Louis Lover Darlene Smith, Louis Vuitton Collector
Above: Darlene Smith decked head-to-toe in Louis Vuitton and surrounded by a few of her favorite pieces by the designer: a golf bag, two hard-side luggage pieces, a hat box, a president brief case, a custom chess set and Louis Vuitton books. Right: Custom-made trunks and a watch winder by Louis Vuitton, flanked by a scarf, wallet and jewel case collaboration painted by Takashi Murakami for Louis Vuitton. Below: The label to a Louis Vuitton suit bearing Darlene Smith’s name.
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January/February 2013 | Simply Buckhead
To say Darlene Smith likes Louis Vuitton is putting it mildly. The local entrepreneur and sartorialist’s Buckhead condo is home to more than 100 hard-side, soft-side and customorder luggage pieces by the designer, as well as some 100-plus shoes, 35 sunglasses, boots, clothing, furs, custom runway pieces, gleaming high-end jewelry and even a golf bag—all by Louis Vuitton. “I’m attracted to Louis Vuitton because they are the No. 1 luxury brand in the world,” she confesses. “I believe in the business and love the pride they take in their product.” It’s a sentiment the brand has noticed as well—as one of Louis Vuitton’s top customers, Smith has reached VIC or “Very Important Client” status. She’s also an ambassador for the label. “This is my lifestyle,” she says. “I choose to represent the brand in all product categories.” With such a title, she has access to company limousines and receives frequent lunch invitations from Louis Vuitton salons around the globe. In turn, she’s also landed herself on an even more exclusive list, one that gave her entry to Louis Vuitton’s Paris fashion show this spring. “It’s a first-class experience with dinners, parties, museum and factory visits, shopping (of course), and visits to flagship stores,” she says. “You have a hostess and nothing is required of you other than to enjoy and take it all in. It’s a wonderful way to be thanked for being loyal to the brand.” A consummate arbiter of fashion, it’s no surprise that Smith’s Louis Vuitton staples commingle with large collections of other luxury brands—Gucci, Pucci, Rolex and Cartier, to name a few—in a closet that’s organized by season, designer and item. “My personal style sense depends on the day and where I’m going,” she says. “I believe that you should always dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” First designer piece: Fendi. “I had the purse, wallet and keychain. I was so proud.” Other collections: Pens, including ones from Bentley, Ferrari, Louis Vuitton and DuPont. Also, exotic cars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, AMG Mercedes and Bentleys. Most cherished Louis Vuitton piece: “My custommade Sac Louis white crocodile bag. This piece is only offered to a select few VICs. It took a year to complete, will never be advertised, nor reproduced for sale. Celebrities were not offered the bag, and most have no idea of its existence.” Her custom Louis Vuitton chess set and watch winder case are also favorites. n
January/February 2013 | Simply Buckhead
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