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Like many of you, I read other handbag blogs too. We all have different slants or point of views, even when it comes to critiquing the same bag, and, there seems to be an equal number of those who do not like the recurring colorblocking theme that Marc Jacobs has employed of late to his own Collection, the MbMJ line and even in his capacity as the designer for Louis Vuitton. Subjectively (but, of course), I agree with this conjecture when it is about those all too haphazard patchy-worky handbags from the Marc Jacobs Collection, but they are working for me when it comes to the moderately priced Marc by Marc Jacobs and high-end Louis Vuitton. So, why is that?

Well, to me, it appears that Marc is more successful when visual treatments are paired in opposition. This comes from the sand-washed quality of the LV monograms and the deliberately raised weave, thus playing into the idea of rawer working. And this rawer working contrasted with overly precise linear stripes of geometrical perfection instigates a balance. In the case of MbMJ, the vastness of tinted leather in an unstructured format lets us perceive things of a natural order. The leather appears uncorseted, compared to the binding by a quilted format in the Marc Jacobs Collection. It is this ‘looseness’ that beckons the viewer to come poke, while the colorblock acts as a partition to keep the oozing in check. Quite ironically, opposition equals visual harmony.

Lest this rambling post won’t end, I give you the colorblock in extended version, i.e., as an ensemble. And, surprisingly, it all goes together without being caricatured. All available at eLuxury.

Starting from left–

• Louis Vuitton, Monogram Tissé Sac Rayure PM, linen and cotton monogram canvas with grained leather trim, polished golden brass hardware, flat leather handles with contrasting leather trim and link attachments, adjustable buckled band encircles the top, multicolored stripes on the front, golden round studs throughout, open top, protective metal feet, 11.6″x 9.4″x 5.9″, Limited Edition, $2,090.
• Louis Vuitton, Monogram Tissé Rayure Clutch, linen and cotton monogram canvas with grained leather trim, polished golden brass hardware, detachable belted shoulder strap with clasp attachments, golden round studs throughout, flap top with buckled band closure, 12.8″x 7.9″x 3.7, Limited Edition, $1,780.
• Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Colorblock Hillier Hobo in Midnight Multi, crinkled patent leather, polished gold metal hardware, rolled patent handle with logo-engraved ring attachments; 8″ drop, removable flat patent shoulder strap with links and clasp attachments; 16″ drop, pintucked pleats on the front and back, plaque on front reads: “Marc by Marc Jacobs, Standard Supply, Model #, Type: Workwear”, open top with hidden magnetic closure, multicolored textile lining, 15.5″ (at widest point)x 16″x 4.5″, $498.
• Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs Meredith Sweater Dress in Puce Multi,100% pima cotton, contrast banded trim, round neckline, short sleeves, button down henley placket, ribbed knit bodice, banded waist with skinny canvas belt, full pleated skirt, $358.
• Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs Patent Leather Loafer in Navy/Red, patent leather, contrasting patent trim, squared toe, polished gold metal links over vamp, smooth grained leather lining, metallic leather padded insole, leather sole with rubber heel pad, 1.75″ patent-covered heel with golden trim at the top, $465.

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