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These Louis Vuitton braids are breaking the internet and they're SO extra
4 January 2019, 17:18
Everyone wants to cop some Louis Vuitton… even if it could make you bald.
The infamous Louis Vuitton monogram is synomous with luxury, style and $$$. But a Louis bag? So boring. So 2018. So over. This year we're wearing our designer goods in our braids. Well, one rapper-come-designer is at least.
Magnus Juliano has reworked the signature brand logo and turned it into the ultimate braid accessory. And just like that my scrunchie looks unbelievably dull.
The graphic designer – who hails from Columbus, Ohio – cleverly used 3D printing to create the look. Using a 3D-printing company co-founded by his former university professor, it took Magnus six long months to print each design and put it all together. And with the help of a hairstylist, they were able to attach the pieces to each individual braid. It truly takes a village.
— Magnus Juliano (@MagnusJuliano) January 2, 2019
Magnus shared a photo of his brightly coloured tresses to Instagram and soon the eye-catching look went viral.
His avant-garde hair accessories were even picked up by Vogue and Marc Jacobs. With the internet living for his look he made the bold move to contact Virgil Abloh, artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear collection. He tweeted: "Hey Virgil Abloh, can I earn an internship? I have ideas!"
Hey @virgilabloh can I earn an internship?I have ideas! @LouisVuitton@LouisVuitton_US@LouisVuitton_UK@LouisVuitton_AU@LouisVuitton_ZA#virgilabloh#LouisVuitton#LV pic.twitter.com/w4Ui3ICu06
— Magnus Juliano (@MagnusJuliano) January 1, 2019
Sadly, not everyone was so keen on the "tacky" braids.
At this point they're not just ripping you off but also laughing in your face while doing so
— I'm hungry Bro (@alejandrodlrs05) January 4, 2019
Blowing up because of shock value not style. These are reminiscent of those plastic magnetic letters children stick to a fridge.
— Darlene Shaw (@Dar_lana) January 4, 2019
Looks like a children’s chandelier 😂😂
— daz 👊🏻 (@dazaturbo) January 4, 2019
— Scheiße (@maXrated_) January 3, 2019
Who’s gonna tell him? pic.twitter.com/FVS1LBT55j
— #MieselMuse. (@pieceofarte) January 2, 2019
Can you spell tacky with these braids? https://t.co/3OWO3O1XAO
— Oliver Alvarez (@Rotaractor) January 4, 2019
The stupidest thing you’ll see today. https://t.co/EHhmxhU17h
— George Carl (@georgecarl1955) January 4, 2019
Nonetheless, for every shady comment there was someone who actually wanted their own Louis braids.
I would buy wigs and mannequins just to have these on display in my home https://t.co/U9ohjY2Zkb
— Myles E. Johnson (@hausmuva) January 1, 2019
This really the most cool & original thing I’ve seen done recently with this brand and I hope they endorse you.
— TheHashSlingingSlasher (@AR3KYM) January 2, 2019
@amberrwelsh .. I'm growing my hair!
— denise w (@denise72w) January 4, 2019
Suddenly I’m a 10 year old girl again. Well done.
— Elizabeth Eromosele (@eromolizzy) January 1, 2019
So the dude with Louis Vuitton braids finally got noticed by vogue YASSSS BOOOOO SHINEEEEE pic.twitter.com/6V4viOBWaA
— valeria (@asian_imitation) January 4, 2019
But Magnus' bold statement wasn't all about fashion. "The idea was birthed from multiple inspirations," he revealed to Metro.co.uk.
"The first being access. Dapper Dan, a black streetwear designer, used the likeness of huge fashion houses in the 80s and created hip-hop couture pieces that were in my opinion revolutionary. Fast forward to now, Louis Vuitton has hired Virgil Abloh, another black streetwear, designer for a prominent position.
"It just feels good knowing that these dreams are possible now! The second inspiration came from my African culture. Beads and braids are an expression and communicative. Thirdly, I believe hair jewellery and accessories are underrated. I also saw an opportunity for innovation and took it."