Louis Vuitton Mirabeau GM in Epi Electric Prune

The Epi Electric line launched in late 2009 and since then there has been very little change to the line up, all that is about to change with the addition of both a new bag and a new colour.

Louis Vuitton Mirabeau PM in Black Epi Electric

The new Louis Vuitton Mirabeau bag is the due to release on June 1st and will be available in two sizes, the larger of which will feature an adjustable shoulder strap in addition to it's shapely top handles.

Louis Vuitton Mirabeau PM in Ivory Epi

Mirabeau will be available in the classic non patent Epi in both Ivory and Black, Epi Electric in Black and the new Epi Electric colour Prune.

Pics: Louis Vuitton 

Allow me introduce you to Taylor, a new Mulberry addition from the pre-fall collection.  As well as introducing a new shape Taylor showcases one the brightest new colours in the collection, Cabbage Green.

Mulberry Taylor Mini Satchel in Cabbage Green, £525

I am no means a green person, I think I probably own two green items in my whole wardrobe, however I can honestly say Cabbage Green is a beautiful colour.  If you have the opportunity to check out the colour in person I think you'll be pleasantly surprised as I was when I saw it a few months ago, Cabbage green is bright and eye catching but doesn't have any harsh acid or neon tones.

Mulberry Taylor Satchel in Deer Brown, £850

Now with regards to Taylor, there are three sizes in the collection; a satchel (£850), mini satchel (£525) and oversized satchel (£950) all featuring the Taylor signature front double zipper. The double zipper gives easy access to the internal compartment which is exactly what you need when dealing with handbags. On the reverse of the bag there is also a hidden slip pocket for essentials you need even closer to hand.

Mulberry Taylor Oversized Satchel, £950

A detail I have not yet mentioned about Taylor is the weight, despite being created in leather with additional contrasting leather trims the Taylor collection is surprisingly lightweight combine this with the addition of an adjustable and removable shoulder strap along with the attached top handle Taylor is a dream to carry.

The Mulberry Taylor is available to purchase in stores or online now and includes the following options for colours/materials:  Black, Deer Brown, Mole Grey, Cabbage Green and Mole Grey Ostrich (£3750)

Check out the I'll Take Both facebook page to see more of the Taylor family.

I know winter is probably not something you want to even think about right now but the bag I'm about to show you a beautiful new offering from Gucci for their Fall Winter season.

Smilla small in Winter Leaf

The Smilla is a smooth, warm hued leather collection comprising of three styles. The smallest member of the family is features a long chain strap (50cm drop for those who are interested) and antiqued gold hardware.  The chain is removable making it suitable for use as a clutch also.

Smilla in red.

The medium Smilla bag features a double top handle and adjustable shoulder strap which is again removable, the bag features a snap closure like it's smaller sister and the signature horsebit hardware is used this time in relation to the handles.

Smilla Boston bag in Winter Leaf

The final member of the family is the Smilla Boston Bag, just slightly larger than the medium Smilla the Boston includes many of the same features this time with a zip closure top.  So far the Boston is only available in the Winter Leaf shade, a warm autumnal brown, where as the Smilla small and medium have the additional option of red. When I say red think Autumn leaf red not Pillar box, it's a lovely soft shade and very wearer friendly.

Each Smilla bag also comes with the removable decoration of bamboo and raccoon fur, features three internal pockets and a natural cotton lining.

Prices are as follows:-

• Small Smilla £1020 
• Medium Smilla £1710 
• Boston Smilla £1800

Available for purchase online now at Gucci.com

Images: Gucci

 
As is now tradition Gucci have unveiled a new bag for Unicef. The off white cotton linen tote features an open top with three internal compartments, two external side pockets and additional external zippered pocket. The utilitarian tote is given a colour boost with the signature green and red web handles and brown leather details.


The tote retails for £695 and 25% of the sales will go to Unicef  and will be available for purchase until the 15th June 2011. To purchase the please visit the Gucci Website were the bag is sold exclusively.

Images: Gucci

• Did you always know you wanted to pursue a career in art? 

• I studied printed textiles at the Royal College of Art, my paintings at first were the starting point  for my textile designs.

•  What drove you to paint originally? 

•  Fashion, Textiles and pattern  have always been a  love and fascination.

Backstage Makeup at Dior

•  Did Vuitton choose from existing works you had created or commission something new with a specific theme in mind?  (if it was commission how much free rein did you have?) 

•  Travel was the core inspiration to the Ailleurs collection, I wanted to do something that bought that element and freshness. I worked with the team at LV and was given a brief which I find works really well and helps me to focus.

• Could you tell us a little about your inspiration behind the Ailleur collection? 

• For the Ailleurs collection at the beginning of the commission I was invited to visit the Louis Vuitton Archives and Museum in Paris, which was  absolutely amazing.  I  was very interested in Gaston Vuitton`s collection of  travel stickers (used on the trunks from hotels) bought back from travels around the world.

• How long did it take you to create each print and how long has it taken to produce the collection from start to finish? 

• The paintings for the Ailleurs collection were made in Miami last January, one on the grass by Ocean Drive, the other of Miami beach from my hotel  balcony. I love painting from high up looking down on great views.
• Miami is a fantastic place to paint, the colours and light are beautiful there. For the jungle painting I went to Kampong Gardens and Miami Zoo where I did  lots of little paintings. The final jungle piece was finished in my studio in Brighton. 

Louis Vuitton Ailleurs Clothing.

• Many of my readers are avid bag collectors do you have anything that you collect? 

•  I`m quite good at collecting Shoes.

• You're obviously passionate about traveling if you could be anywhere in the world right now where would you go?