Sketching at Louis Vuitton is as luxurious and glamorous as you imagine. And black and white sketches on gold foiled paper is the perfect pairing for the new store opening.
As I step out of the elevator, I find myself audibly gasping. In front of me is the impressive sight of the new Louis Vuitton boutique’s store front. Its golden details stretches across the whole facade making it impossible to miss. It definitely is unashamed of stealing the spotlight along the luxury wing of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Me. I am sketching at Louis Vuitton tonight.
I make my way to the doors, inwardly smiling as I get to walk by the stanchions set up outside. “I’m working at the event tonight”, I greet the doorman and he nods to let me pass.
Silly me for thinking that I may be getting used to stepping into luxury stores.
To my right are the sales counters masquerading as a handbag bar (definitely will not be able to pick up the tabs at this one) and the other side is a gallery of scarves. Absolutely fitting as there is no doubt that each scarf is a piece of art (I have photo evidence).
Now, where are the people who knows where I need to go, I wonder just before I am greeted by Eduan Roos.
(Now, If you don’t know who Eduan is, then, shame. Working with him has been on my bucket list from even before I started doing live event sketches. His work, first with Kraak events and now Brundynroos, is like a mythical legend and even if I weren’t standing in an LV store, this moment would have been just as luxurious.)
Ok, hugs and greetings done, I spend the next hour to set up my work station, do a display sketch and take photos. My table is allocated in the women’s section – feminine, light, beautiful – and I know I will have no time for extra content once the guests start to arrive.
Sure enough, my first sketch is already done before the hour and I see the line growing as more people want to get themselves illustrated.
Sketching people live, and not from photos, are perfect for events like this. There are no formal to-do’s for the evening and each guest can enjoy the attention of watching themselves being sketched.
As a solo artist, I know I won’t be able to sketch all 200 guests. I know for this luxury experience the effort poured into each illustration and the exclusivity of availability is only an asset to the moment.
“Would you mind me taking a video of you sketching?”
“Of course you may! That’s why I am here.”
The evening is almost done and I listen to my last three muses conversing, catching up and finding a new friendship.
Smiling, I know this is it; the slow connection, taking a moment, feeling seen, taking a breath and treasuring a keepsake from a brand who you connect with.
My heart is full, my hand still holding it together.
I feel a bit like a gallery of scarves – a display of art to interact with, immersing myself and the viewer into a common experience – a night sketching at Louis Vuitton.
minutes
Guests
hours
The full length live guest sketches were completed A4 in black & white using alcohol markers, fineliner and pencil. The understated monochrome colour palette allowed the gold foiled brand logo to shine as a luxury element. Each sketch were then placed in a plastic sleeve and sealed with a BY HANLI sticker before presenting it to the guests.
