Guess How Much a LV Punching Bag Costs...

Being a fashion person can be stressful, making us constantly on the lookout for a chic way to get rid of some of that built up shopping-induced tension — but this might be a bit much. Oh, so you didn't think you needed a Louis Vuitton punching bag designed by Karl Lagerfeld? You were probably right about that, especially since it costs about $175,000. Yes, you read that correctly. There's a lot to be confused about here. That price tag, for one thing. The fact that Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld designed something in the signature print for a different storied fashion house is another. And then, naturally, there's the puzzling bit about a luxury punching bag. Like, who wants that?

I'll try and provide some answers. The bag is part of Louis Vuitton's Celebrating Monogram project, a series of collaborations commemorating 118 years of "LV." Remember that Rei Kawakubo bag covered with holes? That's part of Celebrating Monogram too. It seems the goal of the project is to see who can come up with the most useless LV-emblazoned product. Other artists who are up to the task include Cindy Sherman, Frank Gehry, Christian Louboutin, and Marc Newson.

Lagerfeld's punching bag is extremely limited edition — only 25 have been made — which helps explain the out-of-control price. According to T magazine, that's not all you get for your money. The bag comes with "boxing gloves, a monogrammed mat and its own embossed luggage." Sounds like the perfect Christmas present for Mike Tyson. What do you get the boxer who has everything? A monogrammed punching bag and matching suitcase, of course!

Come to think of it, this doesn't look like much of a substantial punching bag. Mike Tyson and his ilk would probably tear that thing to bits after a single blow. Maybe this is really the perfect gift for Hamish Bowles after he decides he wants to pick up boxing as a casual hobby.

Image: Celebrating Monogram