Our first Louis Vuitton Interview is with Adrineh. Adrineh is a member of a couple of the LV forums as well as being a highly respected seller of authentic only Louis Vuitton items on eBay, trading as authentic-luxuries.

(For those who may not be used to "forum speak" please note that if you come across the word LOL it means "Laugh Out Loud".)

 

"First of all Adrineh, thank you for agreeing to be interviewed about your Louis Vuitton collection."

"It's a pleasure."

"To start with, could you tell us a little bit about yourself please? Who you are, where you're from and what you do?"

"Well, my name is Adrineh and I am the eldest daughter of Armenian parents. I am a US Army Captain, a Helicopter Pilot and an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. I plan on going to law school in the Fall of 2005."

"Thank you. Now, can you remember your first ever sight of a Louis Vuitton? Can you remember which piece was it and what caught your interest about it?"

"Yes, I can. I was 14 years old and noticed a woman at a check out counter with a Monogram Speedy. It looked so classic and timeless. I knew I was in love, lol!"

"And with a piece like the Speedy in Monogram Canvas, who would argue! So what was the first authentic LV you ever bought?"

"My very first piece was a Monogram Papillon 26 Vachetta that I purchased from an LV boutique upon graduating from college and earning my commision as a 2LT in the Army. That was in May of 2000. I got myself through college and graduated at the age of 26."

"Do you still have it today?"

"Oh yes! It reminds me of all the hard work, living on 'Top Ramen' noodles, not having a car and having less than 200.00 to live on for a month!"

"Something to treasure for the memories it gives! Have you ever been unlucky enough to end up with a fake piece?"

"No, thank goodness! I almost got a fake MC Speedy but I caught it in time and never purchased it."

"Now I know that you are a huge fan of authentic items, as shown in your eBay listing pages. What do you hate about fakes the most?"

"The fact that they are a lie. Who are you trying to impress with a fake? People you don't even know! Why? I am not concerned with other people's opinion and that is why I would much rather carry an authentic LV and have everyone think it is fake than carry a fake and have everyone think it is real! Call me crazy!"

"I don't think I will - strikes me as very sane really! I know you have an excellent rating as a seller on eBay with a feedback of 148 comments, all of them positive. I believe that you are even renowned for putting in a hand written thank you note when sending items to people they have bought. What would be the biggest tip your could give someone on how to avoid buying a fake piece on eBay?"

"My advice is to do research and lots of it! Also, know the ballpark prices of items and what they are going for these days. Limited edition pieces that are no longer produced for $50? Come on! It is up to the buyer to educate themselves. You wouldn't buy a car without a little research - an LV is the same thing!"

"So have a rough idea of what an authentic new item would cost from eluxury.com say, so you know the correct range of prices you should be looking in?"

"Yes, exactly."

"Good tip, thank you! Now you're a member of at least a couple of the better LV forums on the net today I believe. Do you find them useful, do you still learn from them at all and would you recommend them to new addicts?"

"Absolutely! These forums are a wealth of information and the member are wonderful! The learning NEVER ends! It is so much fun to add to my "arsenal" of knowledge. I would definitely recommend them to new and old addicts alike!"

"As well as the forums, are there any other resources on the internet you'd recommend to new addicts for authentic LV information or purchases?"

"Definitely, I would have to recommend My Poupette"

"Yes of course - they must be one of - if not the best resources for learning about authentic Louis Vuitton available today! Great choice. I'd like to delve a little bit more into your actual bags now if I can - Which Louis Vuitton items do you have in your collection today?"

"Wow, ok, here goes…

In the MONOGRAM Canvas range I've got the Papillon 26 Vachetta, the Large Musette, a Looping MM, a Luco Tote, a Cabas Piano, the Musette Tango, a PTI, a Key Clefs and a Passport Holder.

In the Multicolor I have a White Alma, a Black Keepall 45, a pair of the White Mules (kitten heel), the Black Speedy 30, the Black Pochette and the White Key Cles.

From the Suhali range I've got a Black Le Talentueux, White Fabuleux and the Black S-Lock Bracelet.

In the Cherry Blossom I have a Red/Cream Papillon and a Brn/Pink Pochette.

From the Ambre (limited editions) I have the Ambre Cruise Tote MM and the Mocha Spa Mules.

In the Graffiti I have a Black/White Graffiti Alma Long.

Oh and in the shoes I have the Gina Sling back pumps, Calf hair ankle boots and the Pink Cruise mules. I think that's everything!"

"That's an amazing collection Adrineh, how long have you been collecting for?"

Well, I've been collecting Louis Vuitton for 4 years - and lusting after it for 16 years, LOL.

"Truly impressive - and some really gorgeous pieces in there as well."

"Thank you."

"I see you have quite a few of the limited edition pieces. If you had to choose, which would be your favorite limited edition and why?"

"I think my favorite is my newly acquired Graffiti Alma Long in Black/White because it is art. Pure and simple!"

"That's the range worked on in conjunction with Stephen Sprouse who died this year, isn't it?"

"Yes, that's right"

"Okay, now I know this may seem a cruel question to make you answer but if you had to pick one bag from your whole collection as the best - which would it be and why?"

"This is hard! If I had to choose, it would be my Black Le Talentueux because it is classic and I believe will stand the test of time for years and years to come. It is exquisite in craftsmanship and design and I think it is something that will be passed on to my future daughter or granddaughter."

"Oh good choice! You certainly do get the feeling that anything from the Suhali range will stand up to heavy use very well! What a lovely inheritance that would make!That actually gives rise to a very real question I'm sure many people would love to know the honest answer to - How much use do you actually get out of your gorgeous collection?"

"Oh every single day! Sometimes I switch bags 2 or 3 times in one day! LOL!"

"Do you collect any other designer label or is it just LV?"

"I am just starting my Chanel collection - another timeless house of design, and I have my eyes set on my very first Hermes Birkin but I will wait a few years to grow into that!"

"And if you could pass a request back to LV for them to introduce a new piece or to change something, what would it be?"

"Oh, I think that their Vachetta bottom bags all need protective feet to help stop dirt, etc. Also, I would love to see a vivid red in the Suhali line."

"Gosh yes, that would stand out for sure. LOL. Nice idea! Finally, if price was no object, which Louis Vuitton would you like to own the most and why?"

"Hmm, That's difficult to give a snap answer to. I think it would be a tie between a whole hardsided Monogram luggage set - probably the whole Alzer line and a Suhali Le Extravagant. I am in love with the Suhali line. It is EXQUISITE!"

"Lol, I on't think anyone would fault you for that at all. Adrineh, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions and give a little insight into your amazing collection."

"My pleasure, thank you for asking me!"

As I mentioned at the beginning of the interview, Adrineh sells some gorgeous authentic Louis Vuitton items on eBay and has built an impressive collection of positive feedbacks. If you'd like to see what she has available at the present for yourself then do please click here to see.