint tube or fly rod tubes, while you’re on the move. Simply remove and stow straps once you’re check-in ready. With its built-in business card holder on back, it won’t be too hard to identify your bag if it was on lost-and-found room.

Dimension: 28″H x 17 1/2″W x 10 1/2″D. The handle extends to 40”.

Usage: Field, Travel, Business, Casual. Available in colors: black, brown, or otter green. Price: $345.00.

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With dimensions of 15 1/2″W x 9 1/2″H x 6″D, the rugged Passage Boarding Tote fits even small overhead compartments on the plane’s cabin or under the seat; yet carry all your in-flight essentials. Main compartment has inside zip security pocket and two mesh elastic-topped organizational pockets, plus dual front pockets with leather snap tab flap closures and front exterior full zippered pocket.

The bag is also designed to be compatible with the rolling bag for easy transport. When you arrive and out of the plane, simply unzip the rear outer pocket and slip it over the handle of the rolling bag. Made from the same material as the Passage Rolling Check-In Bag 28”, the boarding bag has bottom corners wrapped by abrasion-resistant leather to protect from terminal floors.

Available in black, brown or otter green color, the FILSON’S Passage Boarding Tote prices $150.00.

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Yesterday Bono U2, today Justin Bieber; they were both spotted carrying a Louis Vuitton Bag. The Canadian-born teen pop sensation chose LOUIS VUITTON DAMIER MICHAEL BACKPACK.

Justin Drew Bieber was seen leaving the Grove mall in Los Angeles after his book signing at Barnes & Noble for the release of his new book “Justin Bieber First Step 2 Forever: My Story”. The teen idol was wearing a Louis Vuitton Michael backpack in damier graphite canvas (retails for US $1,530).

Justin Bieber Book signing at Barnes and Noble

Sized at 10.2” x 17.7” x 6.7”, the LOUIS VUITTON MICHAEL BACKPACK CRAFTED IN DAMIER GRAPHITE CANVAS is ideal for carrying a laptop, books, and all other essentials. It has also two zipped pockets on the exterior, foam padded computer pocket, mobile phone pocket and special double zipper for security and convenience. Besides, it has a D-ring to clip keys. This LV luggage bag is a lightweight backpack combining style and comfort, making it a best companion for business, leisure or traveling No wonder the American R&B pop singer Chris Brown also chose this LV Damier backpack.

Louis Vuitton Damier Michael in Graphite Canvas as worn by Justin Bieber

Another backpack worn by JUSTIN BIEBER was a purple suede backpack by a new name in high end fashion industry – LOUIS STEWART. The Usher’s artists and teen pop superstar was bringing the JET PACK at the backstage of his concert in LA. He was also spotted wearing the custom-made bag at JFK airport.

The backpack may slightly resemble those of the Louis Vuitton collections. It’s no wonder as the designer – Louis Stewart worked for Louis Vuitton fashion house for a year before leaving the company to launch his own custom bag company. Recently his works are popular among the Hip-Hop community, thanks to the efforts of comedian/actor Alex Thomas (who is now the Louis Stewart spokesman). In fact, Louis Stewart collections are in high demand amongst NFL and NBA players.
List of celebrities joining Louis Stewart movement includes rapper Fabolous, Outkast member: Big Boi, Gucci Mane, Soulja Boy , Rappers Nicki Minaj and the newly christened: Ricky Rozay, hip hop artist T.I. a.k.a T.I.P and NBA Superstar Chris Paul.

Until now, the fashion house still produces its collections in limited number and custom made. Perhaps that exclusivity is another reason many people are enthusiast about the collections.

The purple suede custom-made LOUIS STEWART JET BACKPACK retails for US $2,500 and are available by custom order only. There are a variety of colors, skins and fabrics to choose from.

Justin Bieber wears Louis Stewart Hat and Bag (image courtesy of Sandrarose.com)

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After the three football/soccer living legends: Maradona, Pele, Zidane, now it’s BONO U2 who appears on Louis Vuitton advertisement. For the “Core Values” campaign, the pop/rock icon were photographed by Annie Leibovitz stepping off a small propeller plane on the African savannah carrying a waterproof KEEPALL 45 TRAVEL BAG in MONOGRAM CANVAS; while his wife, ALI HEWSON carried a limited edition LOUIS VUITTON/EDUN COLLABORATION BAG. The title of this commercial ad is “Every Journey Begins in Africa” in which the proceeds of the sale, along with the couple’s appearance fee for the photo shoot will go to Technoserve in Africa for the Conservation Cotton Initiative (in Uganda) and to The Chernobyl Children International.

As the smallest of the Louis Vuitton monogram luggage collections, measuring only  17.7”x10.6”x 7.9”, the KEEPALL 45 is the perfect bag for a carry-on when flying or as a companion to an overnight carrier. The travel duffel bag as worn by Bono U2 comes with the Louis Vuitton signature monogram canvas, canvas lining and a cowhide trim. It also features leather handles, a leather ID holder, a padlock, as well as a removable shoulder strap.

Louis Vuitton EDUN collaborative bag: Special edition Keepall 45 Travel Duffel Bag

Offered US $4,900, THE LOUIS VUITTON/EDUN COLLABORATION BAG comes with debossed Louis Vuitton monogram Révélation brown leather. This SPECIAL EDITION KEEPALL 45 TRAVEL DUFFLE BAG as worn by Ali Hewson also includes a distinctive feature: ebony-and-bone charm which is handcrafted in Kenya by MADE – a fair trade jewelry label which strives to break the cycle of poverty and empower the disadvantaged communities across East Africa by promoting “trade not aid” ethos. Both the charm and the inside of the bag carry the inscription “Every journey began in Africa”.

Clothing label EDUN was founded in 2005 by ALI HEWSON and U2 singer BONO with a mission to encourage trade with Africa and raise awareness of the possibilities there. The for-profit contemporary fashion brand sources organic and sustainable materials whenever possible. The company claims that 80% of their clothing (under brand EDUN and EDUN LIVE) is made in Africa, specifically Tunisia, Tanzania and Kenya. The remaining 20% is spread out between China and Peru.

In May 2009, the parent company of Louis Vuitton – Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) purchased a 49% stake in EDUN after the company admitted to being in fiscal straits.

Bono said on Dailymail:

“Ali has worked hard to build Edun from scratch, and thanks to LVMH’s commercial muscle and support, this fledgling company can go from strength to strength - which means increased business for our partners in developing countries.”

Hewson added:

“We want Edun to be a success because the more it grows, the more we can do on the ground.”
Since the purchase, the two powerhouses have joined forces to create exceptional designs as well as to encourage more mutual benefits.

Along with the launch of Edun’s Spring/Summer 2011 collections at Paris Fashion Week, LOUIS VUITTON and EDUN has unveiled a temporary public exhibition titled “Africa Rising” at Rue du Pont-Neuf opposite Louis Vuitton’s head office in Paris, from 6-18 October 2010. The event featured five prominent artists from Africa who illustrate the many faces of the dynamic and creative of the continent today. The special attractions during the exhibition also include African arts from renowned Jean Pigozzi collections (CAAC), a library space allowing visitors to discover a new contemporary Africa through books and literature on the scene, and of course, behind-the-scene stories of the recent collaboration of Louis Vuitton/EDUN “Core Values” campaign.

“Every Journey Began in Africa”
Discover the making of the advertising campaign with Bono and his wife Ali, shot by Annie Leibovitz for Louis Vuitton.

Launched in 2007, the Louis Vuitton “Core Values” Campaign which supports Al Gore’s The Climate Project has enjoyed huge success. Not only raising the awareness of climate change, it has also won acclaim and awards from the advertising industry. The campaign has posed a long list of celebrities including Catherine Deneuve, Mikhail Gorbachev, Sean Connery, Francis Ford Coppola with his daughter Sofia, and Andre Agassi with wife Steffi Graf.

Louis Vuitton “Core Values” campaign advertisement featuring Mikhail Gorbachev and LV monogram travel Bag

Antoine Arnault, Louis Vuitton Head of Communications said:

“We are delighted that both Ali and Bono, who have never before participated in an advertising campaign, agreed to be photographed for Core Values. We are very proud of our association with Edun.”

‘This is a good example of how a business can be innovative and successful and at the same time environmentally responsible’ said Al Gore of the project.

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BILL KAULITZ of TOKIO HOTEL was spotted bringing one of the LV Men’s Autumn/Winter 2006 Collections, the LOUIS VUITTON VAIL BLANKET CABBAS BAG. Made of lambs wool and cashmere with grained calf leather trim, the red bag features Frank Lloyd Wright-esque zigzag pattern called “KARAKORAM”. Named after a large mountain range in Central Asia (‘Karakoram’ or ‘Karakorum’ is a large mountain range spanning the borders between Pakistan, India and China, located in the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan - Pakistan, Ladakh - India, and Xinjiang region - China), the dyed thread jagged motif was first used in Louis Vuitton’s earliest collection of scarves and travel rugs back in the 90’s.

Artistic pattern on Stained Glass of Dana House by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright

Karakoram Mountains in Central Asia - photo courtesy of National Geographic

Vail Blanket Cabbas “Kararokam” Bag on Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2006 Collections Runway

The Limited Edition Bag is also decorated with a strongly embroidered crest on the front along with the interior patch which refers to the early 1950’s LV advertisement. They encourage us to “Volez, voguez, voyagez avec valises des Louis Vuitton” (Fly, sail, travel with bags by Louis Vuitton).

Louis Vuitton embroidered crest on Vail Blanket Cabas “Kararokam” Bag

Louis Vuitton’s encouragement text on the interior of Vail Blanket Cabbas “Kararokam” Bag

The Louis Vuitton Vail Blanket Cabbas Bag has a top flap with double snap silver polished closure that pops open to show the beige sari canvas lining. The base and corners of the bag are protected with the calf leather. The interior compartments include a zipped pocket, phone pocket and d-ring. Dimensions of the bag: 15.4″ x 15.4″ x 4.3″ (39 cm x 39 cm x 11 cm)

Louis Vuitton Vail Blanket Cabbas Bag “Karakoram” in red & black color

About Bill Kaulitz

Born in Leipzig Germany – 1st September 1989, Bill Kaulitz is also recognized as a designer and model besides a singer and songwriter. The lead vocalist of the band TOKIO HOTEL since 2001 has designed many of his own stage costumes. He apparently collects suspenders and is also ‘totally crazy about jackets’. Kaulitz reports he has hundreds of jackets in his closet - though he has said that none of his jackets are real leather as he is opposed to using animal pelts/feathers for clothing. His fashion and styles refer to David Bowie – particularly in the film “Labyrinth” – Nena, Vampires, Paris Secondhand Shops, Striking Jewelry and Dior Homme. German site dw-world.com says that his look, young age and edgy hairstyle has helped him obtain icon status among many teenage girls.

Other recognitions also came from the world’s fashion designers. Following the photo shoot for the 30th birthday of Vogue magazine, September 2009, in which Kaulitz was chosen to take part, the fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld described him as “The Other Idea of a German” and wrote that the 20-year old singer with the unusual styling became a superstar and a fashion icon. One month later, after awarded #11 on German magazine GQ’s Best Dressed List, designer Michael Michalsky said that “Bill Kaulitz is unique and uncompromising, Pop-Art brought to life. He likes to change – that is fashion.”
Not to mention, in 2008, Bill Kaulitz was chosen as the most attractive singer on stage by the readers of the Spanish magazine “HOLA”. He is also the youngest person to be immortalized in wax by the Madame Tussauds Museum – at the age of 19. Also, he was named “Man of the Year #6” by MTV News.

About Louis Vuitton

Since the very beginning of its founding in 1854 on Rue Neuve des Capucines – Paris, the France luxury house has been renowned for its savoir faire and its expertise in the making of trunks and luggage. Louis Vuitton (1821 – February 27, 1892) had an extensive knowledge of luggage and actually began by designing luggage for the rich in Paris, including Congo explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza and American conductor Leopold Stokowski. Monsieur Vuitton had also introduced his flat-bottom trunks with trianon canvas that could easily stack in railway carriages. Becoming successful and prestigious, many other luggage makers began to imitate LV’s innovation.

Today, LV is one of the world’s most recognized brands. A long time symbol of prestige and wealth, the company commands some of the highest prices in the international fashion market for its products.

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FIFA World Cup Trophy to be encased by Louis Vuitton (photo by Getty Images)

Having featured the official FIFA World Cup Rings and Official FIFA World Cup Watches, I am now reporting that the international governing body of association football has appointed French fashion house: LOUIS VUITTON to design a special case for the greatest football prize: FIFA WORLD CUP TROPHY.

Antoine Arnault, Head of Communications for Louis Vuitton, commented:

“We are very proud to have been chosen by FIFA to dedicate our know-how to creating the case for the most beautiful trophy: the FIFA World Cup Trophy. From the legendary bed-trunk developed by Georges and Louis Vuitton in 1868 for the explorers, to the case for the oldest sporting trophy – the America’s Cup – and the special order for the iPod case from a well-known designer, the Maison has always combined clever and elegant ways to satisfy the very specific needs of its clients, allowing them to express their uniqueness or achieve their dream.”

FIFA and Louis Vuitton collaborates in designing case for the authentic World Cup Trophy

Made of 18-carat gold – with height of 36.8 cm and weight of 6.175 kilograms, The FIFA WORLD CUP TROPHY is the most coveted trophy in the world. Since the original prize for winning the World Cup: JULES RIMET TROPHY was stolen and missing in Brazil, 1974, FIFA stated the trophy cannot be won outright: the winners of the tournament receive a replica (FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy) which is gold plated rather than solid gold. The authentic World Cup Trophy remains in FIFA’s possession. When it travels – for the exhibitions around the world or being presented for the winning team at the stadium, it was carried on a battered aluminum case. And from the WORLD CUP TWENTY TEN onward, the authentic trophy, designed by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga, will be cradled in a custom-made Louis Vuitton trunk.

Being created by Asnières workshop in France – with its savoir faire and experience in producing 450 custom designs each year – the Louis Vuitton travel case will not only carry the trophy in safety but also in style. As FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter explained,

“The FIFA World Cup Trophy is our most precious asset. It’s the most coveted trophy, not only in the world of football but beyond. It succeeds in uniting fans all around the world in a healthy competition for the final prize. A trophy as precious as the FIFA World Cup Trophy deserves a travel case of the same elegance and prestige. From now on, the trophy will not only travel in safety, but it will also travel in style.”

Jérôme Valcke, secretary general of FIFA added,

“When you have the most beautiful girl in the world you hope she will wear the most beautiful dress.”

Well, the special-ordered-trunk will surely be an exquisite one. As Louis Vuitton tradition, the case will have special blend of tradition and innovation, craftsmanship and creativity, history and modernity. The company’s original vocation as a layetier-emballeur – the term used for packers of travelers’ trunks, is thus respected, for LOUIS VUITTON MALLETIER has always created cases to carry its clients’ most treasured belongings.

Since the very beginning of its founding in 1854 on Rue Neuve des Capucines – Paris, the France luxury house has been renowned for its savoir faire and its expertise in the making of trunks and luggage. Louis Vuitton (1821 – February 27, 1892) had an extensive knowledge of luggage and actually began by designing luggage for the rich in Paris, including Congo explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza and American conductor Leopold Stokowski. Monsieur Vuitton had also introduced his flat-bottom trunks with trianon canvas that could easily stack in railway carriages. Becoming successful and prestigious, many other luggage makers began to imitate LV’s innovation.

Today, LV is one of the world’s most recognized brands. A long time symbol of prestige and wealth, the company commands some of the highest prices in the international fashion market for its products.

For the World Cup Campaign, Louis Vuitton has chosen three football legends instead of the current super star such as CR9, Lionel Messi, or Fernando Torres. The advertisement features Zinedine Zidane, Pele and Diego Maradona playing foosball (table football) together. Photographed by Annie Leibovitz, the ad spotlights LV monogram canvas bags.

Louis Vuitton World Cup 2010 campaign featuring  Maradona, Pele, Zidane and LV Monogram Canvas Bag.

Football living as well as current Argentina National Football Team DIEGO MARADONA on the latest Louis Vuitton advertisement for World Cup 2010 campaign

Pele and Zidane on Louis Vuitton World Cup Campaign Ads

“The Match You’ve Been Waiting For” - by Louis Vuitton 2010; feat. Zinedine Zidane, Pele and Diego Maradona

Also as part of the campaign, the new LOUIS VUITTON WORLD CUP TROPHY TRUNK will encase the trophy when brought into the Soccer City Stadium (formerly known as FNB stadium) in Johannesburg – South Africa for the final match on Sunday, 11 July 2010. The trophy cup will be lifted by a Louis Vuitton ambassador in front of one billion television viewers all over the world. 

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Michael Jackson’s favorite designer

The native of Avignon, France – CHRISTIAN AUDIGIER is no stranger to fashion world. He was the primary force behind the rise of Von Dutch and making the Von Dutch hat a style trend. Later he found his own line ED HARDY - based on the work of an American tattoo artist, Don Ed Hardy and his own namesake ‘Christian Audigier’. He has a daughter named Crystal, and has made a brand with her called ‘Crystal Rock’. Christian Audigier is also behind the SMET – Born on the Street, in collaboration with his long-time friend, Johnny Halliday who is widely considered a French version of Elvis Presley.

Also known simply as “Le Vif” (the fast one), Christian Audigier has launched his latest clothing line ‘VIF SPEED SHOP 58’ in November 20th, 2008 in which he receive a customize Hummer from Ryan Friedlinghaus, the owner of West Coast Customs, a car remodeling company which was featured in Pimp My Ride Season 1 to 4.

Christian Audigier and Ryan Friedlinghaus on the launching of Vif Speed Shop 58
(Photo by Photo Agency)

The launcihing of Christian Audigier’s new clothing line: Vif Speed Shop
(Photo by Photo Agency)

Among this 2009 Fall Collections of Vif Speed Shop 58, one that gains my attention is a mechanic bag in black color called “GADGET”. Not much information is provided on the official website besides its dimensions of 16” high, 18” wide and 3” deep, as well as the price of US $157.00. It seems Audigier believes “picture speaks louder than words” and “picture worth thousand words”. However, this “Gadget” Mechanic Bag, part of “Bags and Wallets for Him”, is very fashionable indeed.

Vif Speed Shop 2009 Autum Collections by Christian Audigier: Bag for Him, ‘GADGET” Mechanic Bag
(Images are copyrighted of official Christian Audigier website)

(Images are copyrighted of official Christian Audigier website)

The MEN’S CHRISTIAN AUDIGIER “GADGET” VIF MECHANIC BAG in BLACK features an image of man riding vintage motorbike with five embroidered emblems on one side and CA Wing Insignia with three embroidered emblems on the other side. A container with zipper is available at the front side while an extra zippered pocket is on the inside.

(Images are copyrighted of official Christian Audigier website)

In recent years, it is hard not to notice people walking around in Audigier’s trademark clothes. American Super Star Magazine noted that in just two years, Ed Hardy by Christian Audigier has established itself at the top of the designer vintage tattoo category. Today, the Ed Hardy line of T-shirts, hats, hoodies and much more is sold in high-end boutiques and high-end departments stores such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s Herald Square.

Audigier’s brands — Ed Hardy, CHRISTIAN AUDIGIER and SMET — are sold globally throughout a network of distributors in over 40 countries and in over 20 branded Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier licensed stores outside the United States. Revenues of Audigier’s companies have grown from $10 million in 2005 to over $35 million in 2006 and are projected at over $80 million in 2007.

Many celebrities were spotted wearing Audigier’s clothing. The first was Britney Spears which was then followed by others including Justin Timberlake, Jessica Alba, Paris Hilton, Ashton Kutcher and even the “Material Girl” herself, Madonna. Not to mention, Dennis Rodman, Mariah Carey, Sylvester Stallone, Britney Spears, Puff Daddy and Kanye West are among fans of his flamboyant tattoo-inspired street-wear.

King of Pop Michael Jackson is one of Audigier’s admirers. In fact, they’re both a close friend.  Since 2007 the self-made French fashion mogul had been developing a clothing line with Michael Jackson prior to his sudden death last June. Unveiled on August 2009, the range includes a pair of rhinestone socks and sequined gloves.

Michael Jackson and Christian Audigier on collaborative clothing line

Christian Audigier is the new owner of Michael Jackson Neverland Ranch as he bought it on September 2009. He plans to obtain authorization to turn the house into a museum, and later would open it every June on the anniversary of Jackson’s death and organize exhibitions and shows.

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