Louis Vuitton is the second oldest luxury brand behind Hermès and the world’s most valuable brand. Founded in 1854 as a luggage company specializing in travel boxes and trunks, it is one of the most iconic and highly coveted luxury fashion brands in the world.
Namesake founder Louis Vuitton helmed the brand until his death and his only son, George, took over the business and initiated some of the iconic features the Louis Vuittonis known for. Georges is responsible for the innovation of trunk locks, the start of the “Le Voyage”-book series, and the famous classic monogram canvas – diamonds, circles, and flower design – that were introduced and trademarked in 1896.
In the 1930s, after a successful stunt as solely a trunk maker, Louis Vuitton introduced bags into the mix. The Keepall debuted in 1930, followed by the smaller version, named the Speedy, in 1932. Audrey Hepburn ignited the creation of the Speedy. She loved the Keepall bag so much, she wanted a smaller version to carry everyday. Other popular vintage Louis Vuitton styles include the Papillon, Alma, and the Noé.
American designer Marc Jacobs was named creative director of Louis Vuitton in 1997 and continued to lead Louis Vuitton until 2014. He was arguably the world’s most influential designer of the era and led Louis Vuitton into a new era of success.
Marc Jacobs introduced the monogram multicolor canvas range, as well as the monogram vernis and damier graphite collections. He increased LV’s celebrity following as well as initiated famous collaborations with world-acclaimed artists. Louis Vuitton’s collaborations with Yayoi Kusuma, Stephen Sprouse and Takashi Murakamihave become collectibles.
Louis Vuitton designs by the late mens creative director Virgil Abloh are now also instant classics.
