ouis Vuitton was founded by the namesake designer in Paris in 1854, on the Rue Neuve des Capucines. Before launching the brand, Vuitton was trunk maker—that is, someone who made different types of luggage—to the wife of Napoleon III, President and then Emperor of France from 1848 to 1870. So, young Louis’s professional beginnings were quite prestigious.
Louis had been born in 1821 to working-class parents who tragically died when he was around 10 years old, meaning he was pretty much on his own by the age of 13. He traveled around and eventually became an apprentice to a trunk maker, Monsieur Marechal. His work quickly became popular among the fashionable and aristocratic classes of Paris.
When Louis got the job for the Empress of France, Eugénie de Montijo, she loved his work so much that she recommended him to all her wealthy friends. When he finished his apprenticeship in 1854, he decided to open his own shop for trunks and luggage in Paris. The sign outside read, “Securely packs the most fragile objects. Specializing in packing fashions.”
In 1858, Louis introduced what would be considered the classic “Vuitton Trunk.” It was easy to stack and lightweight, made of Trianon canvas. This and his consequent designs were so popular and practical for travel that other trunk makers often copied them almost immediately. By 1885, he had opened a second store in London. Sadly, he passed away only a few years later in 1892, leaving his legacy to his son, Georges, who was poised to take the brand onto the global stage.
LOUIS ED SIGNER THE UCINES.
LOUIS VUITTON
ED BY THE NAMESAKE SIGNER IN PARIS THE RUE NEUVE UCINES. BEFORE ING
WAS
THE BRAND,
TRUNK MAKER—THAT IS, SOMEONE WHO
DIFFERENT TYPES GAGE—TO THE POLEON III, PRESIDENT THEN EMPEROR FROM 1848 TO 187
Pharrell WILLIAMS
The current creative director of menswear is Pharrell Williams, who was appointed in February 2023. Pharrell is an interesting choice, since he is better known as a record producer, singer, rapper, and film composer. But now he can add designer to his long list of credits. He has curated two collections for Louis Vuitton so far: one in June 2023 for the Paris Men’s Fashion Week and one in Fall/Winter 2024.
The latest show followed a Western theme, featuring leather suits with fringe embellishments, blanket coats, and denim shirts with lace embroidery. Overall, it showcased a fun line that truly captured the spirit of the American Old West—even if the show took place in Paris, near the Louis Vuitton headquarters. Celebrities like Bradley Cooper, LeBron James, and Karlie Kloss were in attendance.
“THE LV LOGO IS A BADGE
OF HONOR FOR ANY FASHION ENTHUSIAST
.”
Selena Gomez
“LOUIS VUITTON’S COMMITMENT TO QUALITYAND INNOVATION IS UNPARALLELED.”
Emma Stone
SPELL ON YOU
This fragrance is categorized as a “hypnotic floral.” It’s a deeply heady fragrance that has notes of jasmine, iris, and musk. Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud wanted a sensual fragrance that blended seamlessly into the skin for a romantic and mischievous scent. This beautiful, intoxicating scent was released in 2021 and has been a best-seller ever since.
An interesting combination lies at the heart of Mille Feux: raspberries and leather. The name Mille Feux means “a thousand lights” in French, and Louis Vuitton describes this berry-scented perfume as “An emotional bombshell. Fireworks.” The perfumer was inspired by a visit to a Louis Vuitton atelier that was making handbags, including one in a gorgeous raspberry-colored leather. The fragrance was launched in 2016.
MILLE FEUX OMBRE NOMADE
Ombre Nomade is an amber men’s fragrance containing oud, incense, and Benzoin tears. If you have never heard of Benzoin tears, these are formed by a balsamic resin secreted from the trunk of a specific tree. Woody and rich, the company calls Ombre Nomade a “journey into the heart of the desert.” Ombre Nomade came out in 2018.
AFTERNOON SWIM
Orange, ambergris, and ginger make this yummy, unique fragrance a true winner, which many will find they just can’t live without. Released in 2019 as a unisex fragrance, it’s fresh and energetic, perfect for a hot summer’s day. “Sail toward pleasure” is the tagline.
“LOUIS
VUITTON IS MORE THAN A FASHION BRAND; IT’S A LIFESTYLE.”
Miranda Kerr
Kanye WEST
Rapper and man-about-town, Kanye West—or “Ye,” as he likes to be called nowadays— is not a stranger to the design world. He now has his own fashion line, but before that, he was involved in a sneaker collaboration with Louis Vuitton in 2009. This was a huge moment for the brand’s engagement with pop culture.
The collection was called “Louis Vuitton x Kanye West Jasper Patchwork Sneaker.” It was named after the rap star’s barber. The sneakers came in a few different styles, the most notable being colored white, beige, and bright pink along the sole with the stylized flowers of the LV Monogram. There are three flowers, one features four-pointed petals alone, four pointed petals in a black rhombus, and the last one is a rounded flower in a circle. Sneakerheads still go crazy for these kicks, which go for a high price on the resale market.
SUPREME
For a collection called “Friends and Heroes,” Louis Vuitton organized a collaboration with the streetwear company Supreme in 2017, in conjunction with the company’s men’s style director at the time, Kim Jones. The designers printed the Supreme logo in large white letters over various crossbody LV bags in red or black taurillon leather. LV belts and scarves got the Supreme treatment as well. Reciprocally, some of Supreme’s main items, like the skateboard, board trunks, bottle openers, bandanas, and loafers, were printed with the LV Monogram logo.
Kim felt that bringing these two companies together was an ultimate pop-art move, paying homage to the New York artists of the 80s. It was a crossover between uptown luxury and downtown street cred.
BAMBAM
Thai rapper and singer BamBam is also one of the new House Ambassadors. BamBam’s official portrait was released in February 2024, showing BamBam in pearls, a brocade-style jacket, and a white blouse with a rounded collar, along with sleek black pants and platform loafers. BamBam has said that Pharrell Williams is doing incredible work for the brand and he’s excited to be working with Louis Vuitton.
ZENDAYA
One of the most popular actresses of her generation, Zendaya has fronted quite a few Louis Vuitton campaigns. Most recently, she appeared in a film and printed ads that show her frolicking on the Côte d’Azur with an LV Capucines handbag. One of the best photos shows her holding a sky-blue bag with a top handle and gold LV hardware. The bag looks just as elegant and beautiful as Zendaya herself.
Looking Ahead Toward the Next Collection
Nicolas Ghesquière is presenting the Women’s Voyager Show at the Long Museum West Bund in Shanghai on April 18, 2024. This promises to be a fantastic display of the kind of gorgeous ready-towear clothing that he has been known for throughout his years as Louis Vuitton’s head creative designer for womenswear. But it’s not all about stunning clothes, historic trunks, and beautiful handbags at Louis Vuitton. This is a company that cares about so much more.
As a luxury fashion house, Louis Vuitton is concerned about its impact on the world and the company’s overall goal is to become the first regenerative luxury brand. The company works with a vari-
ety of charities, for example People for Wildlife, which helps to preserve natural environments to prevent animals from becoming extinct. Starting in 2023, Louis Vuitton committed to a five-year partnership with the charity, helping to restore over 400,000 acres across a region in Australia to protect flora and fauna.
This is only one example. Other initiatives include action on climate change, sourcing responsibly, fostering diversity and inclusion, and supporting communities around the world. Louis Vuitton is ready for the future, always keeping the company’s iconic heritage in mind, but ready to make the world a better and more beautiful place.
LOUIS VUITTON
Step into the world of Louis Vuitton, where timeless elegance meets modern luxury. From the early days when trunks were the mainstay to the present, where the iconic LV handbags are recognized worldwide
See how Louis Vuitton has captivated the world of fashion through the decades, adorning models and celebrities alike. Explore the red carpet moments and street style looks of stars such as Zendaya, Kirsten Dunst, Scarlett Johansson and Selena Gomez, who bring their unique flair to the brand’s timeless pieces.
Join us as we celebrate Louis Vuitton’s legacy and its impact on fashion and culture. Whether you’re a devoted fan or new to the brand, this book offers a comprehensive look at why Louis Vuitton remains at the forefront of luxury.
