10 Things You Didn’t Know About Louis Vuitton

The story of Louis Vuitton is a fascinating one.

Louis Vuitton is a French fashion designer and businessman. He was the founder of the Louis Vuitton brand of leather goods now owned by LVMH. Prior to this, he had been appointed as trunk-maker to Empress Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III. He was born in Anchay in the Jura region in Eastern France on August 4, 1821. His ancestors were joiners, carpenters, farmers ( his father), and milliners (his Mother).

He left home at the age of 13 and became an orphan at a young age. His mother died when he was only 10 years old and his father died soon after. That’s when he decided to go to Paris. He set out on foot from his home in Eastern France in the spring of 1835 on a 292-mile journey to the capital city. The track took longer than two years and during this time, Louis took odd jobs and stayed wherever he could find shelter. He arrived in Paris at the age of 16 in 1837.

Louis Vuitton, The Luggage Maker

Louis Vuitton became a box maker and packer and eventually owned his own shop in Paris. The business expanded tremendously when he introduced the first rectangular-shaped trunks in 1858. It was revolutionary because they were able to stack. Unlike the round trunks that were commonly used back then.

He worked primarily as a luggage maker and builds a reputation for the Louis Vuitton name with his high-quality innovative designs. When he passed away in 1892 (at 72 yrs old), his son George took over the Louis Vuitton Company. He expanded the product line and created the signature look which is featured on the products today.

 

LOUIS VUITTON. 10 FACTS.

 

Louis Vuitton is one of the most popular luxury fashion brands in the world. In addition to creating beautiful handbags and accessories for women around the world; they also offer a wide range of products including luggage, glasses cases, and even shoes!

Here’s the list of the things you didn’t know about Louis Vuitton.

  1. Louis Vuitton’s Business started off when he worked with Royalty.

    When Louis traveled to Paris, he became an apprentice Box-maker and packer which was a very respectable job at the time. He built a reputation for himself in the industry where he was hired by the Empress of France to be her personal Box-maker and packer.

    He leveraged this opportunity to acquire other elite and royal clients who supported his business throughout his career. Louis is proof that with hard work, passion, and commitment, it’s possible to turn your hobby into a profitable business!

  2. Speedy Bag of Audrey Hepburn.

    Audrey Hepburn is the one responsible for the popularity of the speedy handbag, one of Louis Vuitton’s iconic products. If you love this bag, you have Audrey Hepburn to thank because her requested version of the speedy bag was made popular in 1965. She also asked for a miniature day bag version of the brand’s popular keep all travel bag. The first speedy bag was made in 1930 but wouldn’t become a regular production piece until Hepburn’s request. It quickly became one of the brand’s signature pieces and is still popular today!

  3. The Alma Bag of Coco Chanel.

    The Alma Bag was originally created as a special order for Coco Chanel. She was the first french icon who directly influenced a Louis Vuitton product. In 1925, Chanel ordered a day-sized version of the Alma voyage trunk for daily use. Coco owns an Alma Bag alone for a few years then it was put into regular production in the 1930s. Hence, continues to be a popular item of the brand.

  4. Marc Jacobs-Fashion Line/Creative Director.

    Louis Vuitton is often referred to as the French Fashion House. So, it may be surprising to find out that they didn’t have their own fashion line until 1997 when Marc Jacobs was hired as the first creative director. He created the brand’s ready-to-wear collection and oversaw the development of LV as a Fashion Brand.

  5. The most expensive bag sold for $133,400.

    In 2012, Louis Vuitton works with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama to create a limited edition Pumpkinmon Adir Jewel bag. The bag is made out of pure gold, black resin, and fine jewels, inspired by the style of small evening bags popular in the 1930s. This rare bag sold for $133,400, making it the most expensive Louis Vuitton purse ever sold. However, even if you have that amount to buy, it’s unlikely you could get your hands on one as only five were made.

  6. Louis Vuitton never goes on SALE!

    If you are waiting and hoping for the price to come down, you’re going to be very disappointed because LV never lowers its prices. They don’t sell to discount outlets too. Their website actually says that if you come across a reduced price of LV product, it’s most likely counterfeit or a secondhand item. So why do people still buy from them? It’s because of the quality and design. The LV bags are so unique and different from any other brand that they have become a status symbol in their own right.

 

“His business expanded tremendously when he introduced the 1st rectangular shaped trunks in 1858”

7. LV Bags are Water Proof & Fire Proof

LV bags are expensive, but you get what you pay for. One reason why designers can justify their high price tag is that all of their handbags are waterproof and fireproof. And, gone through extensive durability testing to ensure their quality. Canva is for waterproofing while PVC is to fireproof the bags. It is the reason why they are so expensive and timeless. If you buy an LV bag today, you might be able to use it for another 20 years at the least.

8. Louis Vuitton made a custom trunk for a Rubber Duck named WILLY!

Anyone can order a customized trunk at any LV Shop in the world but you better be ready to pay up. A small customized case costs nearly $6000 but the customized options cost much more. Louis started his business on customized trunks and this is still an important part of the Company. The possibilities are endless.

Trunks have been specifically created for items such as; dogs, babies, teddy bears, golf clubs, baby bottles, cigars, and tennis rockets. One of the most unusual boxes ever custom-made was for a rubber ducky named Willy. No matter what your request is, the designers at the specialty shops will work to meet your demands as long as you have the cash. They even designed a trunk with a built-in coffee maker TV and DVD player powered by a solar panel. Karl Lagerfeld of the famous Chanel brand also commissioned LV to create a trunk for him that would hold 40 iPods and they happily complied.

9. The iconic Monogram Design.

The truth is that all of these things are iconic in their own right—but none of them would be as iconic if not for a little bit of creativity from George Vuitton, son of Louis. George wanted to prevent counterfeiting. so, he created the iconic monogram design along with their quatrefoil, flowers, and LV monogram and patented the designs worldwide in 1896.


10. Burned or Shredded.

Did you know that Louis Vuitton bags are burned at the end of every season?

If you’re an LV lover, the thought of burned unused bags is probably enough to give you a nightmare! But this is precisely what happens at the end of each season. Any unsold items are gathered in a big warehouse where they are offered to Louis Vuitton employees at discounted prices. There are strict rules that apply, though, because each item is tracked to ensure it doesn’t end up on eBay, and if it does, they will know exactly who is responsible. Louis Vuitton bags are a luxury item, and they’re not cheap. But if you’re going to invest in a bag that will last you through multiple seasons, why not go all the way?

The quality, craftsmanship, and value conclude that the Louis Vuitton bag is an investment for life. Its rate is astonishing, and when you consider how many years you’ll be carrying it around with you, it’s well worth the price tag!

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