The Color-Changing Bag That Stole Paris Fashion Week
Ivan Brown This Bag Changed Colors on the Runway — Here’s Why Delvaux’s Helios Stunned Everyone at Paris Fashion Week 2024
At Paris Fashion Week 2024, amidst the flurry of couture and innovation, one accessory captured the collective attention of fashion enthusiasts: Delvaux’s Helios bag. This groundbreaking piece seamlessly marries the maison’s storied leather craftsmanship with futuristic E Ink technology, marking a new chapter in luxury fashion.
A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation
Founded in 1829, Delvaux holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest fine leather goods house . Known for its timeless designs and impeccable craftsmanship, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of luxury. The Helios collection, unveiled at Paris Fashion Week, epitomizes this ethos by integrating E Ink’s color-changing Prism film into its iconic handbags .
This collaboration, two years in the making, began after Delvaux’s CEO, Jean-Marc Loubier, encountered E Ink’s technology at CES in Las Vegas in 2022. The result is a limited-edition capsule that reimagines Delvaux’s classic designs, such as Le Caprice and Le Pin, with dynamic surfaces that change color at the touch of a button .
The Helios Collection: A Closer Look
The Helios collection features four distinct designs, each showcasing the harmonious blend of traditional leatherwork and modern technology. E Ink’s Prism film allows the bags to display programmable color patterns, offering a customizable aesthetic that adapts to the wearer’s mood or outfit.
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One standout piece, the Helios “Pixel” model, incorporates three large e-paper panels woven with leather strips, held together with rivets without directly touching the delicate e-paper . Another design, the Helios “Psyché,” maintains a circular visual effect, demonstrating the meticulous attention to detail and innovation involved in the collection’s creation.
Craftsmanship Meets Technology
Integrating E Ink’s technology into Delvaux’s handbags required a reimagining of traditional techniques. The brand reinvented its braiding methods to accommodate the delicate e-paper, ensuring the bags retained their functionality and aesthetic appeal. This meticulous process underscores Delvaux’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modern advancements .
The collaboration also highlights the sustainable aspects of E Ink’s technology. The color-changing feature consumes minimal energy, and once a color is displayed, it remains without additional power consumption. This aligns with the growing demand for environmentally conscious luxury products .
Limited Availability and Exclusivity
The Helios collection is a limited-edition release, with only 100 pieces available in select stores. While pricing details have not been disclosed, the exclusivity and innovative nature of these bags position them as coveted items for collectors and fashion aficionados alike .
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Delvaux’s Helios bag represents a bold step into the future of fashion, where tradition and technology coexist harmoniously. By integrating E Ink’s dynamic color-changing technology into its classic designs, Delvaux has redefined its legacy and set a new standard for innovation in luxury accessories.
