Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton founded his eponymous luxury fashion brand in 1854 on Rue Neuve des Capucines in Paris. From his origins as a master trunk maker, Louis Vuitton and his successors introduced the flat-top trunk- lightweight canvas- signature patterns and the tumbler lock. Today Louis Vuitton's legacy is expressed through its spirit of innovation and the boldness of its creations.

It was in 1837 that sixteen-year-old Louis Vuitton arrived in Paris by foot and started apprenticing for Monsieur Maréchal. At the time horse-drawn carriages, boats and trains were the main modes of transportation and baggage was handled roughly. Travellers called upon craftsmen to pack and protect their individual objects.

Louis Vuitton quickly became a valued craftsman at the Parisian atelier of Monsieur Maréchal. These were the roots of his highly specialized trade; the beginnings of his career in an artisanal industry that called upon skills to custom design boxes and, later, trunks according to clients’ wishes. Louis Vuitton stayed for 17 years before opening his own workshop at 4 Rue Neuve-des-Capucines near the Place Vendome.

In no time he was named the personal box-maker and packer of the Empress Eugenie de Montijo, the wife of Emperor Napoleon III. Vuitton revolutionized the design of steamer trunks by creating flat boxes that allowed them to be stacked on top of each other as well as by making them from canvas to allow them to be waterproof. Outside his fledgling workshop, a sign read, “Securely packs the most fragile objects. Specializing in packing fashions.” But Vuitton couldn’t have imagined that a century-and-a-half later his name would not only remain synonymous with luxury, but also stand as an influential force in global fashion.

The early success of Louis Vuitton encouraged him to expand his operations. This lead to the 1859 opening of his atelier in Asnières. Just northeast of the center of Paris, the workshop started with twenty employees. By 1914 there were 225. The original atelier has been expanded throughout the decades—including the addition of the Vuitton family residence—but it is still where products are crafted today. While the family home has been preserved and is part of a private museum, a hundred and seventy craftsmen work in the Asnières workshop.

In 1886 Georges Vuitton revolutionised luggage locks with an ingenious closing system that turned travel trunks into real treasure chests. After several years of development, George patented this revolutionary system and it was so effective, he challenged Harry Houdini, the great American escape artist, in a public newspaper to escape from a Vuitton box and lock. Houdini didn't rise to the challenge but the lock's effectiveness is indisputable. It is still used today.

Louis Vuitton became part of LVMH in 1987 when the conglomerate was created. Moët et Chandon and Hennessy- leading manufacturers of champagne and cognac- merged with Louis Vuitton to form the luxury goods conglomerate. Fashion was on the anvil for Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs launched Louis Vuitton ready-to-wear in 1997. During the twelve-year period he developed special projects and collaborations with a number of artists and fashion designers and was key to the growth of the maison.

Kim Jones took up the reins on the menswear in 2011 and held the title of artistic director until 2018 when he was succeeded by Virgil Abloh. Since 2014 French designer Nicolas Ghesquière has been creative director of womenswear combining his futuristic aesthetic with the craftsmanship of the maison's artisans. In a letter posted on the official website, he said: "… my stylistic expression is at one with the Louis Vuitton philosophy. The proud legacy. The inspiring history that looks to the future and to the world. The quest for authenticity and innovation. The desire for timelessness. Does not every designer ultimately seek to create something timeless?" However, there were more corporate changes in store. The LVMH-owned company announced that Pharrell Williams would take over in February 2023.

Sustainability is the backbone of the luxury brand and as of 2022 78 per cent of raw materials sourced are either certified or recycled under the strictest environmental standards. "Most of the raw materials used to make and protect Louis Vuitton products come from nature, whether they are derived from animal, plant or mineral sources. Since these raw materials are not all renewable, we are committed to supply chains that have a regenerative impact on biodiversity. Our priorities are therefore to preserve resources and the climate, respect animal welfare, avoid deforestation, eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals, and reduce air and water pollution." – the official website. 

The mission of Louis Vuitton, as part of the LVMH group, is to embody and represent the pinnacle of "Art de Vivre" on a global scale. This reflects a dedication to showcasing the most refined qualities of elegance and sophistication, ensuring that the luxury fashion brand is synonymous with elegance and creativity. By maintaining a strong commitment to these principles, Louis Vuitton seeks to set a standard for luxury fashion that is relevant across diverse cultures and regions.

Central to Louis Vuitton's mission is the seamless integration of tradition and modern design, handcrafting products that honor the luxury brand's rich heritage while embracing contemporary trends. By combining classic craftsmanship with cutting-edge design, Louis Vuitton continues to kindle dreams and fantasies, making its product portfolio not just luxury items but symbols of an elevated lifestyle and artistic expression.

Founded at the dawn of the modern travel era, Louis Vuitton envisions itself as a trailblazer that continually pushes the boundaries of innovation and creativity. The luxury fashion brand's vision is to explore new horizons a commitment to excellence and forward-thinking spirit. This vision drives Louis Vuitton to blend its rich heritage with a quest for new possibilities, ensuring that each product embodies both groundbreaking design and the unparalleled craftsmanship that defines the luxury brand.

Central to Louis Vuitton's vision is a profound dedication to sustainability, recognized as an ongoing journey requiring both long-term commitment and humility. The luxury fashion brand embraces the responsibility of reflecting on its achievements while striving to address the challenges ahead. By balancing pride in its past accomplishments with a continuous drive for improvement, Louis Vuitton aims to set new standards in sustainable luxury, ensuring that its legacy is built on both innovation and a responsible approach to the future.

Louis Vuitton, a cornerstone of luxury fashion, offers a diverse and exquisite range of products and services that epitomize elegance and craftsmanship. At the heart of its product portfolio is its leather goods and handbags, which showcase the luxury fashion brand’s commitment to exceptional quality and innovative design. From the iconic monogrammed trunks that defined the art of travel to the latest collections of stylish handbags and fashion accessories, each piece reflects a blend of tradition and modernity. The luxury brand’s ready-to-wear collections further highlight its versatility, combining high fashion with everyday practicality through meticulously tailored garments that appeal to a global audience.

In addition to its signature leather items and clothing, Louis Vuitton extends its expertise into other domains. The luxury brand’s footwear line includes both classic and contemporary styles, handcrafted with the same attention to detail that characterises its entire product portfolio. Louis Vuitton's watches and jewellery collections offer sophisticated designs that range from understated elegance to bold statement pieces, catering to diverse tastes and occasions. The luxury brand also explores the world of fragrance with its perfumes. Each product and service is designed to deliver unparalleled quality and style, maintaining Louis Vuitton's esteemed position in the luxury market.

Louis Vuitton's Fall Winter 2024 collection is widely celebrated. Per WWD: ‘There were futuristic takes on sportswear, like a graphic two-tone windbreaker with a curved zipper, or a silver flight suit with scarification marks.  Felix, of the K-pop band Stray Kids, walked in an embroidered white turtleneck and metallic track pants, while a boxy minidress, printed with trompe-l’oeil trunk details, was worn with furry mittens as big as bear paws…’