Louis Vuitton: 170 years at the heart of the fashion world
A symbol of status and a timeless icon
Fourth Rue Neuve des Capucines in Paris greeted all travelers, as it was there that they could purchase elite Louis Vuitton suitcases. Louis Vuitton founded his luggage business in 1854. Since then, the House has become one of the most renowned luxury goods manufacturers and a part of the international LVMH conglomerate.
The compact Louis Vuitton Horizon suitcase made a huge impact. It was known for its durability, quality, and lock. The L and V monogram was created by Georges Vuitton, Louis Vuitton’s son, in 1896. This was his way of branding. Actresses, businessmen, and wealthy travelers purchased Louis Vuitton suitcases, further solidifying the brand’s place among popular brands.
“Every suitcase must combine high mobility and lightness,” is the motto of the Louis Vuitton House.
Photo: Spotlight / Louis Vuitton
Everyday clothing lines began to gain popularity in the 1960s. It was then that the House started producing women’s handbags – the Speedy model was the first hit, maintaining its position even in 2024 due to its spaciousness.
Photo: Spotlight / Louis Vuitton
Marc Jacobs took on the role of creative director of Louis Vuitton in 1997. Throughout his tenure at the House, he worked on reinterpreting the monogram. Marc released the Monogram Vernis line, and iconic models of the time were featured in its campaign. A few years later, Jacobs collaborated with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.
Jacobs didn’t stop there. After long negotiations with the company, he created a graffiti version of the Vuitton monogram – a process he entrusted to Stephen Sprouse. Jacobs’ decision was a success. The result became a sensation in the world of pop culture. The Frankenstein bag of 2007, made from patches of previous LV designs, and the ombre-dyed messenger bag of 2010 – Jacobs was unstoppable. The monogram gained more popularity, and the designer was delighted to use it in all elements of his collections for the House.
Photo: Spotlight / Louis Vuitton
On November 4, 2013, Nicolas Ghesquière replaced Jacobs as the creative director of women’s clothing. Ghesquière loves experimenting with bag shapes. In 2021, Louis Vuitton released bags shaped like coffee cups, ducks, and the round Petite Boite Chapeau, inspired by Louis Vuitton’s hatbox. Nicolas remains the creative director of the women’s line of the House to this day.
Photo: Spotlight / Louis Vuitton
