Origins of Luxury—The Louis Vuitton Handbags History
The Louis Vuitton house is the most famous luxury fashion designer in the world, an icon of French culture, a massive international company, and one of the most inspiring stories of a craftsman's rise to prominence thanks to his simple, unswerving dedication to the craft, and to the spirit of luxury.
Louis Vuitton, The Man Himself
Born way, way back in 1821, Vuitton was raised in the tiny village of Jura, France. At the age of 14 he traveled the 400 km by foot to Paris to seek work. Along the way he worked several odd jobs to pay his way, and soon after arrival in the capital gained an apprenticeship with a prominent Layetier thanks to his work ethic and talents. There he developed his skills and gained an impressive reputation—impressive enough that Napoleon 3 soon thereafter named him the official Layetier to his wife, the Empress of France. That experience solidified Vuitton's future and gave him the experience with sophisticated culture, and led to him creating the finest luxury luggage in all of Europe. By the time he opened up shop on Rue Cappucines in Paris he was already legendary.
Louis Vuitton handbags & The Louis Vuitton Monogram
From there it is a story of a meteoric rise to worldwide acclaim that has lasted the last 150 years. Succeeded by his son Georges, then by his grandson Louis-Gaston, The Vuitton tradition has never changed. In fact the manufacturing processes remain largely the same. It was in fact Georges, in his successful quest to make the brand a worldwide force, who oversaw the creation of the first Louis Vuitton handbags, as well as the Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas as it is known today. The pattern was first applied by Louis to luggage on a heavier trianon canvas. Georges softened it for use on Louis Vuitton handbags. And the pattern remains the same to this day!