Louis Vuitton’s UFO Speaker Is The Fashion-Tech Crossover Nobody Asked For

Louis Vuitton just released a $4,250 light-up UFO-shaped speaker which is meant to double as a tech device and fashion accessory. And while the concept does sound like a good idea, the execution is somewhat questionable.

Sure, it looks cool, and I have no doubt it gets the job done — that is to say, it plays music — but I don’t know that I’m sold on it. Personally, I’d much rather fork over four grand on something that the fashion house is known for. Perhaps a leather bag like the Neverfull MM, or maybe a piece of luggage like the multi-functional Horizon Soft Duffle 55.

But while I myself might stick to the classics, I realise that there are others who would prefer the latest cool gadget. As I considered this new high-tech trinket, I couldn’t help but wonder how it actually worked. Was the speaker itself phenomenal, or was the price tag more about its unique design?

With a 15-hour listening time, 3 microphones, wireless connectivity and 360° sound, the Horizon Light Up Speaker seems like a decent speaker at least, offering the same functionality you could expect from most Bluetooth speakers on the market.

Despite the flashy look of the thing, though, the speaker doesn’t have much more happening technically. “These are roughly the same specs you can expect to find on an Amazon Echo, Nest Audio, or literally any decent portable Bluetooth player in the $150 – 300 range,” according to Gizmodo. But unlike those more affordable alternatives, this Louis Vuttion speaker weighs in at 1 kilogram. “That’s about double the weight of other portable speakers out there.” So it might look good slung on your wrist, worn as a fashion statement,but is it the most practical option? Well, no. Not in any sense.

With that being said, it should be noted that the purpose of the speaker isn’t to be the most functional or technologically advanced Bluetooth speaker on the market. As much as it is a gadget, Louis Vuitton frames the Horizon Speaker as much more: An accessory, a fashion statement, a work of art.

While I can’t exactly picture someone walking down the street with this speaker on their wrist, that’s how the fashion house has chosen to market it. And who knows? Maybe fashion devotees who love Louis Vuitton on behalf of the brand itself will fall in line.

I must admit, though it may not be practical, the promotional video for the speaker certainly makes it look cool. Perfect for spontaneous dance parties and the like. So while I won’t be splurging a few grand on it, I can definitely see the appeal.

If nothing else, the Horizon speaker can highlight a shift in fashion. No longer, it seems, are the big names keen to stick to classic crafts. Technology is everywhere, so why not bring it into fashion? This isn’t the first gadget Louis Vuitton has made, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. All good things take time, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Louis Vuitton’s gadget game improve in both looks and quality.

Have you seen Louis Vuitton’s menswear show starring BTS yet?

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