What's Louis Vuitton Doing with the Capucines Bag?

You probably have noticed that Louis Vuitton is going crazy with sky-rocketing prices in the recent releases, especially the W bag and the Capucines bag from Fall/Winter 2013 collection. What's the agenda behind the famous French fashion house?

In June 2013, Louis Vuitton launched the new Capucines bag, and Michelle Williams was the face of the Ad Campaign. She poised with another infamously pricey bag from the same season, known as the W bag previously.

Later Angelina Jolie was spotted motoring around LA with her eldest son Maddox, carrying a brand new Louis Vuitton Capucines Bag. She is considered to be the first one carrying this bag, it's no surprise as she has a classy taste for fashion in and her friendship with the brand is not something new (Angelina starred in a Louis Vuitton “Core Values” campaign back in 2011).

Louis Vuitton, with its much-copied tan and brown monogram design, must have felt the latter particularly keenly. Which explains why, with the understated Capucines, the French label is turning the emphasis away from trends and back to timeless style.

The bag is named after the Rue des Capucines in Paris, where Louis Vuitton opened his first shop in 1854. With it, the brand seems to be celebrating craftsmanship rather than the brash logos for which it has been known of late. Indeed, the success of the bag marks a turnaround for the brand, which has been struggling to win back its reputation as an upmarket and exclusive label.

The Capucines is made with full-grain Taurillon calf-leather, which comes from the top layer of a hide. It is subjected to minimal chemical processing (which can weaken it) and so is known for its quality, durability and signature texture. This is the same leather used by Hermes – which is famous for still operating long waiting lists for its coveted Kelly and Birkin bags, decades after they are launched. 

Funny thing is, despite the $5,150 price tag,  this bag has been reported shortages in Europe and now the US, and all Louis Vuitton boutiques have long waiting lists while stock is not to be expected till the end of this month. Is it worth the wait - and the cash?