There’s a lot of potential in the Capucines becoming a modern classic because it is a design statement against brash and overt displays of branding. The understatement encapsulates the attitude of luxury today: quality and discretion. Its name harks back to the birthplace of the Louis Vuitton Maison (rue Neuve-des-Capucines) in 1854. History’s a good place to start because the elegant Capucines bag, though understated, incorporates numerous elements of fine leather goods-making. Over 250 individual handcrafted processes go into the bag: leather specialists scrutinise and select only the most even and smooth of hides; the edging is hand-finished in four layers with a time-consuming air-drying and heating process to ensure strength; and the bag is hand-sewn with saddle stitches – though machine-consistent and precise, the artisans’ expertise ensures the stitching is almost invisible. Here, we chat with Karlie Kloss who stars in a spread showcasing the Capucines bag in its myriad colours and finishes.
Karlie! You’re pretty much the supermodel of this generation. How did you get your start in this industry?
I was discovered at a charity fashion show in my hometown of St. Louis as a young teenager. I hadn’t thought about a career in fashion, but I quickly fell in love with the creative and collaborative nature of the industry.
Do you remember your first show?
Definitely, it was Calvin Klein during New York Fashion Week – the experience was surreal. I had such an adrenaline rush and I spent every moment on the runway just focused on not tripping.
You’ve been in the industry a while now. What do you think of fashion nowadays?
It’s been great to see standards of beauty reconsidered lately and be more inclusive. Our fashion, style and lives are much more beautiful when we celebrate diversity.
What are you enjoying these days – apart from fashion?
When I’m not on the road, I like taking coding classes, baking with friends, and biking around the city. I travel so much for work that any time I’m home, it’s nice to just kick back, relax, and catch up with everyone.
Any upcoming projects we should be looking out for?
I’m very excited about my Kode With Klossy initiative! We’ve created a summer camp to teach young women how to code and I can’t wait to see the creative coding projects they come up with. It’s going to be a lot of fun!
This article was first published in L’Officiel Singapore.