Louis Vuitton × Comme des Garçons Papillon 26 M40266, Monogram with Animal Charms, Rei Kawakubo, Tokyo 2008

Rei Kawakubo left the Monogram untouched and let the bag grow creatures. Made for the 2008 Louis Vuitton at Comme des Garçons project in Aoyama, Tokyo, this Papillon 26 carries a cluster of three-dimensional Monogram animal charms, one of six designs offered only by special order in that temporary space.

The Piece

The collaboration marked Louis Vuitton's 30th anniversary in Japan. Rei Kawakubo turned the Comme des Garçons space in Aoyama into a temporary Louis Vuitton environment from September to mid-December 2008, and the capsule comprised only six Monogram pieces: two Party bags, a customized Papillon, a customized Mini HL, and re-editions of the Petit Marceau and the Sac 2 Poches. Orders were taken by special order through that Tokyo store alone, with no telephone or internet ordering, and the Papillon 26 Customization originally retailed at ¥194,250.

Kawakubo left the classic Monogram essentially intact and worked instead on silhouette, handles, proportion and attachments; for the Mini HL she multiplied the handles, and for the Papillon she added whimsical animal figures made from matching Monogram canvas and leather. The result is structural commentary rather than surface decoration: from one angle an archetypal Papillon, from another a small procession of creatures that seems to climb out from beneath the handles. Contemporary fashion reporting described the Papillon specifically as the version decorated with Monogram animal charms.

Beneath the charms the Papillon keeps its rounded tube-like body, zip-top closure, dual long natural-leather handles, gold-tone hardware and simple single-compartment interior with no exterior pockets. When carried, the charms shift independently against the cylinder, so the bag is never quite still. They are the conceptual core of the design, and examples that keep their sculptural charms are far more desirable than incomplete ones. The piece sits between French luxury history and Japanese avant-garde design, a Japan-specific chapter that predates today's global collaborations.

Details

• Maker: Louis Vuitton × Comme des Garçons, design by Rei Kawakubo
• Model: Papillon 26 Customization
• Reference: M40266
• Line: Louis Vuitton at Comme des Garçons, Aoyama, Tokyo
• Era: 2008
• Origin: Made in France
• Material: Monogram canvas; natural cowhide leather trim; Monogram canvas and leather charms
• Color: Monogram brown
• Measurements: Width 27–28 cm (10.6–11.0 in) · Height 13 cm (5.1 in) · Depth 13 cm (5.1 in) · Handle rise 12–17 cm depending on measurement method; published references approx. 28 × 13 × 13 cm
• Weight: Approx. 355 g (12.5 oz)
• Hardware: Gold tone
• Closure: Top zip
• Date code: MB4048
• Original retail: ¥194,250

Condition

• Good usable vintage condition with visible signs of previous ownership; the Monogram body remains coherent and the collaboration identity is immediately recognizable.
• Light scratches and general surface soiling; slight shape relaxation; minor corner rubbing; handle rubbing; wear around the main opening.
• Natural leather tanned to a warm amber patina, with light water spotting to the vachetta.
• Light scratches and soiling to the interior.
• The surviving charm group remains the principal visual feature; please review the photographs for the exact degree of patina and wear.

Authenticity & Care

Date code MB4048 and French manufacture; reference M40266 aligns with the 2008 Papillon customization, Monogram canvas geometry, charm configuration, natural-leather construction, zipper and gold-tone hardware. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

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