Louis Vuitton, the brand name that makes women scream with excitement and as for men, let’s not even go there.

I have never understood why people are so label conscious especially with it comes to brands like LV. Could it be for the quality of the product, the brand name, clever advertising or is it a mash up of all the above?

A friend of a friend told me about the LV series 3 exhibition over the weekend and decided to check it out. Armed with my canon camera on Monday, I walked into 180 strand where the exhibition was held with high hopes of taking snaps of baddass men’s shoes, retro looking leather jackets and some nice overnight bags. Yep I love overnight bags as they serve me very well especially when I take quick trips into Europe.

Anyway, I walked into the building to be greeted by friendly staff as I quickly made my way to the first room of the exhibition. Mind you, I had not researched this exhibition so I did not know what to expect apart from seeing nice designer pieces of garments of some sorts. And because I did not book a guided tour, I had to figure out things as I go along. Snap snap snap as I walked casually from one room to another trying to get to the men’s wear exhibits. Room after room was filled with women’s garment and nothing for men, apart from the trunks which anyone can use.

Feeling disappointed as I walk into the “walk in wardrobe” section, I decided to have a quick glance at the photos I have taken so far. Nothing worth my while I said to myself. Where are the men’s stuff?

However, it was at this point that I had a eureka moment. You know that feeling you get when that aha moment hits you. So here I was sulking (sort of) over men’s wear not being available rather than just enjoying the elegance, craftsmanship and timeless pieces in front me.

With a change of attitude, I walked back into the last room only this time I saw the exhibits differently. As I made my way through the rooms I had already visited, I started to notice things I did not see before. I began to appreciate the beauty and style that embodied one of the most recognisable brands in modern history. The timeless trunks, the elegant details on the dresses, the studded shoes and handbags all came alive. Even my photos got better all thanks to a change of attitude and perspective.

One of the pieces that caught my attention and fascination was the Petite Malle. This small but beautiful handbag is crafted in the Louis Vuitton tradition of high style. The Petite Malle is a fusion of canvas and classic hardware inspired by the original Maison trunks.

I really got fascinated as I watched one of the artisans (specially flown in from France for the exhibition) as she carefully pieced one of the Malles together. The precession and attention to detail is unparalleled. From our brief conversation, I learnt that one Petite Malle takes up to 30 hours to assemble with 9 stages from start to finish. Now I can see why LV is so sought after by many.

“Series 3 is a stand-alone exhibition showcasing a designer and his creative process and influences. Far more than a simple collection, it is a stream of consciousness, dreams and self-reflective journeys. Inside a designers mind, muses intertwine with cherished memories and visions of new shapes, cuts and meticulous craftsmanship. He sits between the past he embraced the future”. LV Series 3 exhibition

So yeah I enjoyed the exhibition and if you are in or around London between now and the 18^th of October 2015, I strongly recommend popping in for a visit. Well worth it.