flag-embroidered louis vuitton bags illustrate a lingering patriotism following world cup

the world cup may be over but patriotism continues — womenswear label JAY AHR has launched a selection of repurposed louis vuitton bags decorated with intricate embroidery. the release sees the brand’s iconic canvas and leather duffle, sporting the LV monogram, reworked in a series of patchy flag-motifs.

images courtesy of farfetch / louis vuitton / JAY ahr

the limited edition collection of bags are hand-embellished using intricate embroidery techniques which head designer, jonathan riss, has developed for the label over two decades. ‘this is a purely personal project born out of the wish to bring together all the embroidery techniques that I have developed in the last 20 years‘, he told the south china morning post. ‘I started learning the art at 19 years old in a factory in mumbai, so I wanted to bring together all the talented artisans who turn my visualisations into reality.’

the production process is similar to a classic painting in the fact that many hands ensure its completion. riss and his team deconstruct every bag before each separate piece is sent to various embroiderers. once they are finished, the bag is sewn back together using the original yarn.

each vintage keepall has been chosen for its historical significance. for example, a bag from hong kong circa 1997 features a hong kong flag with gold embroidery to commemorate the official handover date.

a host of country flags are represented, from saudi arabia to albania, as well as other subjects including david bowie and a skull-and-crossbones design.  the bags are made in france and cost between $7,000 and $15,000, available from farfetch.