|
Other Departments
Editorial
Recommendations in association with
|
|
First
Look: Louis Vuitton Luxury Cases
iPhone Cases by Louis Vuitton
Three weeks after Apple released the iPhone, luxury atelier Louis Vuitton announced that they would launch in late October a line of cases for the iPhone. The cases will be available in Louis Vuitton’s primary models: its signature “monogram canvas” ($225); dark grey Taiga leather and red Epi leather ($260 for each models); and a special-order alligator skin in different colors ($1,120). Current plans are for a launch sometime in November. Thankfully, we were able to get our hands on two of the four models: the monogram canvas and the dark grey Taiga leather. Ultimately, the primary purpose of a Louis Vuitton iPhone case is for it to “be noticed.” Given the selection of styles – as well as the visible “LV” marking – this case is sure to draw attention. However, it does provide decent protection to your handset. Being more of a “slipcase”, the Louis Vuitton iPhone cases cover over 95% of the handset’s surface. So although its protection is minimal for “drops”, it does a good job in protecting your iPhone from bumps, dents, and scratches that can occur in your pocket or handbag. And the Louis Vuitton cases don’t add much girth. The canvas / leather surface is less than 1/8 inch thick on each side. Total dimensions with an iPhone inserted are 4.75” x 2.875” x .75”. Unlike some leather cases, which have a tight fit when brand new, the Louis Vuitton cases allow your iPhone to slip in and out smoothly and securely. Each case is lined with a soft cloth interior. The monogram canvas case has a beige lining; the Taiga leather case is lined in a light grey. The Taiga leather case is the only one of the four models which adds a belt clip. This clip, adding less than .5” extra, does not at all feel sturdy or secure. It’s there “just in case”; I probably won’t use the clip much, if at all.
Use
Because of these dimensions, using these cases in your jeans pocket works well; although it is noticeable. Putting it in your suit pocket also works well, the only problem being the weight of the handset itself pulling down on the suit jacket. Other uses? I own a Louis Vuitton wallet in Epi leather, purchased over 15 years ago. To this day it still looks brand new, despite 15 years of use. So with the quality of Louis Vuitton leather goods, I have no doubt that keeping it in a purse, bag, or briefcase will protect your handset, the case looking no worse for the wear! The edges of the case are sealed smoothly and securely, all around the case. Of course, this presents an interesting problem: the “so-called” bottom of the case is sealed as well. Which means that the iPhone’s speaker is covered. When an incoming call arrives, the ringer is very noticeably muffled. But there’s a way to get around that problem: insert your iPhone with the speaker sticking out of the open end of the case! Chances are that you will have to pull your handset out of the case to answer a call anyway. And due to the design of the cases, it really doesn’t matter which way you insert your handset. The only real problem with these cases is this: because it envelops so much of the phone, all of the iPhone’s side buttons (volume controls and ringer mute) are completely covered. You will need to remove your iPhone in order to shut off the ringer or turn it back on. And if listening to the iPod function, you’ll need to pull out the handset to change the volume. Or access the touchscreen, of course.
The Superlative Opinion
A typical iPhone leather case costs about $30. Louis Vuitton’s offerings cost an average of eight times more (assuming that you don’t pay the $1,120 for the alligator case). Is it worth it? The Louis Vuitton cases are sleek and provide good protection from dents and scratches. However, these cases are not tanks; they provide next to no shock protection from drops. These are sturdy slipcases, designed to protect your iPhone from incidental dings and bumps which may occur in your bag or pocket. But as I said earlier, Louis Vuitton leather goods are built to last. If my iPhone case lasts as long as my wallet, the case will outlast the iPhone itself by 13 years at least! So if Apple designs the next iPhone with the same physical dimensions as the current model, I’ll already have a luxury case for it (assuming that I buy the next iPhone model). In the end, the question you need to answer is whether it’s worth it to you to spend and extra $200 for the Louis Vuitton caché. The same question can be validly raised in comparing a Louis Vuitton key pouch versus using a $1 souvenir keyring that says "Greetings from Fayetteville, AR". While I’m not a fashion-chaser, I will say that the Louis Vuitton iPhone case looks much more appropriate while dressed in a business suit than plastic cases designed to withstand the elements. For me, I don’t regret the purchase, and plan to use my Louis Vuitton case regularly. For those of you who are seriously considering getting one of these cases, I have heard a rumor that the reason why the launch of these cases is delayed is due to demand. These cases are handmade in France; and I have heard that there were an overwhelming number of customers who placed credit card reservations. It seems that Louis Vuitton is hoping to catch up with these reservations before officially launching the line of iPhone cases. Even so, I wouldn't be surprised if not all early credit card reservations aren't fulfilled when the cases actually launch. So for those of you who want a case, don't expect to buy one off the street anytime soon. I'd recommend that you place a reservation at a Louis Vuitton company boutique (these cases will not be sold online or at department stores).
Click on the thumbnails for larger photos
arts & entertainment • lifestyles • superlative picks • front page about Boston Superlatives • contact Boston Superlatives
This site and its contents Copyright © 1999-2007 Superlative Media Group. All rights reserved.
|
|
