STOLEN Part Deux: Louis Vuitton

Earlier this month, we reported the theft of Marc Jacobs’ spring 2012 collection, which took place during the transfer from Paris to London and caused the cancellation of the show. Now, we brief you on a second sketchy scenario, this time revolving around French fashion house Louis Vuitton. Unlike the robbery that plagued Marc Jacobs, this time the situation was more valuable — and more violent.

Last weekend, approximately $400,000 worth of Louis Vuitton goods were stolen from the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. At the scene, masked thieves held employees hostage as they loaded nearly half a million dollars worth of goods into their truck. This is nearly six times more expensive than the Marc Jacobs merchandise, which was valued at about $60,000. Police officials are working hard to track down the criminals who fled with the Louis loot. In the meantime, LVMH had no comment on whether or not this caper is connected to the recent robbery of the Marc Jacobs collection.

In light of current events, it's hard to ignore the law enforcement look from the fall 2011 runway at Louis Vuitton. The police-inspired hats are indeed ironic considering the ongoing police investigations surrounding the high fashion heist.

Text Jennifer Bernard 
Image and Source Elle

Versace’s Spring Awakening

If you’ve been in an eBay-bid frenzy ever since Donatella Versace for H&M debuted, you can finally step away from the mouse — there’s no longer a need to spend a month’s rent on that gold-studded leather dress. (Though, okay, it would probably be worth it.) Despite the fact that most stores have already sold out, apparently there’s more where that came from — or at least there will be in February, when the spring 2012 line is set to launch.

Will Donatella outdo herself, or will this be the collaboration’s sophomore slump? You can decide for yourself, thanks to a sneak peek courtesy of Mirror UK. The teaser pieces feature a softer color palate of on-trend pastels and showcase bold prints that incorporate designs from the fall collection, like the graphic fruit design already spotted on the line’s shorts, strappy sandals, and bathing suits. But if the recent premiere taught us anything, the competition over these coveted items will be fierce. (Case in point: Two store security guards in Hong Kong were actually sent to the hospital after a line-cutting scuffle) Your best bet might be to get in line now — Occupy H&M, anyone?

Text Kara Solarz
Image The Daily Mirror (UK)