Let’s take a walk through the biggest milestones of this global brand.
The beginning of this fashion house took life in the determination of a 13-year old who left home and journeyed on foot to reach his destination. The humble beginning of Louis Vuitton and his rise to total fashion domination is as inspirational as it can get.
Heritage as a
“trunk maker”’
Louis Vuitton was a French box-maker and packer who founded the luxury brand of the same name over 150 years ago. From humble beginnings in the French countryside, Vuitton’s skill, innovation and determination quickly saw his signature trunks coveted by the world’s elite. The house has expanded its offering to include bags, clothing, shoes, accessories and jewellery, making it one of the most valuable luxury brands in the world.
Louis Vuitton is born in Anchay, France.
A 16 year old Vuitton arrives in Paris after a two year long journey on foot and becomes an apprentice at a successful box-making and packing workshop.
Known for his remarkable craftsmanship, Vuitton is appointed as the personal box maker and packer of the Empress of France, Eugenie de Montijo – the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Vuitton opens his very first shop in Paris. He also starts experimenting with canvas materials instead of leather for better durability and waterproofing.
Going against the then norm of rounded trunks, Vuitton introduces rectangular stackable trunks.
Vuitton introduced a trunk in a beige and red striped canvas, gaining massive popularity among Paris’ elite.
Vuitton passes away on February 27, leaving the control of the company to his son, Georges Vuitton.
To tackle the problem of counterfeit George Vuitton introduces the LV monogram.
Streamer bag designed to be kept inside the luggage trunks, was introduced.
Coco Chanel special-ordered a day-sized version of the Alma Voyage for personal use in 1925 – influencing the creation of the bag.
The Keepall bag and Noe (Originally designed to carry champagne bottles) are introduced.
Audrey Hepburn asked Vuitton to create a smaller version of the keepall travel bag, leading to the creation of the Speedy.
The cylindrical Pappillon bag is launched
LV’s first all-leather line of bags called the Epi Leather was introduced.
Marc Jacobs was appointed the house’s first creative
director and was charged with introducing men’s and women’s
ready-to-wear collections.
Marc Jacobs collaborated with Stephen Sprouse to create a limited-edition line of bags featuring “Louis Vuitton” written in graffiti over the monogram pattern
Tabour watch collection is introduced.
Speedy watch collection is released.
Louis Vuitton was named the world’s most valuable luxury brand for the seventh year in a row
“Determination is everything.”
