Louis Vuitton unveils $1300 face shield with gold studs

Louis Vuitton plans to sell a face shield with its signature LV monogrammed pattern.

The French fashion house unveiled the full face shield as part of its 2021 Cruise Collection and it will go on sale late next month for $US961 ($1320), say multiple media reports.

A news release describes it as "an eye-catching headpiece, both stylish and protective". It will be photochromatic and can transition from clear to dark when it comes into contact with direct sunlight. The shield can also turn into a hat when the visor is flipped up.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it does not recommend the use of face shields as a substitute for masks amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"A face shield is primarily used for eye protection for the person wearing it," the CDC said. "At this time, it is not known what level of protection a face shield provides to people nearby from the spray of respiratory droplets from the wearer. There is currently not enough evidence to support the effectiveness of face shields for source control."

The CDC says "face shield wearers should wash their hands before and after removing the face shield and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth when removing it".

Vanity Fair reported that the Louis Vuitton shield includes an elastic monogrammed strap that goes around the wearer's head with a movable shield attached by golden studs engraved with the LV logo.

Although several media outlets, including Vanity Fair and the New York Post, said the shields would cost $US961, Business Insider reported that Louis Vuitton officials said a price had not been announced yet.

MCT