Monday, October 17, 2011

Should Louis Vuitton get Social Media friendly?



While I was sitting in the lecture theatre at Building B, Monash University Caufield campus, listening to Wagstaff’s amusement at Coca Cola’s recent “Share a Coke” campaign (total marketing gimmick!); it got me thinking that there’s plenty other brands that does this sort of personalization gimmick too! Not to mention Heinz canned soup, Build-A-Bear, Personalized storybook, and the list goes on. These campaigns are turned out to be gimmicky genius! But will it work to a more high-end brand like Louis Vuitton?

I recently dropped by Louis Vuitton’s facebook page, and surprisingly, it is well managed and well thought, unlike any other high-end fashion brands facebook page. And to be honest, I was amazed by how Louis Vuitton designs their facebook page. It may be still in the standard facebook layout, but the features included were beyond my expectation. There are two features that stand out the most, which are their ‘Fashion Show’ and ‘MonMonogram app’.
The ‘Fashion Show’ feature showcase the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2012 Collection fashion show, allowing all Louis Vuitton fans or fashionista around the world to have the chance to experience the full show.


And the most interesting on the LV’s facebook fan page was the ‘Mon Monogram app’ where it allows the users to personalize Louis Vuitton bags with stripes, colors and initials through facebook application. After the bag has been personalized, then the users are able to send it to their friends on Facebook, or inviting them to join the application. The payment method could also be done through the application or simply go to the Louis Vuitton website.



I personally don’t think that it is such a great idea to have the ‘Mon Monogram’ facebook application for a high-end brand such Louis Vuitton. I have to say that their online presence was great, the whole personalized bag was brilliant and the personalization done through their website are fantastic; but through facebook application? Well, I guess it is just me, but I do think it is kind of risky step to be taken by an established high-end brand such Louis Vuitton which this initiative have the potential of tarnishing the brand image; I guess facebook should really develop facebook business (a world of online store) afterall...
What I admire the most from Louis Vuitton are their effort to engage and establish relationship with their customers, through their initiative of ‘Fashion Show’ feature on their facebook page, as well as their twitter account (@LouisVuitton_HQ).




But I somehow still feel doesn’t quite right, maybe i'm being pessimistic of this idea... Should luxury brand go social media without risking their brand image?



Leave your comments below, and tell me what you think! :)

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