Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Nicholas Hlobo Artycapucines

This is a 100% authentic Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Nicholas Hlobo Artycapucines in Smooth Black Calfskin with Azure Blue Lambskin and Shiny Silver Hardware.

Number 148 from only 300 ever made, this amazing piece is from Louis Vuitton's inaugural 2019 Artycapucines collection. A highly celebrated and exclusive collaboration, the maison gave six contemporary international artists full creative freedom to reimagine one of the house’s most iconic designs, the Capucines. Taking its name from the rue des Capucines in Paris, where Louis Vuitton opened his first store in 1854, the timelessly elegant Capucines bag is a testament to fine leather craftsmanship. This piece was designed by Johannesburg-based South African artist Nicholas Hlobo who infused his signature style of hand-laced embroidery and contrasting materials to reflect themes of cultural identity and gender. Born in Cape Town in 1975, Nicholas Hlobo is renowned for his awe-inspiring installations and intricate three-dimensional objects that are both a commentary on the realities of his homeland since the end of apartheid’s legalised discrimination in 1994, and an investigation of his own cultural identity. Inspired by the flower within Louis Vuitton’s monogram canvas, his unique application to the Capucines bag intertwines fabrics, details, colours and patterns that give the illusion that these textures have grown organically from within its interior.

“I wanted to mirror the ways in which I use different materials in my work. I stitch onto my paintings and drawings, and my sculptures are created by layering found materials such as leather, tyre tubes and copper pipes. I started by looking at the Louis Vuitton motifs, and in particular, the flower. I felt that I could interpret it as something blooming from the bag… an element literally emerging from it. Bags tend to have clean lines and I wanted to really break from that; to introduce bulging elements that do not have a sense of conforming, and the feeling that [something] is growing from beneath the bag’s surface. It was about bringing together two different worlds. Louis Vuitton has its idea of perfection and beauty. I have my own standards of perfection but I approach it differently; I’m more curious about the ugliness that lies beneath the surface yet informs the beauty. Physical human beauty is not necessarily defined by surface skin; it’s determined by what’s happening underneath – how the bones push through the skin, muscles and ligaments – which is not beautiful if we were to look at it. This collaboration was a wonderful opportunity to ‘cut’ through the Louis Vuitton bag and make beautiful things grow out of it. The Capucines bag is an inherently moveable object and will take [my] work out into the public space. Ultimately, art and fashion are not so different.” Nicholas Hlobo 

Featuring a vibrant, abstract, turquoise blue lambskin leather overlay, applied via meticulous, hand-laced, whip-stitching, (taking Louis Vuitton’s craftsmen 40 hours to hand-sew) these 3D creations appear to float mystically from the depths to the inky black surface of the bag. Knotted tendrils of leather and silky ribbon flow organically to one side whilst the shiny silver hardware gleams subtly against the bold tones. 

The Capucines' distinctive flap can be worn in two ways: outside to reveal the outline of a Monogram flower, or inside to show the LV initials and it can be carried by the top handle or on the shoulder. Comprising of two internal sections, one with a generous, full leather zipped pocket, the top cinches closed by way of a single snap hook.

Plenty of room inside for all the basics, (fits: 2 smartphones, an LV Vertical Wallet, a small make-up bag, earphones and keys,), this size has now been reclassifed by LV from the PM (Petite Modèle) to the MM (Moyen Modèle).

Please note, this piece is being sold on behalf of Saving the Survivors (STS) who are an international wildlife conservation charity dedicated to protecting threatened and endangered species through expert veterinary care, rescue, rehabilitation and long-term conservation support. Founded in 2012 by wildlife veterinarian Dr Johan Marais, Saving the Survivors was established in response to the devastating rise in rhino poaching across Africa. The organisation became particularly well known for its pioneering work treating rhinos that had survived brutal poaching attacks, many of which had suffered severe facial and horn injuries. Since then, Saving the Survivors has grown significantly, expanding its work beyond emergency rhino care to support a wide range of wildlife species including elephants, cheetahs, pangolins and other vulnerable animals. Its veterinary teams work in the field across Africa, often in remote and challenging environments, providing specialist treatment, translocations, monitoring, rehabilitation and conservation support. Today, Saving the Survivors works alongside conservation organisations, reserves, wildlife authorities and local communities to deliver practical, science-led solutions that protect wildlife for the future. The charity is funded entirely through donations and the generosity of its supporters and partners, making collaboration central to everything it does.

Condition -  Excellent

 Please review all of the additional photos below, as they also contain close-up details of condition that may not be visible in the Gallery above. Thank you.

Details -

Never carried just handled and occasionally admired, there are a number of very light fingernail scratches to the surface of the smooth, black calfskin. One to the front, upper LH side, one to the rear upper RH, a few to the curve of the top flap and around the flower plaque. A horiziontal one to the underside of the shoulder strap and a number can also be found to the interior lining of the top flap. All shown in detail in the photos provided, they are completely unnoticable without very close inspection.

Corners and curves perfect, all stitching tight, all inking, (edge sealant) in place and hardware without any visible scratches.

Please note the crackly-creasy, distressed appearance of the azure blue lambskin overlay is it's purposeful finish.

Lined in pristine, soft, smooth calfskin with deep zipped pocket.

Made in France 2019

Date Code TR1159

Size 

31.5cm wide at the base reducing to 26.5cm at the top.

Height is 20cm x 11cm deep

Top handle drop is 9cm.

Shoulder strap drop is 49cm to 54cm, (not suited to cross body wear.)

Includes - NPNP, LV Authenticity Product Card in Envelope, LV Materials Card, LV Microfibre Lined Dustcover, LV Presentation Box with Ribbon & Tag.