Wemby fashion spoof gets a makeover

Au revoir, Louis Vuitton. Hola, Luis Vaton.

Remember the fake LV popup store on the South Side featuring Spurs star and Vuitton brand ambassador Victor Wembanyama? The Instagramable art installation recently got a puro San Antonio makeover, courtesy of San Antonio artist Andy Benavides.

Now the spoof of the Prada Marfa store has spoofed itself. The remade work features the name “Luis Vaton” across the facade in place of the French fashion house and a dapper “vato” in place of a Vuitton-clad Wemby on the front door.

Benavides said he made the change after Vuitton’s legal team asked him to remove the brand ID for violation of use without permission.

“It created confusion that was never intended but just played out as it did,” Benavides said via text. “We know from public response that it was appreciated by our city and never generated any negative energy around (Vuitton’s) brand and/or Wemby.”

Benavides added that the legal team expressed their appreciation for the arts and understood the connection to the Prada piece in West Texas.

Benavides came up with the original Vuitton/Wembanyama concept, which fellow San Antonio artist Chris Montoya brought to life last month.

For the redo, Benavides went back to Montoya for the Luis Vaton sign writing and turned to San Antonio photographer Al Rendon for the titular model on the front door. Mosaic tile artist Oscar Alvarado and his artisan brother Robert Alvarado joined the collaborative team as well.

“For me it seemed like a relevant satirical opportunity to dream up the play on words and honor the culture that was common in this part of the city,” Benavides said. “The Vato for me has always been iconic in our community. Not a bad guy, just a guy with pride of culture. Always tasteful in appearance (with) a unique selection of signature attire.”

Like its predecessor, the Vaton installation has drawn its share of selfies. Benavides shared one pic he got from international contemporary artist Jesse Amado.

“Always about community and collaboration,” Benavides said. “Viva el Vato!”

René Guzman/Staff The unofficial Louis Vuitton “store” on the South Side is shown Feb. 26. The art piece has since been redubbed “Luis Vaton” with new art.