It's a CoppoLa-La Land with Louis Vuitton: Sofia and LV make big luxe together

MANILA, Philippines – The fashion frills on Marie Antoinette are an indication that girl’s-girl director Sofia Coppola likes “beautiful things.” ‘Course, if she can pull the daddy’s-girl-always-gets-what-she-wants card and land The Godfather: Part III, it’s no surprise an inspired visit to Louis Vuitton’s Special Orders Workshop in Asnières reaped her a design collabo with the luxury stronghold.

More so, what Sofia couldn’t find, LV damn well made. “It was similar to, on a film, telling the costume designer what you have in mind, and then they show you options to choose from to get your idea across,” she says of the year she worked on and off with LV’s magical workshop elves who created an autumnal-toned all-day bag (no black, Sofia requested) that could fit everything she needed but was still “chic and discreet;” the same qualities imbibed by three styles of envelope-like clutches that could fit her basics (lipstick, keys, phone, and credit cards) and a practical mirror.  

And just ‘cause it’s “every woman’s fantasy,” LV threw in a pair of shoes to go with those bags, as well. For someone who jets between style capitals Paris and New York, those shoes had to be both slip-in-sexy and ready to be stuffed into luggage. The result? “A ‘70s version of a ‘40s sandal that wasn’t too high, so easy to really wear,” she says delightedly. Still gushing from the woman’s wet fashion dream she just experienced, Supreme asked Sofia about what else makes her get her Louis Vuitton on — and yeah, yeah, a few things about film as well.   

Which products from your collab are your personal favorites?

I especially like the navy day bag and asphalt grey suede day bag. And the black pochette with gold piping and matching shoes — those are the ones I use the most.

Do you remember when you first became interested in fashion?

As a young child, I was always interested in my parents’ friends’ jewelry and accessories. As an adolescent, I loved looking at Paris Vogue and The Face. 

Who are your fashion heroines?

Tina Chow, Lauren Hutton, who I had in mind when we did the Monogram pochette, and Diana Vreeland. 

What is your best fashion memory?

Sitting on Yves Saint Laurent’s lap — the designer I most admire — at Dave’s for New Year’s when I was about 12. 

How did you first become friends with Marc Jacobs?

I saw pictures of his grunge collection when he was at Perry Ellis. When I was about 19, I was visiting NY with my mom, and asked if we could go see it. Marc’s partner met me and then Marc said hello, and we got along and had interests in common…I don’t remember after that, but I remember hanging out with him and Anna Sui in NY in the early ‘90s. 

Your favorite wardrobe item and article of clothing you can’t do without?

Silk pyjamas and t-shirts.

How has becoming a mother changed you and your way of life?

It’s made me slow down. I would never have sat at a park for an hour in the middle of having things going on with work before.

Given your family background, do you feel that you were predestined to work in film?

I grew up on film sets, so I definitely had a good education for film making, and everyone in my family seems to be in this field. I tried other things but ended up with film as the things that interests me the most — where I can be the most creative. If I hadn’t been in film, I would have been an art director.

What are your all-time favorite films?

All that Jazz, Rumble Fish, Breathless, The Last Picture Show, Lolita.

What do you like most about Paris?

I came here two years ago, just before my daughter was born.  There’s such a nice emphasis on lifestyle — people aren’t obsessed with just work, they make time to have a life, enjoy great meals, etc. I love the parks and seeing the Eiffel tower sparkle at night. And I do admire these French women who walk around all day in crazy high heels. I like French taxi drivers the least.

Do you identify with the characters in your films — like Marie Antoinette, say?

I put myself in everything I do and there is part of myself in the main characters of all of my films. 

What would be your one item of luxury?

A big umbrella.