The history of this brand began in 1837, when Louis Vuitton, then 16 years old, moved to Paris to start his handcrafted luggage business.

At Monsieur Maréchal s Parisian Atelier, Louis Vuitton quickly became a highly regarded craftsman. This was the origin of a specialized activity and the beginning of a career in an industry based on his ability to customize suitcases and trunks according to the clients s wishes. Louis Vuitton held this position for 17 years before opening his Atelier at 4 Rue Neuve-des-Capucines, near Place Vendome. A bold choice that would prove to be successful: almost two centuries later, his initials are among the most famous in the world and the Monogram canvas has become the international symbol of luxury.

In 1875, the creation of the first vertical trunk-cum-wardrobe, with each part carefully designed, guaranteed the success of a company already specialising in travel. In 1886, the padlock with a cylinder lock allowing the customer to open each piece of luggage with a single key. Two years later, in 1888, the famous Damier canvas was created and registered. In 1892, Louis Vuitton died.

The rest of the history of the Louis Vuitton’s would be written by his son Georges and his grandson Gaston-Louis.

In 1896, the famous Monogram LV was created to celebrate his father. The motif is composed of the interlaced initials of his father LV; to complete the canvas Georges adds a flower with four petals enclosed in a circle, a four-pointed flower and a diamond containing it. For the creation of this canvas, Georges was inspired by the Gien majolica tiles with four-petalled flowers, a decorative element found in the kitchen of the family home in Asnières. In 1905 the Monogram canvas was registered as a trademark; this logo, which has remained unchanged over the years, marked the evolution of the luxury fashion world.

In 1914, Georges Vuitton opened a shop on the Champs Élisées, in an Art Nouveau building, which became the historical symbol of the House. In the following years, the brand grew and became pure luxury.

In 1987, the LVMH empire was created through the merger of Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy. Ten years later, American designer Marc Jacobs was commissioned to develop new lines of ready-to-wear, footwear and accessories.

After 15 years at Balenciaga, French designer Nicolas Ghesquière replaced Marc Jacobs in 2013. In 2020, Nicolas Ghesquière was joined by Johnny Coca to create high-end accessories.

Today, the company Louis Vuitton remains consistent with the spirit of its founder, Louis Vuitton, who invented the true Art of Travel through trunks, bags and accessories that were at once creative, elegant and practical.

Copyright outside photo: @ Image courtesy: Louis Vuitton