Total Eclipse Of The Heart: Louis Vuitton's Monogram Eclipse New Classics

Unveiled a few years ago on the Fall/Winter 2016 runway, the Monogram Eclipse line from Louis Vuitton stands out for its edgy take on the uber-recognisable LV monogram, rendering the motif in a subtle palette of black and grey. This season, artistic director Virgil Abloh presents his take on the Monogram Eclipse, launching a range of ‘new classics’ that reinterprets the craft of maroquinerie through the lens of contemporary masculinity.

Working off his 3% methodology, in which three is considered the optimal ratio to turn a normative object into something special, Abloh puts his twist on several vintage silhouettes from the French house’s archive – the Steamer, Soft Trunk, and Pochette Volga.

Originally created in 1901 as a way to hold dirty laundry on long sea voyages, the Steamer has been reimagined as a new business bag that is equal part fashionable and functional.

With a nod to the maison’s roots as a luggage maker, the Soft Trunk takes its style cues from a classic archival design. While retaining some of the signature details – like metallic finishes – the new Soft Trunk is constructed of supple leather so as to hug the body more harmoniously. A detachable shoulder strap made of leather and matte resin chain enhances the bag’s versatility, making it the perfect everyday option. 

Big enough to fit up to three mobile phones (because why not?), the Pochette Volga features a hybrid design with a removable chain handle that allows for it to be carried as either a bag or a wallet. Hands-free and fuss-free, the pochette is the ideal companion for the man (or woman) on the go. 

The Louis Vuitton New Classics will be available from 8 November at the Louis Vuitton boutiques in Ngee Ann City, ION Orchard, Marina Bay Sands, and Changi Airport Terminal 3, and online at louisvuitton.com