Seeing Victoria Beckham without an Hermes purse is like seeing Crocodile Dundee without an animal skin, but I guess the starlet makes exceptions for Louis Vuitton. And apparently they make exceptions for her. Beckham’s massive (for her, at least) Louis Vuitton Fox Tail Fur Tassels Messenger Bag is from the label’s spring/summer 2010 collection, which means it’s not even out in stores yet. Though I envy Beckham’s pull, I’m not really that blown away by the handbag – who wants a fox tail hitting their knee every second?

Photo from JustJared.buzznet.com.

Like any good tourist, Rihanna hit up London wearing a love-it-or-hate-it fanny pack, though, if it’s any consolation, hers was a monogrammed Louis Vuitton version in oatmeal-hued leather. The tassled bag made a dramatic statement against Rihanna’s gray sweater dress, but that’s her style - it’s all about pushing the envelope. So what say you? Do you love it, or hate it?

Photo from People.com.

In this era of increased social consciousness, bad economy, and general empathy towards our fellow human beings, where does luxury spending fit in? For those who are fortunate enough to be in a position to support high end designers, does the media make you feel guilty about your personal heroic mission of a fashion stimulus package?
Fear not, there are several companies out there have made an effort to do good, and help out causes they believe in while providing luxe style.
For the month of November, Louis Vuitton is donating a percentage of sales of four of their iconic pieces to the American Red Cross in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Asnieres workshop.  The Keepall, Speedy, Noe and Alma styles can be purchased on the website.  The Asnieres workshop was the sole production facility for Louis Vuitton from 1859 to 1977 and is where all hard-frame luggage, special orders, exotic leather and limited-edition bags are still made today.
Daniel Lalonde, President of Louis Vuitton North America cited “The Red Cross is committed to preventing and appeasing the sufferance of people weakened by instability and ever-growing de-humanization of our society. Louis Vuitton is honored to be aligned with such a significant and impactful organization.”
Louis Vuitton is also collaborating with Marc Jacobs, Annie Leibovitz, Damien Hirst, Ferran Adria, Gustavo Santaolalla and Patrick-Louis Vuitton to create pieces will be offered in a charity auction held at Sotheby’s in London on November 19th.  The sales of these will also be donated to the Red Cross.

Worshipped by shoe and handbag fans around the world,  to launch the Project PEP collection to support the Simelela Rape Centre in South Africa.
The capsule collection is inspired by punk rock motifs representing the individualistic spirit of the Jimmy Choo customer.  The company will donate 25% of the net sales from Project PEP to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
The proceeds raised by Project PEP will enable the clinic to stay open day and night providing 24 hour/7 days a week access to the vital life saving treatment that has to be administered within the first 72 hours of exposure to HIV.
They don’t just want your money either.  If you cannot purchase the pieces, the company would like your participation in a photo competition and social networking to raise awareness of this cause.  Winners of this competition can win a grand VIP Jimmy Choo experience.

Lourdes Leon may be the second coming of Madonna, but that doesn’t mean the trend-setting tween doesn’t have her own unique views when it comes to handbags. Hence, her funky and age-appropriate Harajuku Lovers purse, which stands in stark contrast to mama Madonna’s refined Louis Vuitton monogram handbag. Who do you think has the better style — or better bag?

Photo from People.com.

Whoa. I will never, ever, ever look this chic for a plane ride. But then again, I’m sure the first-class seats (insert butt joke here) Kim Kardashian surely has are much more comfortable and conducive to fancy dresses. I wouldn’t mind toting that Louis Vuitton luggage though - I love the gray checked print. And it sure does complement Kim’s dress oh so nicely.

Photo from People.com.

What would Fashion Week be without a “Gossip Girl” sighting? Blair Waldorf, aka Leighton Meester, hit the Paris runway show for Louis Vuitton (good choice), and accessorized her colorful dress with a Louis Vuitton Suede Asphalt bag. The handbag - one of Kate Moss’s favorites is lovely - but what’s with the knee-highs and strappy heels?

Photo from JustJared.buzznet.com.

Katy Perry glammed it up for Louis Vuitton’s Paris runway show, and, not surprisingly, my favorite part of the outfit is her purse: a gorgeous mustard-yellowy-gold Louis Vuitton monogram embroidered clutch. Though the clutch is lovely, something about this ensemble falls flat for me. Maybe the color scheme is off? Or the black skirt/black tights/black heels combo is a little heavy? What do you think?

Photo from JustJared.buzznet.com.

Louis Vuitton, this legendary luxury brand has a legacy dating all the way back to 1854. A company with this much history and tradition generally has very formal procedures in place.  However, while much of the high end fashion sector is lagging behind on the social media front, Louis Vuitton is out of the gate and streaming their big show live on their Facebook page.  They already started connecting with top-tier fashionistas on Twitter.  

This is GREAT news for those of us who couldn’t get the right flight to Paris, or their invitation was lost in the mail.  Instead, you can watch the Marc Jacobs creations with a front row view and note all of the goodies you will be wearing next season.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 2:30pm (Paris time) / 8:30AM EST

WHERE: http://www.facebook.com/louisvuitton

Leighton Meester has emerged as much of a clotheshorse as her TV alter ego, Blair Waldorf. And though the ensemble she wore for a “Late Night with David Letterman” appearance - a puffy dove gray blouse paired with high-waisted black trousers - won’t appeal to everyone, I think we can all agree that her silver Louis Vuitton clutch is to die for. It works really well with this oufit and gives it a little luxe designer flourish. We’re sure Dave was impressed.

Photo from JustJared.buzznet.com.

Posh isn’t the only fashion-savvy member of the Beckham household. Hubby David Beckham traveled in style with a Louis Vuitton monogrammed bag on his arm, which is big enough to fall into the “luggage” rather than “man bag” category. Beckham could wear a Borat swimsuit and would still look irresistible, so let’s chalk up this designer accessory as a success.

Photo from People.com.