Gloss, glitter and glamour – Marc Jacobs’ Spring/Summer 2011 collection for Louis Vuitton was full of dazzling color, shimmering texture and mesmerizing movement. Beyond the instant visual impact, each piece – from the ready-to-wear to the bags, shoes and accessories – revealed a richness and intricacy of detail which, testifying to the savoir-faire of the Louis Vuitton ateliers, elevated decadence to artistry.

The key themes of the Seventies-influenced ready-to-wear – color-blocking, animal motifs, bold floral prints and Chinoiserie translate seamlessly into the season’s accessories. As ever, Leather Goods make a striking statement, especially in terms of proportion: smaller than in recent times, these are bags designed for movement, either clasped in the hand in the case of streamlined clutches, or dangling from the shoulder on long, slender chains.

Cuir Art Déco

Named after the artistic and design style which had its origins in Paris in the first decades of the 20th century, the Cuir Art Déco bags feature neat flaps in two-tone calfskin leather with gold-link clasps. They come in the collection’s standout shade combinations, notably rich brown with old rose, and plum with fuchasia or petrol blue reprising the color-block theme from the ready to wear collection.

Cuir Art Déco Baguette
Price: US$3750
Colors: Terre/Framboise, Prune/Vert Canard
Release Date: February 2011

Cuir Art Déco Trapèze
Price: US$3450
Colors: Vieux Rose/Marron Fonce, Prune/Cyclamen
Release Date: February 2011

Avant-Garde

The Avant-Garde Pochette sure does push the boundaries with it’s eclectic design. These elongated bags in suede and calfskin features a striking gold metal bar framing the flap and a graphic Vuitton signature in multi-colored Swarovski crystals. I adore the one in Prune, it’s my favorite from this collection!

Avant-Garde Pochette
Price: US$3300
Colors: Noir, Prune
Release Date: February 2011

Monogram Savage

Aptly named Tiger and Cub, the Savage bags are viciously gorgeous. These clutches adopt the similar capsule silhouette and is made from the classic Monogram canvas that is embroidered with multi-colored sequined tiger stripes, with the calfskin leather flap featuring a striking gold metal frame similar to the Avant-Garde.

Monogram Savage Tiger
Price: US$4050
Colors: Bordeaux (pictured), Turquoise, Rose
Release Date: March 2011

Monogram Savage Cub
Price: US$2930
Colors: Rose (pictured), Turquoise
Release Date: March 2011

Monogram Empire

The Empire bags, Ponant and Levant, come in a stunning combination of wooly jacquard fabric with the Monogram pattern, suede, and trimmed with luxurious Python.

Monogram Empire Levant
Price: US$4350
Colors: Violet, Marron
Release Date: February 2011

Monogram Empire Ponant
Price: US$4050
Colors: Violet, Marron
Release Date: February 2011

Galuchat

The Maestria, made from color-blocked Stingray and Art Nouveau, a more exotic version comprises the Galuchat Collection. The latter, Art Nouveau is embellished with voluptuous iris flowers in Swarovski crystals and Ostrich leather on a background of Stingray. Stunning!

Galuchat Maestria
Price: US$4950
Colors: Fuchsia (pictured), Amethyst, Grenat
Release Date: March 2011

Galuchat Art Nouveau
Price: US$12,000
Colors: Black (pictured), Amethyst
Release Date: April 2011

Monogram Nova

Fittingly, this season’s Les Extraordinaire bag was reserved for the final look of the show (carried by 80′s supermodel Kristen McMenamy, who also stars in Louis Vuitton’s Spring 2011 campaign). The Monogram Nova is a tasseled spherical minaudière with the Monogram pattern picked out in black and silver Swarovski crystals, painstakingly applied by hand.

Monogram Nova Minaudière
Price: US$35,500
Color: Black Jet
Release Date: April 2011

Related Stories:
> Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2011 Womenswear Collection
> Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2011 Womenswear Collection – Bags

Images via Louis Vuitton