Jun 09, 2011 12:00AM

Louis Vuitton x Billie Achilleos

Fashion's latest take on the armadillo.

Say 'armadillo' to anyone in the fashion world and 99% of the time they'll probably think of those famous 60-inch McQueen heels (OK, so that was an exaggeration.) The remaining 1% might instead think of an adorable animal-shaped sculpture constructed solely from Louis Vuitton handbags. The French fashion house has commissioned London-based sculpture artist Billie Achilleos to give its signature monogram print - all-too-frequently seen as a marker of counterfeit wallets and bad tattoos - a 2011 update.

The collaboration celebrates the launch of Louis Vuitton's Mon Monogram service, which allows customers to personalise their Vuitton with bright painted stripes and initial-stamping. Just in case, you know, someone else at baggage collection has the exact same Damier Ebane Canvas Pegas 65 rolling luggage. God, we hate it when that happens?

You wouldn't have a case of mistaken baggage identity with one of Billie Achilleos' Vuittons, however. Not that you'd risk shoving them in with your checked luggage - they're just too darn adorable. Our favourite is (of course) the armadillo, though the grasshopper's chains and functioning zips are also pretty rad.

Words: Hannah Ongley

www.louisvuitton.com

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