Louis Vuitton (1821 – 1892), the founder of the famous brand, was a pioneer, an example of courage and craftsmanship. We will explore his story and discover the values shared between Louis Vuitton and Stilettissimo.
Away from Home
Louis Vuitton left home when he was just 14 and walked (literally!) about 400 kilometres to Paris.
In 1837, he began his apprenticeship as a trunk maker. His boss, Monsieur Maréchal, was apparently very happy with young Louis. Due to his undeniable talent, he was engaged as the personal box maker for the wife of Napoleon III.
Until 1850, horse carriages were the most important means of transportation. The passengers’ luggage was placed on the carriage’s roof. For this reason, the trunks had arched lids so the rainwater would drain off.
A Star Is Born
In the 1850s, trains became popular, connecting larger cities and used mainly by wealthy people. This was young Louis Vuitton’s magic moment.
He realised that the requirements for trunks changed. Now they needed to be stackable to save space.
He designed transport boxes that were especially suitable for train transport. They possessed the qualities we all want for our suitcases today.
- Very light
- Stackable
- Long-lasting
In 1854, he founded a factory in Asnières, which was outside of Paris, and started his own brand that catered to wealthy customers as Vuitton’s products were expensive.
Louis Vuitton Staff and Factory in Asnières, 1888. Sourece: Wikimedia.org
Trianon
The transport boxes possessed a light, yet stable, wooden frame that was covered with cloth. Not just any cloth. Vuitton used linen which he impregnated with rye flour so it became water resistant. The colour that resulted from this treatment is a kind of brownish grey. It was called «Trianon».
A Shop in London
Since Louis Vuitton had created a high-end brand from the very beginning, his shop had to be at the right address. It sure was. His first shop was outside of France at the following address:
Oxford Street, London
And the Story Goes on
We know that Louis Vuitton belongs to the most sought-after brands worldwide. Most people just know these brown handbags with the LV logo.
The colour is a sort of remembrance of the original Trianon. However, using the initials as a logo was not Louis' idea but Georges Vuitton, the founder’s son.
Vuitton is also one of the most copied brands. They produce videos that tell you how a genuine Vuitton is recognisable. These are some hallmarks.
- The handles must be genuine leather which develops a nice patina when used
- The hardware (zip etc.) should be first-class quality
- The famous monogram (LV) must never be upside down and is always nicely aligned
- There is a date mark somewhere
- The stitching is always impeccable if really made by Vuitton
From iconic trunks to numbered shoes, true luxury is defined by care, craft and attention to the individual. This is the spirit we bring to every Stilettissimo creation.
NUMBERED LUXURY
Top image: Pullman Orient Express. Source: Wikimedia.org