On November 17 in London Sotheby's and Louis Vuitton will co-host a gala charity auction of six limited-edition Special Orders Vuitton pieces to benefit the Red Cross and commemorate the organization's 150th anniversary. Since its creation in 1854, Vuitton's Special Orders department has made bespoke creations (see Karl Lagerfeld's here) to suit the whims of customers willing to pay for the perfect carrying case to suit their whims. For the Red Cross benefit sale, Vuitton created custom pieces for Damien Hirst (a butterfly armoire), chef Ferran Adrià (trolley case with knife tray), photographer Annie Leibovitz (camera bags), musician and composer Gustavo Santaolalla (instrument case), Vuitton creative director Marc Jacobs (dog carrier) and Patrick Louis Vuitton (alligator tool kit), the head of Vuitton's Special Orders department and a member of the fifth generation of the Vuitton family. Each piece was designed by Patrick-Louis Vuitton in collaboration with the celebrity, along with a special Red Cross medical kit trunk (above) with boxes for emergency supplies.

Far be it from me to criticize designers when they get creative, try something new or push the envelope. That's fashion.

But, is it me, or are designers presenting collections in Paris this week getting downright costume-y? More than a few of them have gone from subtle references in their collections to frighteningly literal representations of sea creatures, Roman gladiators or whatever else inspires them.

Take Louis Vuitton's show yesterday. Marc Jacobs used giant Afro wigs-the kind you'd pick up on the Halloween aisle-in his presentation. Disappointingly, the Afros were the only things unifying the collection comprised of everything but the kitchen sink (Davy Crockett fur, American Indian accessories, military looks, hippie, club kid, etc.).

Alexander McQueen called his show Plato's Atlantis. With hair sculpted into reptilian fins, models walked by in oversize platformed shoes that looked like heads-scary in more ways than one (you could probably break an ankle in those things). Reptilian patterns, scales and otherworldly silhouettes brought home the idea that we all came from ancient creatures of the deep.

It was a chainsaw massacre at Viktor & Rolf. Paying homage to the economy, the duo took a chainsaw to tulle gowns, cocktail gowns and jackets. To be fair, you expect this sort of thing from these fashion pranksters. These guys have been poking fun at the industry for years (and laughing all the way to the bank).

A lavish new coffee table book from Rizzoli titled Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture is a seductive anthology of the famed French fashion house's collaborations with an international group of elite artists, architects, designers, and photographers, including Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, David LaChapelle, Annie Leibovitz, Takashi Murakami (whose updated LV monogram is featured on the cover) Richard Prince and Stephen Sprouse. Beautiful images are interspersed with critical essays that examine and position Louis Vuitton's patronage, under the guidance of Artistic Director Marc Jacobs, during "one of the most fertile periods of contemporary art and design." The book is divided alphabetically so as to serve as a sort of encyclopedia of the many collaborations, commissions and sponsorships Vuitton, a cornerstone of the LVMH luxury goods empire, has engaged in over the years.

The Marc Jacobs Sequined New York Rocker Stam Bag is so rocker-chic I almost don't know what to say.

Sure to be a huge hit amongst the wealthy clubbing set, this bag adds a reckless brashness to the usual Marc Jacobs elegance while still seething with the scent of expensiveness. The liquid-like appearance of the dazzling blue paillettes is the perfect compliment for almost any material, and though you have to look closely, it's actually framed lovingly in suede. The black leather and goldtone chain link hardware complete this "It" bag picture.

With all the metallic jewel tone and sequined clothing out for this same demographic, pretty soon, we won't be able to look directly at the girls in nightclubs anymore.

The Marc Jacobs Sequined New York Rocker Stam Bag is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,995.00.

Velvet usually comes out of mothballs about once a year: the holidays. Other than that, the fabric that has always stood for wealth and luxury tends to spend more time on settees and chaises than on warm bodies. That is, until now.

Velvet's not so underground anymore thanks to European and American designers who used bolt after bolt of it in the fall 2009 collections. And each one has manipulated the short dense pile into much more than just eveningwear.

Ralph Lauren, Fendi and Bottega Veneta created velvet rose-colored cap-sleeved frocks, neutral strapless cocktail dresses and burnt-orange slouchy day dresses, respectively. Chloé, Sonia Rykiel and Ralph Lauren went for velvet harem pants, mostly in dark green and black. Gianfranco Ferré, Lanvin and Elie Saab blew fashion watchers away with their long black velvet gowns with structured cap sleeves à la the '40s.

Aquilano.Rimondi-a new talented design duo from Italy-draped, cut and sewed bright red velvet into a belted cocoon coat-dress that hits just above the knee. Superb.

But if two designers can turn velvet into a full-blown trend of the season, it's Miuccia Prada and Marc Jacobs. Interestingly enough, both fashion forces took some yellow with their velvet.

Jacobs ran with the '80s-the decade he first hit the fashion scene- with neon yellow cocktail dresses like the one pictured above. Another yellow cocktail dress wraps its wearer like a mummy in wide-bands of velvet. (Fergie took this look out for a spin on the red carpet recently, only in electric blue.)

Prada reached back to a darker mood in the '40s and came up with a more toxic shade of yellow. This disconcerting yellow hovering somewhere between poison and putrid was made into a deep V-neck and stitched to a tweed skirt. Burned-out velvet made appearances on double-breasted coats and V-neck dresses (sometimes awkwardly topped with fur).

The studded handbag...do the pointed studs rub annoyingly against you? Do they deter potential grab-n-go thieves with its hardcore detailing? Perhaps it gives the feminine bag a tougher edge for those who don't want to be seen as too girly?

It's probably silly to let one fabulous accessory raise so many questions but I'm rather curious. The Luxe St. Mark's Quilted Python Shoulder Bag from Marc Jacobs not only sports a lengthy name but a fantastic look for any season. Its taupe python body marked by contrast studs resembling antique bronze hangs from a handle which mixes python with a resin chain-link strap for $2,220. Inside you'll find a satin lining and zipper pocket and the entire bag is closed with a zipper to keep all your necessities safely within. Practically square in shape this medium-sized handbag can handle your day-to-day happenings but still look streamlined enough for evening. (10" x 10 1/2" X 4")

Yay for zebra print mixed with flirty tassels and a feminine, puffy shape. This is the Safari Pouchette by Marc Jacobs and I love Net-a-Porter's idea of pairing it with a sleek business outfit for a chic punch of energy and style (although it could also work well for a casual party). It's a pony-skin bag with a drawstring closure, accented with tassels galore on blue and bronze rope ends and snake-effect leather flower charms that dangle off the bag's front. Other features include a bright blue leather lining (unusual) with an interior zip pocket. $1,895

If you were to commission Louis Vuitton to create a bespoke trunk made to hold anything you desire, what would it be? Last year we wrote about Karl Lagerfeld's custom Vuitton trunk made to hold his collection of 20 iPods. Pretty cool if a little over-the-top. A Chinese gentleman has commissioned something more grandiose and yet more mundane from the famed French luxury goods house, which will produce anything within reason.

The client "wanted to be able to watch television and offer coffee to his friends wherever he traveled in the world, including the remotest desert," LV's Patrick-Louis Vuitton recounts. "We agreed to put two solar panels linked to a battery for the flat-screen TV and DVD player, two-way radio, tuner and coffee machine." The trunk (above), covered in Damier canvas, took a year and tens of thousands of dollars to complete.

Meanwhile, Vuitton creative director Marc Jacobs remarked at the Met Costume Institute Gala in New York last night that luxurious trunks are not likely to make a comeback. "I don't think there's anything practical about travelling with a trunk," Jacobs said. "Luxury travel is traveling with a toothbrush. That's it, end of story. The people who really live luxurious lives don't need to pack. They've got stuff wherever they go."

English store Selfridges is pulling out all the stops to celebrate its 100 birthday. And the iconic department store has hit a bit of luck, its signature color, the bright canary yellow Pantone 109 just happens to be one of the hot colors for spring. Selfridges has collaborated with a variety of designers to create exclusive yellow and black merchandise. Shown above is a quartet from the many offerings: bright yellow Chuck Taylors from Converse, a Marc Jacobs purse, a Giles Deacon dress and a pair of Guiseppe Zanotti heels. The limited edition collection of pieces will be available starting next month.

[via Vogue UK]

I love pink and green together! That's a big part of why I love this Marc Jacobs Robert Jennifer bag as much as I do, plus it's got a lot going on without giving off the impression that it wants to take over your outfit and steal the show. It's described as "evoking the exotic" and "urban safari" but I don't necessarily get that vibe, since when is safari and exotic found in geometrical patterns and bright fuchsia? I like it nonetheless though, with interesting features including the gold chain and green acrylic strap, multicolored leather tassels, and bronze silk lining. $3,400

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Percy Bag is a smart, luxury bag which gives the illusion of "no frills."

This purse might look plain to you, but you haven't touched it. The soft, pliable, pebble-toned leather gently encases this bag, which includes two turnlock front pockets and a generous, 23" strap.

The Totally Turnlock Percy Bag is lined with a bold signature print in black and white cotton, and its pebble color is versatile enough for day or night. You could even remove the strap and carry it to dinner as a clutch -- but why would you, with long straps being so fashionable this season?

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Percy Bag is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $198.00.

Louis Vuitton designer Marc Jacobs is said to have signed a contract to buy a $13 million townhouse (above) designed by starchitect Robert A.M. Stern in New York's West Village, the Real Estalker reports. The 4,5000-sq.-ft. townhouse, located on Bethune St., is part of the ambitious, ecologically-friendly Superior Ink development which has also attracted the likes of Hilary Swank. The townhouse features its own all-level elevator, wood-burning fireplaces, a designer garden and rooftop terrace.

The Superior Ink Condominiums and Townhouses are newly constructed structures located on the site of the former Superior Ink factory that was built in 1919. The high-priced complex's luxury amenities include a private screening room, an entertainment lounge, a fitness center with a Pilates/yoga room, a children's playroom, 24-hour valet parking, and 24-hour concierge and doorman services in the tower, pictured above at left. Buyers have a choice of luxurious custom finishes.

The Marc By Marc Jacobs Women's Classic Q City Bag is one of the most artful tote-sized bags we've ever seen.

This double strapped bag comes in at 12.5"W x 15"H x 2.75"D, and has a detachable strap (shown) which allows you to throw in your portfolio and sling it over your shoulder like any tote bag. But this is not any tote bag. This is a soft, "Electric Violet" pebble leather Marc by Marc Jacobs masterpiece.

We especially love the elegant gather at the center of the bag, and the complementary geometric shapes and the base of the straps. There are concealed magnetic snaps for closure, as well as an inside zipper and cell phone pocket.

The Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q City Bag is available from Bloomingdales for $428.

The Marc Jacobs Women's Palais Royal Asa Crossbody is a springy edition to any wardrobe.

Pink is practically a neutral in springtime, and this warm pink leather purse with its long, devil-may-care strap can dangle from your shoulder with jeans or a daytime dress -- it's even small and thin enough, at 11.5"W x 10"H x 1.5"D, to complement a well-chosen cocktail number.

While the color would be too brash with black for this season, it would be elegant and soft-looking with a fuzzy gray sweater or pale gray dress. We love the subtlety of the nameplate and the artful pleat in the front.

The Marc Jacobs Palais Royal Asa Crossbody is available from Bloomingdales for $650.

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Puckered Mouse Embossed Hobo comes in just one color, this brilliant and totally unexpected "Poppy."

The "buttery soft" orange leather of this generous 17"W X 14"H X 4"D bag is embossed with the Marc Jacobs logo, and gently gathers at the top to create a classic shape. The closure you see is a pushlock, and unlocking the flap reveals a bright pink, blue, and purple floral patterned cotton lining, as well as two interior pockets.

The bold color of the purse makes it immediately decadent, while its simple shape and modest closure keep it subtle. This "Poppy" color is extremely versatile -- it would be excellently paired with white, black, or blue.

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Puckered Mouse Embossed Hobo is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $558.