Coinciding with artist Yayoi Kusama’s retrospective at  Tate Modern Museum in London in February which will then move to the New York’s Whitney Museum in July, a collaboration between the Japanese artist and Louis Vuitton is set to debut with the New York show. While no official images of the collaboration have been made available, the above image of  Marc Jacobs (pre-studliness) holding an LVMH bag customized and signed by Kusama, dating from 2006, perhaps can be seen  as a precursor of what we can expect. Lots of artsy polka dots! More images on the flip.Images via Tokyodandy.

Sofia’s collaboration with Louis Vuitton is lately responsible for some of the label’s most compelling bags. To the point where even a Snob who thinks the label was killed by the attack of the Speedies would crave one. More details on pricing and availability at Ilvoelv.

See more LV x Coppola Cruise 2012 bags on the next page.

Some things get better with age like this adorable Louis Vuitton x Murakami “Cerises” ( meaning cherry) circle coin bag that first hit the market in 2005, and is now available in gently used condition at Malleries for $299. If there were a top-ten collabo list, this one would be among the top three.

A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Louis Vuitton carousel that charmed everyone’s pants off.

Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 runway video. Pretty darn magical. If you want to skip ahead Kate Moss makes her first apperance at 7:04.

Louis Vuitton as steered by Marc Jacobs remains more firmly committed than ever to a ladylike posture, showing a collection of Spring 2012 bags that exuded proper society girl. Though unlike the more devious-feeling Autumn 2012 presentation, this time the prissy viewpoint of the bags was further supported by a backdrop of fashion that included Southern-belle-lunch-worthy skirts and dresses, classic mule silhouettes and even parasols (not to mention a carousel upon whose horses the girls sat side saddle)! The only naughtiness that could be seen for miles was a Louis Vuitton flask….meant to be hidden in an LV bag no doubt, perfect for getting one through life’s little dark moments–though sipped discretely of course! Via Style.

More bags on the next page.

A lovely backstage photo just after the Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 show of two old mates–Marc Jacobs & Kate Moss. According to press, Moss asked Jacobs if she couldn’t walk in the show. Via.

Check out this video of the amazing Marc Jacobs chatting about his view of the Louis Vuitton woman. He comments:

“She wants to be seen, she wants to be noticed…there’s nothing apologetic or shy about it. She’s strong whether she’s gentle, or whether she’s youthful or more mature, whatever, she’s definitely an extrovert.”

And I think there are tinges of English accept creeping into his voice during this interview, no? Maybe it’s Jacob’s Louis V voice….I could see how someone with as many hats as he wears taking on slightly different personas for each label if only to keep creative ideas distinct.

We raised an eyebrow last week at Louis Vuitton’s claim that Angelina Jolie was makeup free in a recently-launched ad campaign (see video above). But whatever, it’s fashion, half of everything is a lie, you get numb to it. The ladies at Jezebel, however, weren’t about to just keep it moving and in the gifted way that only they can did quite the takedown, while also asking some great questions. Here’s a snippit:

“….but now that we’ve studied the associated video carefully — by which we mean that we watched it, and that we have eyes — we are left in no doubt. No doubt whatsoever. They simply do not shoot major international campaigns for luxury brands without professionally applied hair and makeup. This leaves us with only two questions: one, why the fuck did Louis Vuitton tell such a dumb-ass lie about something any customer with half-decent eyesight would be able to disprove?”

Bonus irony points because the campaign is called “Core Values”! Read more at Jezebel.

We don’t obsess over price much around here. Even if you don’t have a lot you scrimp and save because it means that much or it’s just not possible but there’s still joy in gazing upon a beautifully made item. But still, can’t say I’ve ever heard of a $20,000 Louis Vuitton bag. I don’t know, somehow I want more–like perhaps a live mini unicorn that comes out and does a little tap dance on the table when you are so inclined to have him do so.

But nope, no unicorn, just a very rare “Les Extraordinaires” bag from a Louis Vuitton 2005 runway show, designed by Marc Jacobs, natch. And it costs $99 to ship.