The emerging Louis Vuitton fashion house
Louis Vuitton’s meteoric rise has been driven by the impeccable quality of the bags and suitcases it produces.
Start of
The founder of the business was born in France in 1821 and lost his parents at an early age. At the age of 13, he left his foster family in Paris in search of a living. In order to do so he had to cover a distance of 470 km on foot. After two years, the young man reached his destination and in 1837 mastered the craft of making chests under the direction of Mr. Marechalou.
History of the brand
In 1854, Louis set up his own business, opening a workshop and shop. After recognizing the disadvantages of the standard suitcases and luggage, Vuitton started using waterproof canvas in the construction of his products and in 1885 he created the world’s first flat-top trunk. The model, reminiscent of modern suitcases, was called the Trianon. This was a real breakthrough on the travel luggage market.
In 1869, he designed a luggage bed for the famous traveller Pierre Savoignan de Brazza.
In 1885 a Vuitton boutique appeared in London.
In 1890 Louis invented and patented a special mechanism for closing suitcases.
After Louis Vuitton’s death in 1892 the business was taken over by his son Georges Vuitton.
Further development
After two years at the helm, the heir created the famous logo which protected the products from counterfeiting and opened boutiques in Argentina and the United States.
In 1901 the company launched the Volumetric road model Steamer bag.
In 1925 came Squire Bag, designed for Coco Chanel.
In 1930 a handbag for dirty laundry was created, which would become a fashionable carry-on bag for women.
Conceived as an item to carry five bottles of champagne, the Noè bag became a fashion accessory with a change in design.
After Georges Vuitton passed away in 1936, his son Gaston-Louis Vuitton became the new owner of the house. He reduced the size of the famous print and began to use softer leathers.
In 1965 the Keepall was transformed into a small casual Speedy handbag. A year later the Papillon cylinder bag caught fashionistas’ eyes.
Gaston-Louis Vuitton passed away in 1977 and bequeathed the company to his son-in-law, Henri Racamier. With his arrival the company began to make fabulous profits.
New history
In 1997 the range was expanded with clothing, shoes, accessories and jewellery lines thanks to the efforts of new designer Marc Jacobs.
In 1999 a case designed by Sharon Stone – “AmFAR” – was launched under the Louis Vuitton brand.
In 2010 a football bag, an iPad case and a FIFA Cup case were launched.
Under the direction of Nicolas Ghesquière, the creative team focused on a new womenswear collection. A fusion of tradition, futurism and avant-garde created a real sensation.
The technology of the bags has not changed throughout the century: the body is made of poplar wood and lined with Monogram fabric. There are also metal corners and the original lock. The entire LV range has retained its individuality, high quality and unique print.