FEEL THE BEAT: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN'S MANILACABA TOTE

In the wake of his colorful globe-trotting adventures in Africa and Central America that brought to life the ultra-successful Africaba and Mexicaba totes, this year Christian Louboutin headed to Asia for inspiration. The fruit of his mind-blowing trip to the Philippines is the ornate and eye-catching Manilacaba bag. Stuck in the legendary traffic jams of Manila, Louboutin was stunned by the overflowing joy, the energy, the splashes of vibrant colors and by the city’s iconic trucks, or Jeepneys, once ordinary Jeeps abandoned by American troops after World War II. Now customized with lively decorations by the people of Manila, who fill up every space to keep the evil spirits away, these trucks celebrate life with a joyful style that Louboutin immediately related to. The Manilacaba celebrates this light-hearted atmosphere. The sequined and embroidered front panel winks playfully at the crowded Jeepneys, a referenced inside the bag in an eye-popping pattern. Upon closer inspection, one notices that the designer added a little humorous destination for each truck. Hop on, and enjoy a special journey suspended between Filipino art, traditional costumes and Louboutin’s artsy vision. The details, including Swarovski crystals, pearlescent shells and sequins, recall the awe-inspiring seas that bathe the Philippines, its crystal-clear waters, the lagoons, the coral reefs and shells. Just like with the previous bags, the Manilacaba also supports local women through a partnership with GREAT (Gender Responsive Economic Action for the Transformation of Women) Women, a platform supporting the economic empowerment of female Asian artisans by exporting their products and craftsmanship around the world. Ten percent of sales from every Manilacaba will be devolved to the association. “I have always been captivated by the Philippines’ beauty: the perfect combination of sparkles, Mother-Of-Pearl and shells. But this project really started to make sense to me when I discovered the richness and the quality of craftmanship the GREAT Women in ASEAN artisans were able to develop,” said Christian Louboutin So, waste no time and grab yours before the tide washes it away!