Una Historia Legendaria
Cuando solo tenía 16 años, Louis Vuitton tomó una decisión que no solo cambiaría su propia vida sino también las vidas de sus hijos y generaciones futuras: convertirse en fabricante de baúles.
How it All Began
Louis Vuitton’s heritage as a trunk maker preceded even the founding of the company.
It was in 1837 that a 16-year-old Louis Vuitton arrived in Paris by foot and started apprenticing for Monsieur Maréchal. At the time, horse-drawn carriages, boats and trains were the main modes of transportation, and baggage was handled roughly. Travelers called upon craftsmen to pack and protect their individual objects.
Louis Vuitton quickly became a valued craftsman at the Parisian atelier of Monsieur Maréchal. These were the roots of his highly specialized trade; the beginnings of his career in an artisanal industry that called upon skills to custom design boxes and, later, trunks according to clients’ wishes. Louis Vuitton stayed for 17 years before opening his own workshop at 4 Rue Neuve-des-Capucines near the Place Vendome.
Cabin trunk in Damier canvas
1890
75 x 42 x 33 cm, 3/4 view
Trunk of the Nadar photo studios, personalized with the initials P.N. and the number 4 on the side along with the signature “Nadar” and the address on the cover
Hat box in gray Trianon canvas
1887
3/4 view
“Ideal” trunk in natural cowhide leather
1889
3/4 view
“Ideal” trunk in natural cowhide leather
1889
Top view
Curved trunk in gray Trianon canvas
1860
115 x 63 x 69 cm, 3/4 view, open
Marked with “Comtesse de V”
Special order “Ideal” trunk in Damier canvas
Closed view
Special order “Ideal” trunk in Damier canvas
Open view
Asnières : A Legendary Workshop
Both a family residence and the cradle of the company, the Asnières site has been the symbol of the Vuitton family's personal and commercial success since 1859.
An unpickable Lock
In 1886, Georges Vuitton revolutionized luggage locks with an ingenious closing system that turned travel trunks into real treasure chests.
The Tumbler Lock
In the 1900s, travelers carried all their essentials inside wardrobes and flat trunks—which, unfortunately, often attracted burglars. Master trunk maker, Louis Vuitton sought to help his clients protect the goods inside their travel pieces.
In 1886, father and son, Georges, adopted a single lock system with two spring buckles. After several years of development, George patented this revolutionary system and it was so effective, he challenged Harry Houdini, the great American escape artist, in a public newspaper to escape from a Vuitton box and lock. Houdini didn’t rise to the challenge, but the lock’s effectiveness is indisputable. It is still used today.
100th Anniversary
The brand asked six designers to create original pieces to celebrate the iconic canvas that was created over a century ago: the Monogram.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Monogram canvas in 1996, Louis Vuitton invited select designers to create unique pieces of luggage. The resulting collection was then exhibited in the world’s great capitals, bringing the brand’s spirit of innovation and collaboration to fashion lovers across the globe.
Helmut Lang
A DJ vinyl box. 1996
Sybilla
A backpack with a built-in umbrella. 1996
Romeo Gigli
A pointed hiking bag with leather straps. 1996
Manolo Blahnik
An oval-shaped shoe trunk. 1996
Isaac Mizrahi
A weekend bag in vinyl and leather, containing a Monogram canvas purse inside. 1996
Vivienne Westwood
A “bustle bag” to be worn at the small of the back, held by the hand, or hung from the shoulder. 1996