The luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton has inspired the American collective MSCHF to create a miniature version of their iconic “OnTheGo” tote bag. This tiny bag, measuring less than a millimeter in size, was auctioned off recently with the support of Pharrell Williams. The New York artist group, MSCHF, wanted to push the boundaries of miniaturization and create a handbag so small that it can only be seen with a microscope. The bag, made using a two-photon polymerization (TPP) 3D printing method, features the neon green Louis Vuitton monogram. Despite its small size, it was highly sought after, selling for around $63,000.
Unlike the recent case of the MetaBirkin NFT project, which violated Hermès’ intellectual property rights, the Microscopic Handbag was approved by Louis Vuitton as it was marketed as part of a sale co-hosted by Pharrell Williams and Sarah Andelman. The online auction platform, Joopiter, hosted the sale and attracted significant attention. Pharrell Williams, who is also the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s men’s collections, played a crucial role in the success of this unique creation.
The auction took place alongside the presentation of Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Spring-Summer 2024 runway show, the first show organized under the supervision of the American designer. The show received immense popularity, with over a million views on TikTok and over two million likes during the live stream, further establishing Louis Vuitton as the most followed luxury house on the social media platform.
Overall, MSCHF’s creation of the Microscopic Handbag demonstrates the brand’s innovative and boundary-pushing approach to art and fashion. It showcases the intersection of technology, luxury, and popular culture, capturing the attention of both fashion enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Useful links:
1. Joopiter online auction platform
2. Louis Vuitton official website
