Louis Vuitton vs. Gucci: Everything You Need To Know
He introduced the rectangular trunk, which was deemed revolutionary for the time because this made it possible for the trunks to be stacked. European trunks in the late 19th century were designed with round or curved tops.
As demand for his rectangular trunks increased, Vuitton moved his workshops northeast of the city where his craftsmen began to develop and build the flat-top luggage cases. Eventually, Vuitton moved his family onto the same property.
In 1896, four years after the death of Vuitton, the company introduced its monogram canvas, the iconic interlocking L and V paired with geometric shapes that we all know and love today.
The company navigated through the 1900s by expanding its trunk business and adding bags into the lineup. The Keepall, which was designed as a big travel bag, was the first LV bag introduced by the company in 1930.
The smaller version, the Speedy, was dropped in 1932 as the first handbag designed for everyday use. Quickly following the release of that bag were the Noé, Alma, and Papillon which remain some of the brand’s most iconic bags today.
In 1959, with the introduction of new technologies, the company reinvented its classic canvas, using it for smaller and more detailed products. They also extended their collection with more categories such as small purses, wallets, and other accessories.
As the new century dawned, and with American fashion designer Marc Jacobs at the helm as Creative Director, the company continued to launch new products, including watches and jewelry. Jacobs also introduced the Monogram Multicolor canvas range as well as the Damier Graphite and Monogram Vernis collections.
Jacobs also led the way for collaborations with other designers as well as helping to gain a stronger celebrity following before he set up his own namesake fashion line. Celebrities, including Bono, Keith Richards, Madonna, Angelina Jolie, and Scarlett Johansson, have all been chosen to become the face of the brand over the last couple of decades.
