Louis Vuitton Murakami Launch; Failure or Triumph?

[@thelux_theory]

Fair point. What frustrates people most is that the brand took full payment upfront but failed to fulfill the order, which feels like a breach of trust. At the same time, I sympathize with the sales associates, as many have no control over the allocation process.

[@CandyNecklace88]

Yeah, and they’re earning free interest from the loan you’ve given them. Their preordering scheme should be illegal.

[@danishpastry6137]

I'm okay with payment up front as long as it's for made to order items, other than that it should only be a deposit!

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

I totally agree, it's a frustrating situation for everyone involved.

[@JerushaCouture]

🔊Attention Students Headmaster Meredith just ripped you a new one so take notes! Class Dismissed! 🔊 Ummmmm here I was about to call you to chat about Saturday? What we were doing? Where we’re staying? Lol!!!! Then you just line them up and open fire!!! Lol 😂 But seriously amazing 🙌🏼Preach this was so accurate, so on point it has to be heard!

[@blondebeautylush]

“ I was always going to get what I wanted” wow what a humble woman you are! Now I see why you feel the need to flaunt and blow so much on silly designer items you are trying to fill a void that you will never fill. Gross

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Kind of like how you call yourself a blonde beauty….pot, meet kettle

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thanks mate, I appreciate the support

[@MadAboutHandbags]

​@blondebeautylush why be a gross person. If you don't agree, move on.

[@OrangeIsTheNewBag]

Asking for FULL payment upfront with NO GUARANTEE of delivery is absolutely UNACCEPTABLE. Louis Vuitton leaving sales associates to bear all the brunt of their greed and incompetence is UNACCEPTABLE.

[@Russqua]

i would never stop laughing if the cherry blossoms and cherries would turn out as their worst limited edition sales ever

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

I think it will actually have the opposite effect

[@sarah2576]

I'm confused why they had Zendaya, an AMERICAN actress represent this collection only to go and screw American buyers out of the stock that was readily available in Asia and Europe.

[@crab3696]

I wholeheartedly agree

[@HandbagDiva]

I checked the Japanese website a week after launch and still so many pieces available.

[@sarah2576]

@ completely unfair!

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

I think it would be part of Zendaya’s brand ambassador contract

[@R_DLF]

Maybe the collection isn’t meant for the general public? They know what they are doing. Keep it just out of reach so that it’s always sold out. This is just my opinion. Supply and demand. I would like to see how the cerise collection will launch.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

They are good at marketing, that's for sure!

[@Sheelz13]

Oh boy, I was in my late 20s when this collection came out. I was attracted to the white multicolour and spend all my hard earned cash on the EnTIRE collection (thanks to Marc Jacob). Now, in my very late 40s, I went into LV and again, I said I wanted to buy the Entire white multicolour collection, the SA just looked at me like I I’m crazy, she said you need to pre-order, whats that? Thankfully, I was able to secure five SLGs and a dog carrier that I needed! that’s good enough for me. I don’t need a second nano, an Alma and Speedy. I’ll leave it for the others. I learned I can’t be greedy! There’s enough other issues happening in the world! Thanks for reading.

[@annacarlyle6732]

I’ve returned my Murakami speedy 30 in black. Someone will be very happy who gets it now I also hate how much LV gift influencers, it puts me off

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you

[@annacarlyle6732]

@@livingluxwithmeredith I realised I preferred my original one I bought all those years ago 💜

[@crab3696]

The fact that Meredith has to try to LVsplain it says everything about the brand.. its sad that a luxury brand can stoop so low that customers are calling them out for customer disservice..

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It’s certainly not good

[@digitalgrrl79]

I feel like it was an intentional cluster with the drop because if there was more demand than they expected, then there SHOULD have been at least a certain number of paying customers who pre-order that received the SAME packaging that the influencers received.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thanks for your thoughts

[@DaylesAddiction]

Preach!!! Nothing further to add - cancel Saturday! 😂

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

lol, there’s always more to add!

[@alfonsca]

I think it was a 💯 % epic failure. What company would want to frustrate their clientele to the point that they’re selling defective products. For those who got their pre ordered pieces may feel a certain way about the launch but those who are VICs AND pre-ordered in December and still got screwed, that really makes me reconsider them as a brand I want to support. I don’t want to play the hunger games for a bag. Rather use my time and spend with a house that delivers quality and don’t send clients out on scavenger hunts! I’m already 3/4th done with LV. This launch was straight GRIMY!!

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It's definitely a bummer to see a launch go awry like that. It's important for brands to take customer feedback into consideration.

[@lidiaszaflarski-saidi3046]

I am not a VIP client so was not given the opportunity to pre-order. However, I was lucky to be able to get to a store on launch date and order a few pieces. I got to Harrods, UK early expecting a huge deluge of customers fighting for these pieces. Instead, however, it was surprisingly quiet. There were pieces available to buy as well. I wanted to order a lot of items but was told that only three pieces were allowed. I managed to get one piece in store but had to wait for the others. I was assured by my sales associate that they will come into store. I finally collected them today, almost three weeks after launch date. I did get the carrier bag but was unable to have the ribbon, tissue paper and Panda tag. My sales associate was very apologetic but said that they were not sent the extra packaging. I did receive a token which means I can take it to the pop up in Soho, London and use it in the vending machine to acquire an extra gift as part of this collection. Maybe the pop up store may provide some of the packaging as a consolation for not getting it instore. My sales associate did make a point of saying that, despite lots of demand for this collection, they were keeping it deliberately restrictive to maintain exclusivity. That's all part of this 'game' after all!

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[@crab3696]

LVMH strategy to keep this collection "exclusive " might not be so effective in the long run if repeat customers stop buying. This is for everything they sell not just LV. Because the way they treat customers is not consistent with a luxury experience... its quite ghetto if you ask me!

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It’ll be interesting to see the fallout

[@jeannemy]

Yes, I agree this launch leaves a bad taste in the mouth that makes you think should I even bother buying from LV. This is luxury and should feel luxury through and through. No cutting corners.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It was definitely a bizarre approach and I think they missed the mark.

[@bostonhandbagoftheday1730]

Loved your video! You hit on most of the major issues. The issue we had in the US was that the website crashed. I was able to put the Alma bb I wanted in the cart and then lost it when the website came back. I was in my 20’s when this collection originally launched and I have added some vintage pieces, so I was excited about the new collection. Just super disappointed.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It sounds like the website wasn’t prepared for the demand!

[@larissasmirnoff3325]

I don’t know why we continue to reward this bad behavior. The customer service at LV is terrible. There was an item in stock at their NY store and instead of offering to send it to me, they told me I can drive to the store to pick it up! I live in FL! The prices are out of control, the quality has gone, but yet we are tripping over ourselves to get one of their pieces. Maybe consumers need to start talking with their wallets and start wisening up. With only offering product to ViP’s on pre-order they are saying that my money is not as valuable as someone else’s. Ok, go ahead and try and survive on your VIP’s only. Good luck to you. So over this.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thank you for your thoughts

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

I was completely surprised by the lack of store display/presence especially after Kusama. We had the huge 10’ animatronic version of her painting at the flagship in nyc. The flagship had nothing but the minimal window displays that all stores had for murakami. The popup in soho was fun but I was still pretty underwhelmed. It was a very obvious difference to me being in NYC. I realize that someone in a smaller market may not have thought anything about it but it was very evident here.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

You have a unique perspective being in NYC Lisa ❤️

[@j_mofab]

I still find it hard to believe that LV was shocked at the amount of interest in the MC collection. I've been interested in the Murakami line ever since I saw Jessica Simpon carry her white speedy on Newlyweds. Takashi is legendary in the LV world, his collab is the longest in the brand history, why would it not sell?! I have the trouville from the OG launch, but I was super excited about adding a piece from the 20th year anniversary. I'm now on the hunt to add more vintage MC pieces to my collection.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

The vintage will always be the best!

[@domino2367]

Total disaster from a marketing point of view as every single customer should have gotten THE exact same packaging no matter what. I join Jerusha point of view on saying that’s illegal to have influencers receiving special packaging that customers couldn’t have 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️. I strongly hope 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 that the next releases will be smoother with dedicated packaging and I totally 💯 👍🏻 sympathise with all SA’s/CA’s who have been victims of this launch 🚀 and most probably who will suffer again on the next 2 launches 🚀…. 😩😩😩

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

I agree, it's important for everyone to have a positive experience.

[@ea1420]

I think LV so short sighted with this release. They pick Zendaya, a hugely popular gen Z star, to be the face of the marketing campaign. I assume that they selected her to hopefully attract gen Z the way that Jessica Simpson attracted millennials? What percentage of gen Z is going to have the disposable cash to have VIP status to buy this collection? The oldest members of generation Z are still in their 20’s, with most being in their early 20’s and teens. They want them as VIPs in 20 years they should have been smarter. Especially, when there were going to be a glut of millennials, gen x, and baby boomers who would be all over this release. I think it was stupid. They’ve managed to irritate non-VIPs, some VIPs, and potentially alienated future customers.

[@liamhillh]

Zendaya is a young Millinial... born in 1996. The oldest Gen Z is born in '97, making them to be turning 28 years old this year. I just turned 26 and could have bought every single piece that I wanted if they WERE IN STOCK AND THE WEBSITE WORKED!!! WHAT ARE YOU ON ABOUT????

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Zendaya would be under contract as a brand ambassador so it wasn’t that they picked her for this collection, she was already in place with the brand and under contract

[@liamhillh]

They dont even care enough to say nothing either 🥴 smh

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

They have been absolutely silent

[@alicew991]

Sincere thank you for validating the experiences/frustrations a lot of us had and esp for calling out LV on poor business practices assoc w the launch. What I also found frustrating was that all pieces from the collection were sold out online in the U.S., however were still available for purchase on overseas sites like Japan. I ck'd Japan over a week after the worldwide online launch date, and a lot of the bags were available for purchase. I don't understand the quota limit for countries...these items are all sourced from the same area: France, U.S., Spain and Italy. Why are the quantities limited by the country I'm ordering from?

[@rolo9404]

Love the length of your hair! love your videos! so informative and huge collection! i love how this is your passion and it shows. im an OG and witnessed your growth. keep shining bright. :)

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thank you so much!!

[@janelaluan]

So spot on and insightful as always Meredith! The US especially is feeling burned. Glad to hear they will have the same packaging for the other two launches but then again if that’s true….HOW DID THEY NOT HAVE ENOUGH? This launch felt so rushed and unprepared. Shame on LV for trying to boost their Q1 numbers with 2 drops but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

I understand your frustration, it was a pretty bad launch.

[@ameliarosescloset]

Though I pre ordered at the very start and it didn’t come with all the packaging, so there wasn’t even uniformity across vic pre orders, and in my comments, many people have said they are vic’s and didn’t get their preorders- not good LVMH!

[@JerushaCouture]

Babe! what did you say to your Sale associate? it's just not ok

[@HandbagDiva]

Same my CA said on Jan 2nd my orders were in but they were waiting on packaging. Well it never came, so all 3 pieces I ordered came in the Xmas packaging.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It was a shambles!

[@waterbearer4627]

So interesting to hear the behind the scenes info and how stores operate. Also about the contracts, it's important to call something out if any brand has behaved badly too with their inconsistency, thank you for being forthright with your comments. LV needs to be careful because the last thing they want is animosity from their customers who are denied the packaging or the panda on wallets. Please give us your review of the LV show as a customer of the brand and what you like and dislike about the collection.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Very true. I’ll try and do a runway review

[@waterbearer4627]

@livingluxwithmeredith Thank you, I enjoy your observations and critique of their bags.

[@MariaRincon-z2t]

Did you ever learn anything about why they decided to use the same print on every bag versus the color variations we got in the past?

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Which colour variations?

[@MariaRincon-z2t]

@ I guess I mean how every multicolor bag looks the same - they didn’t do different color stories this time

[@Tony.diamondd]

Such a good message in this. Thank you for doing this. I was a young pre-tween when the first drop dropped. I couldn’t afford it. When I heard it was coming back. I wanted one card holder or wallet, that’s all. In the US I couldn’t get it as I just started purchased LV new in boutique November 2024. I really loved the panda hang tag 😍 Hopefully the other drops go smoother but it can also back flop on them and not even sell because of the the multi color went.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@miradonfbd]

Think about what you said. How could they not know, at least management, if there’s going to be a restock? Either they’re making more items or they’re not manufacturing more items it’s pretty simple. It’s distasteful and unappealing to me. And why so much white and so little black?

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Good points

[@danishpastry6137]

You have some great arguments here! Personally, whether this was planned or mismanaged, it doesn't make any difference to me, it still makes me think that whoever is responsible is a total idiot! I've never preordered from a luxury house, but I have preordered from brands that are far from the bottom of the heap. These brands don't always take your money (usually happens with made to order items), and either they do preorders to gauge demand (and then scale up their production accordingly), or they do it to produce the number of items wanted by their customers. LV should not be taking preorders (with full payment) for items they should know they can't supply - this is not doing things in good faith! As for the packaging, it's a tiny inexpensive thing, but it means so much in terms of customer experience. LV seemingly doesn't care about the customer experience and customer service, not just in terms of packaging, but generally. Customer service is important to me, I will and do boycott shops and/ or brands if they do not pay attention to providing good customer service! And I'm willing to pay a premium (up to a point) for first-class customer service! And I'll come back! Lastly, please be nice to your sales associate, as Meredith says, it's not their fault! Vent your wrath (if you really feel you need to!) further up the food chain, and do it in a polite and coherent way. You always get your point across better if you're not shouting and rude!

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts

[@ClaireLouiseLuxe]

Really interesting video, Meredith! Explains why I saw some people get their items on 2nd Jan - that confused me at the time! I gave LV the benefit of the doubt and believed they underestimated demand - my default is usually to assume incompetence rather than strategy. If it was the former then agree someone needs firing, and if it was the latter then an appalling way to treat their sales associates.

[@Cherrysmith2809]

Same. I assume someone was asleep at the corporate wheel rather then to think they are a genius. They could have sold more and it STILL would have been exclusive. Not having the packaging for the pieces produced was another massive fail. Why go to the trouble of all those expensive store decorations and have zero in store inventory on launch day? They should have had display pieces at the very least. Walking into the store and there is nothing to see? A bad look. An online site that crashes from the first hour? Another bad look.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thanks Claire ❤️

[@Ela-zm1ec]

On US site there are digital exclusive sandals, and a lot of items including handbags appear from time to time ( maybe returns ? ) I personally ordered two items and I hope they will come with the package, one thing was sent immediately the next one will be sent in mid-February. I am waiting for nano speedy to return to the inventory.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

That's so exciting, I hope you love your new purchases!

[@bnb0510]

Ya know it’s honestly sad and LVMH should feel shameful. I used to look at LV as one of the best luxury houses out there. The experience, quality, etc. They’re tarnishing their own brand. What is going on? Charge more, lower quality, etc. I mean we can’t even get proper packaging on a bag that they want to charge 10k for when it cost a fraction of that to make. And forget an in store experience anymore. It’s like walking into Zarah or H&M now. Curious if you will continue to buy from LVMH?

[@LauraCampbell-j4i]

She’s already bought something since then, plus she isn’t really affected by this issues as she is a valued customer at the fashion house

[@bnb0510]

@ Read between the lines…

[@crab3696]

LVMH does not deserve our hard earned money.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

I will continue to buy

[@reneehampton7665]

I believe they did what they did on purpose. An Hermes move without the Hermes product.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It’s certainly possible

[@wandarussell5983]

LV SCREWED UP FROM THE BEGINING! I NEVER LIKED THE WAY THINGS WERE HANDLED FROM THE BEGINNING!!😮😮

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Very disappointed

[@JenniGower]

Thank you, lovely Meredith for making this video. It was so very interesting to hear about everything that went on with this launch. Very poor on Louis Vuitton's part. I know your subscribers will be very grateful to you for making this video also. Your honesty is just one of your endearing qualities and I appreciate that. You look stunning by the way but then you always do. Much love. Jenni. XX 💞

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thank you so much, Jenni! 😊

[@JenniGower]

XX

[@NMLady0925]

You didn’t get ALL the packaging. No box, no dust bag.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Like I said, I got all the packaging that was provided to the average consumer. The dust bags and boxes were only for influencers and celebrities……as I said in the video

[@NMLady0925]

@ Frustrating. I’m glad you got at least the ribbon, paper and tags. 🍀

[@Sandrafuer]

I‘m from Austria and so many preorders got cancelled because their weren’t allowed to 😢 Thank god I was able to

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thanks for sharing

[@Michelle-uw2im]

There are great companies who would have corrected this customer service disaster regarding packaging by fixing the disparities. LV could easily have their data analytics department provide a list of purchasers, products purchased and mailing addresses. Great companies would hire temporary workers to lead a project to mail the right packaging to each and every customer. Of course, this would be costly (temporary workers, mailing costs, tissue paper, Pandas, ribbon, boxes, etc.). Since LV has no data regarding who received packaging and who did not, they would need to provide the packaging to both. LVMH would receive good public relations by admitting their error and correcting it. That is what outstanding customer service companies do.

[@Michelle-uw2im]

I emailed the President and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas the day after the launch pointing out all the disparities, my frustration with no Murakami products at my local LV store on launch day and the online website ordering issues. I received a personal telephone call that same day from the Regional VP of my region acknowledging receipt of my email. Just the acknowledgement from someone at LVMH that my concerns were heard helped me let go of my frustration with not being able to purchase a multicolor LV x Murakami.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

I think the cost of this for the company would be one they wouldn’t see as worth it given the money had already changed hands and people will just accept what they got,

[@Jploveslv]

All good valid points. Usually the front line employees get a heap of 💩 more than anyone. The public can be quite difficult to deal with at times. I think LV really needs to do something with their packaging.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thank you

[@MissLitoSpoonie]

I feel that the murakami launch was a fail. They didn't offer pre orders and they are basically sold out online. The packaging for me is another reason they fail, it only cost a few cents or dollars. I did see the resale value is 2x the price on the resale websites. Sadly even though I want a few pieces, I would just buy the pre loved ones instead.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

The pre orders were a mess and they didn't make any sense.

[@geoffparks7577]

All facts! No lies told. It’s disgusting how they have treated the average consumer, the website and region locked items is a joke. I’ve always felt sorry for the SA’s since the pre orders. I have a feeling the Sprouse Graffiti is a collection due for a re release soon. Did you catch the nod to the collection, going down yesterday’s run way? Have a good one

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

The pieces that walked yesterday are Nigo design. They look like Sprouse but they’re Nigo

[@geoffparks7577]

Thank you, it was a nice nod to the past. It was the black and white beanie, that caught my attention. Why can’t the monogram eclipse get some love with the murakami pieces, Raver Panda would have looked wicked on a few pieces, it would have got men in on it too. Same as Cherries they would pop so much on the eclipse canvas.

[@littleluxuries_435]

This was very insightful and an excellent video. Thank you, Meredith!

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@LivM04]

Such a great discussion about customers not living near stores and how difficult it was to even attempt to purchase pieces online. I'm so thankful to my sa who did a fantastic for me and I am extremely thankful as I'm no where near a store. Will be taking her a little thank you present when I'm next in store 😊😊

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

I’m so glad they took such good care of you!

[@tangyue1217]

Totally agree with the packaging issue - I don’t really care about packaging much but why didn’t I get it as a customer. It’s lack of professionalism to say the least.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Very true

[@erican.c.2176]

It wasn't just the Murakami packaging that had a shortage. Also, the holiday packaging in the last couple of years. During the launching date, 01/03/2025, on the USA Sites for three days, all the Murakami products weren't available and stated contact associate or email. I am sorry LV needs to restrict preordering. So others can get a fair chance of purchasing the products. I guess LV can careless other folks who can afford their products.

[@HandbagDiva]

They will never eliminate pre-order for their best customers

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Pre-order is nothing new and definitely not specific to LV alone. More product is the only way to fix this issue

[@emmabowen3086]

Was hoping to pick up the pink multicolour Romy card holder and was advised by a LV SA that they have reached their quota in the UK and it will not be restocked. Such a shame if not, but we never know.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

That’s so disappointing

[@emmabowen3086]

@ it really is. Had to find one online and paid over retail. Somehow ended up with two!!

[@emmabowen3086]

@ it is.. but you will never guess what just arrived back in stock!!! After I spoke with LV they said no more will be available online and in store. I’ve just paid over retail for one because of it.. so now I have two as I will try sell the blue one I have.

[@COLLEENDOROW]

Hi Meredith! Can you please tell me which bag that is on your top shelf on the far right (from my view) next to the Coke bag? I love the look of it, but I can't place it? I'd get it in the regular monogram more than likely. Thank you :) Enjoy your videos !!

[@bundleoflisa]

wow I didn’t know the SA’s didn’t get commissions on this release. is that common for every collab release (such as Kusama’s release) or just for this Murakami?

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

They don’t make commission in canvas in general. And most of Kusama and Murakami is canvas.

[@bundleoflisa]

@ thanks for clarifying for me, you did mention that in the video. I had no clue!

[@laiyee2715]

Thanks for sharing. Could you share your thoughts on the LV Men's Fall Winter 25 collection? I thought it was a great collection and i can't wait to see what you have ordered 😊

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

I’ll try and do a video on it

[@shinyobjectso]

Omg what do you mean this is the only packaging for the whole launch 😂🫠🫠🫠 They fumbled on so many different levels here

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It’s certainly a missed opportunity

[@KazzyDisko]

Thanks for your insights and inside knowledge. Interesting points. I still think someone has somewhat underestimated the huge interest until it was too late. I mean, not enough packaging? No doubt LVMH would say that this drop was a success. I wouldn’t expect otherwise. I think it is a success, maybe also for future resale market. LVMH also now have disgruntled clients, whether they listen to their SAs or not. I believe this will more likely show through their bottom line in future drops that are not as hotly desired as this one turned out to be.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It’ll certainly be interesting to watch what happens next

[@jkhc29]

The launch was a total screw up and failure. How they handled it is extremely disappointing but now I must say I’m glad that the launch was executed sooo badly because the products they produced are sub par and most def not worth the money. I’ve seen so many videos on poor quality products. Even your unboxing you mentioned that the print looked blurry on your wallet. So yes I’m happy that I saved my money on this launch and LV showed their true colours on how they value their customers both existing and new. I’m done with LV as a brand and have no desire to really purchase much from them now and in the future.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It's disappointing to hear the launch wasn't a better experience for everyone, but ultimately you're right, it's a good thing to be able to walk away when you're not happy.

[@Freda-Jamilla]

I agree with a lot of your points, in my mind I think they r trying to keep the collection limited to make it more “exclusive”/in demand…, it’s somewhat overpriced already so I think it’s a strategic move to hype it up & all everyone’s talking about rn. And also to get those costumers for the next two drops (cuz I think Multicolore will be most wanted) the packaging situation just ridicules - if I’m spending between 600$_10.000$ on an item, they can afford a dollar to make their costumers feel happy & special, I got the ribbon, bag & little bear, my SA knows packaging is very important to me, but not the paper & stickers cuz it was not available. But I’m happy, if they can make special packaging every Christmas they can do it for a 3 drop collection & make sure it’s enough for everyone that buy the collection (That being said I didn’t get Christmas ribbon but I shoped the day before so empty) now let’s keep it real, everyone could have gotten a special dustbag as well, at least if you bought a bag. Swing some get them feels like false advertisement, You’re spending thousands of dollars... so that dustbag would not have broken the bank for them either… a small price to make people very happy that spend that much on their brand.they should have done better. I am not as geard up for the next two drops but we will see. It’s the little things that makes us feel extra special, at least when u don’t have a big budget & this is a rear treat. But yes also for collectors. it’s complete unfair that some people try to blame the SA’s, I’ve seen so much online & I believe they r trying their best, but I also believe it’s another reason to find one you like/connect with & always order from them, so you can reach out to them respectfully before a new launch, get ur wishlist in & hopefully they can help. Maybe not but I think having that relationship helps when things are in high demand.

[@conniewesson4640]

Great analysis Meredith. As you know my flagship store did not receive any packaging at all. It is in the middle of a massive remodel & therefore treated like a step child. This whole launch was disappointing in one way or another because even though I got my speedy 25: I’m still waiting for my Romy wallet & I was not able to get my Panda bag charm that was so scarce in the US that I heard only 1 store received them. Having said that, I still want the cherry blossom & cherries. I hope to get packaging next time & I hope I can get pieces as well.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It sounds like your store had a rough time with the launch - I hope they have a more seamless launch next time!

[@Bdhstl95]

I still believe that there is going to be more made because 1) LV numbers are flat company wide 2) they ran millions in print advertising w Zendaya. If it was to be small, no need for print cause sold out first day to existing customers.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

I guess we’ll see soon

[@santinatortoni3803]

I hope LV reflects on all these bad customer experiences and release more MC stock to win back all those customers and sales !!

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It would be nice, but I doubt it

[@jeannemy]

I feel for the SAs. Obviously, LVMH is not a great employer and they call themselves luxury. Disgusting it is.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It was very hard on them

[@larissasmirnoff3325]

I don’t know why we continue to reward this bad behavior. The customer service at LV is terrible. There was an item in stock at their NY store and instead of offering to send it to me, they told me I can drive to the store to pick it up! I live several states away! The prices are out of control, the quality has gone down, but yet we are tripping over ourselves to get one of their pieces. Maybe consumers need to start talking with their wallets and start wisening up. With only offering product to ViP’s on pre-order they are saying that my money is not as valuable as someone else’s. Ok, go ahead and try and survive on your VIP’s only. Good luck to you. So over this. I’m taking my money and going elsewhere.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thank you for your thoughts

[@Smilingcats_couture]

Great video 💗 Great tip to email customer service.💗

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thanks! I hope it helps some people!

[@bargain.hunting.blonde]

I think it will be very interesting to see how long they keep producing multicolor pieces for. I remember randomly seeing pieces in stores from the original drop way after the collection was released (of course they were the not super popular pieces but still) and I wonder if that will be the same for this collection.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

I feel like this will be very different Sam. I think they’ll quickly disappear

[@WyeChengChong-ql7lr]

Thanks for the insight into how the packaging is allocated, very interesting. I agree that they should have provided packaging for every piece. I feel that Kusama failing to sell well and having excess packaging made LV cautious about Murakami. But I feel that once they realised there was a huge demand, they should've just posted that items were currently unavailable, that they will produce more, that it would take 2-3 months to arrive and it would be preorder only. That way they can produce just enough to satisfy everyone and not have any leftover unwanted bags. And more importantly I feel that if someone preordered and paid for an item in full, they should receive their items.. The main thing that frustrated everyone was the lack of communication, lack of clarity and lack of consistency. I certainly feel sorry for the SAs, who had customer frustration taken out on them. I saw someone unbox and item and she got everything except the panda tag and said she asked her SA why she didn't get it, etc. And sounded like she was harassing her SA to the point where another SA came out and handed her one. But then she wasn't happy because she felt they were gatekeeping things. 🙄

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It was definitely a bit of a mess!

[@MsKathyR100]

I am really happy you got the pieces that you wanted. I was saying “bullshit” right along with you. 😂 I will look from time to time. Actually I just looked and it appears they aren’t even featuring Murakami anymore…at least on the app. I’m not going obsess over it. I’m not interested in the cherries or the cherry blossoms. I wanted multicolor and happy flowers. My take? They don’t want my middle class dollars. They want the person who can spend with little impunity. I’m not that person. I have to save and budget for my luxury. They want to make money but they also want to maintain a level of exclusivity. Price points is one way and extremely limited collections is another. Then throw us a bone every now and then with pieces that are somewhat affordable and available. I did buy a Kusama piece…a pencil case. Way overpriced for what it was but I use it almost everyday. Btw…the toolbox was on my wishlist. 😂😂😂

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thank you for sharing

[@10secondsofmylife]

i have no compassion for sales associates. i worked in retail and now have a doctorate in physics. it’s seriously not a hard job and they usually like to make the clients‘ lives hard especially if they see you want something. all they do is stock the store with merch that arrives and sell it. they get a wage based on how hard they work to please clients. that job adds no real value to society. they do not make anything with their own hands through any skill that had to be learned and if i can order online, guess what, i will. why bother with transport, parking, standing in a line or having to make an appointment! what a waste of MY time that i can never get back.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

That’s both a gross generalisation and incredibly elitist. Every person has value and something to offer. People who work in a service industry have as much right to respect and acknowledgment of their hard work as any other industry

[@10secondsofmylife]

@@livingluxwithmeredith i did not say i do not respect them. i worked long enough in the service industry myself. i just have no compassion for how ‘hard’ their job is. because it is not. and i know what they do to make a sale, how they pretend to be your friend and do you ‘favors’ even if they’re actually no favors at all, just part of a sales strategy.

[@cindel621]

Be nice to your sales associates and send an email to LV 🥰 Perfect 💕

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Simples!

[@sheilacarlislepyreneesmom]

Great video!!!!❤

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thank you!!

[@raymolbert4376]

I pre - ordered and it was canceled. I will no longer be purchasing LV. It has turned me off completely. Shame on them. They took my money and then canceled my purchase. I hope the future collections fails. That’s just my opinion 😊

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

That’s so disappointing

[@Cherrysmith2809]

I don’t think Kusama sold that well after the massive hype. My CA admitted as much to me. Sure, LV has bucket loads of money because they sell cheap goods at premium prices, but the bulk of customers have not been buying of late. Those could be two reasons they pulled back on the inventory. I think it is like the stock market investor. You make your best guess at where the market is heading, then you invest. LV thought the market was down, but no one asked us. I think the communication at LV sucks. The CAs should all be on the same page, and they were not. I did a welfare check on my CA too. I could tell she was tired. If LV keeps treating their workers like this turnover will only increase. I could have pre-ordered a week before launch, but did not because I wanted to see the pieces in store. Neither of our two tiny stores had pieces left on launch day, and they never got packaging. My CA was able to order me a bag, my second choice, the CarryAll PM, on launch day and I got it in a week. Very happy with it.

[@natashacampbell9277]

9:26 I agree. But…could they be trying to register with high up the interest in products that weren’t allocated? To try and implement change?

[@natashacampbell9277]

And btw I think the prepay in full up front without a guarantee of getting is a total grift, verging on ponzi

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Anything is possible at this point

[@MsYoni01]

Great information and super ideas. Thanks for being proactive

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

You are so welcome! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@graceho7845]

I am lucky enough I had an SA here and another in Asia. So I am lucky enough to secure a few Asia only pieces. And I am so grateful that she is very honest in managing my expectation on what is available here and Asia exclusives. She is adamant about things that we are not going to get in australia. I am disappointed but I feel lucky I have her to tell me the absolute truth.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It sounds like you have a great SA!

[@babyyoda7684]

Great video Meredith! Hey-do you have the ability to get invited to the actual fashion shows or no? Or just preorders? Nigo show was FANTASTIC! So hyped :)

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

You need to be nominated to go to show and qualify. So high enough up that your SA nominates you, then spend enough in a timeframe that it qualifies you for the invite. It’s a significant amount of money in a relatively short period of time to qualify, and I refuse to spend money just to meet their criteria as been a chosen one. I think they should also look at overall loyalty to the brand when making selections, but they don’t.

[@babyyoda7684]

@@livingluxwithmeredith very interesting. Thank you for sharing Meredith 😄

[@andreaa898]

The sneakers from the latest show are really cool! I didn’t know about runway ordering (other than what you’ve shared). But to my surprise I got a message from my sales associate because I bought a P9. I think you’d like the baby pink sneakers.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Purchasing a P9 automatically comes with extra privileges around future ordering.

[@christinebussard6808]

Great video. I agree LV created the hype. They knew they would need packaging. My hope is that TM will release for a few years similar to last time and there will be restocks. Yes 🙌 WHAT CRAP! Oh my all the pink on the runway yesterday! I can’t wait to see what you are ordering.

[@christinebussard6808]

What I don’t get is that LVMH does packaging for Dior to the nines but missed it for TM.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

I think we’ll see this collection disappear quickly this time

[@cryst6113]

I totally agree with your assessment of the failure to invest in packaging and extend the same level of accessibility to all clients that sought to purchase a piece from this collection. I was excited for this re-release as I am one of the millennials you spoke of that couldn’t afford LV, let alone LV x Murakami. I didn’t have pre-order privileges so I got up at 2 am in the US for the web drop refreshed for an hour to no avail. The site was a mess and was not prepared for that amount of traffic. I just so happened to be traveling to NYC and decided to check out the Pop-up Shop and my luck they got a shipment of the Neverfulls that morning. My friend and I purchased immediately. No questions asked…just ring me up! I’m still in shock 🤯. I received some of the packaging (ribbon, panda, bag and also some stickers) which was a pleasant surprise apart from getting the bag. I’m hoping I can extend my luck with the Cherry drop but if not, at least I got something. Even though my story turned out favorable, I know many others didn’t which does not look good on LV. Admittedly, I expect this kind of epic fail from the Nike’s or Adidas’ of the world but not a luxe house like LV. I hope they learn, though I doubt it.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It's disappointing that they didn't have a good distribution plan for the pieces. Congratulations on getting your piece!

[@amgal23]

Great Video! Thank you.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

You are welcome! 😊

[@vicburrage3881]

FYI. I’ve been trying to send email and it says error. Man what a screw up

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Well that’s not good!

[@LisaInTheSkyMU]

I think they got it wrong thinking it was going to be like Kusama, so they didn’t make enough stock because they didn’t want it hanging around. I don’t think they understood their audience. Will be keeping an eye out for your video on the cherry blossom and what is going to come to Australia 😊

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thank you ☺️

[@kaylheecarroll3186]

Valid points

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thank you ☺️

[@kaylheecarroll3186]

@livingluxwithmeredith your welcome

[@kevinhsu8184]

LV is being its old self! The 100% deposit started in 2018 I believe. Even back then, people have put their hard earned money months ahead of time for runway collection bags while LVMH collected free interest. I remember many people had their pre-orders cancelled and money refunded (minus interest of course). It was such a shxt show. I was lucky as I got everything I ordered but I know many people did not. Fast forward to this year, I’m buying a lot less as I couldn’t take this fast fashion speed any longer. Naturally I dropped off from their VIC list and wasn’t able to pre-order during December. But luckily my SA did call me couple days before release and asked me what I wanted so I was able to get few pieces. But of course I didn’t get any Murakami packaging whatsoever. Very disappointed to say the least but I also recognized that at least I got few items I wanted while many completed missed out. I’m surprised they won’t be doing special packaging for cherry blossom and cherry collection. That’s a big mistake imo. I’m also quite surprised that they really did limit production of this multicolor collection as I had expected them to do a second run of refills online and in store. Who knew LVMH can resist squeezing this cash cow further! 😅

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thank you for sharing

[@robinrickman5570]

I do sympathize with the SA's. For me, I don't think LV will be high on my list of things to buy this year. I am more of mid level buyer so I'm sure they won't miss my money lol

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@shananick1128]

In short is a failure and a miss opportunity for LVMH. Isnt that this is the time to get their P&L at least to a certain number...what a miss opportunity. The second and third drop, i presumed will not be as demanding as this multicolor collection in my humble opinion. This multicolor is a collection that a lot of people (including myself) are waiting for. I miss this during my early age when i cannot afford one and now when i wanted to buy it, they did not produce enough. Whoever the person is, frankly, should be fired. Is not a rocket science to even know about the demand. On the 3rd Jan, i login to LV's website and just managed to get a card holder but i wanted more, the black multicolor Pochette Accessories but not available at all. Nothing left and the stocks are not consistent at all. Like the key pouch, i heard only available in Japan and think US. Why LV? In fact not all SLGs are in multicolor. They should get in more of their SLGs i.e Zippy coin purse in the multicolor. SLGs sell fast. If people cannot afford the big ticket, those who want a piece of it can get the SLGs too. What a failure LV and the list goes on and on. Thanks for sharing, Meredith 🤗

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thanks for your thoughts

[@Restless318]

glad you got stuff so happy for you that I got coach cherries in the usa

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Congratulations!

[@Glendra5]

Love this, I learn so much from you !

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@Natalia.lovesLV]

They will not restock. The artist/Murakami put a limit on each piece to keep things exclusive and not mass cheap produced. Im looking forward to 🍒

[@liamhillh]

They hardly put out absolutely anything in American stores. Be fr. Also, the website was not working. I believe that they purposely limited stock to create FOMO. They do have more stored away. Just wait a few weeks

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thank you for sharing

[@bonniesides6433]

Thank you for breaking down the situation so thoroughly. It was the best description I’ve heard. Also, you look beautiful today!

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@AnUrbanGypsy]

He’s definitely a Tuesday Panda 😂 . I actually think the wallet suits the circular LV pull tag more than the panda because I feel the panda is mixing two collections into one, however, like yourself, that’s why most of us wanted it. Mine’s still ‘pending’. Hopefully it isn’t cancelled but 🤷🏻‍♀️. It isn’t actually a 20th Anniversary either, is it? So confusing. Anyway, the cherries will hopefully do well, the blossoms probably not so much. At least those pre-orders made their end of year sales figures look good on paper.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

I hope you get your piece soon!! Is it not 20 years? I thought it was

[@AnUrbanGypsy]

@@livingluxwithmeredithI thought the collection first released spring/summer ‘03 yet this release is in ‘24. Should have been last year and waaay more fanfare seeing as the man is still with us. The whole thing is odd. Like a 21st anniversary 🤷🏻‍♀️.

[@bnb0510]

I feel like LV is quickly spiraling. Borderline coach at this point. How is a luxury company in business for this long and drops that ball so badly?!?! They knew what they were doing from start to finish but it backfired.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thanks for your thoughts

[@pattythrower5700]

Love your look and hair today ❤ not a fan of the collection reminds me of Paris Hilton and juicy trackies

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thank you ☺️

[@t23random]

The missing packaging is unforgivable. Because it’s so easily manufactured and cheap. They were giving out left right centre multiple Chinese New Year Rabbit tags and ribbons not long ago. Why is it so precious for this collection. I am considered lucky that I got all packaging except the Raver Panda tag…

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It’s certainly a marked departure from what we’ve seen previously

[@jaks_bag_attack]

The launch was so bad it feels like a planned mess, to say we sold out, it just made people mad

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It’s certainly possible

[@AliciaLarriera]

Surely they can get it together on packaging for the next two launches??!! They'd even have time to do cherry specific if they take on your excellent (and let's face it assumed obvious thing they should have done). I feel like it was a complete over reaction to the glut of packaging post the kusma drop, but as yu said packaging for each piece at a minimum. As for the blatantly deceptive marketing via different boxes & dust bags for the gifted pieces to promote this run? Part of me wishes someone would sue, or some sort of ACCC took action against them for deceptive marketing. Which is so was. Can you tell I feel passionately about this side of the debavle? LOL.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Your always passionate where packaging is concerned 😂

[@carlamcbride2457]

I live LV and bought a TM piece from his original collection and was excited for this launch. I was sad to learn they're all out of stock and that there have been so many issues with this launch. I think LV wasn't well prepared since luxury brands always want to market exclusivity and scarcity. I think this launch left a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths and the brand lost a lot of potential customers. We will see if the next launch goes better. It also seems like the US release was worse than some of the other countries for this launch as well. Someone needs to fired.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It’s been a wild ride, and I’m still wondering what the next launch will hold!

[@jarabee2022]

I do not like LV for various reasons. I will support American & Indie brands that don’t play shopping games 🤷‍♀️

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It’s good to have a plan

[@HandbagDiva]

This!!! That is all!🩷

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thank you ☺️

[@KarenL3027]

Someone somewhere is riding a very high power trip. Badly done Louie Vuitton!

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

It certainly wasn’t good!

[@haesoongotel7246]

I stopped buying LV Goods for a while.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

I’m sure your wallet thanks you

[@tanja_love2shop]

Awesome video ❤

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thanks 🤗

[@blktauna]

TBH I prefer the wallet w/o the panda. This was a wild mess indeed. I call shenanigans on LV saying they had no idea how popular this drop was. Anyone buying LV knew how popular this was going to be. I seriously feel for the Sales Associates. Its a hard job anyway and this didn't help at all. Totally agree on the emailing Customer Service section. Be specific and provide examples.

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Thank you

[@ShweMyaukMyauk]

big fat flop and been hearing some not so good things about Murakami himself (abusing staff) which really turned me off

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Interesting