Louis Vuitton vs. Gucci: Everything You Need To Know

In 2020, Brand Finance ‘s annual report named Louis Vuitton and Gucci the two most valuable luxury fashion brands. Each brand has proven its worth not just by longevity but by also increasing its value by more than 20% since 2019. These are just two of the reasons that make them the two most preferred and recognizable brands in the luxury fashion industry. Regardless of whether these brands are following the latest fashion trends or making the trends, they both are notorious for producing luxury goods that become instant cult classics and are considered collectibles for years, even decades, to come. Starting from humble beginnings, both of these fashion powerhouses have become two of the best symbols of luxury and fashion for a multitude of reasons. One reason is that they have gotten into the psyche of pop culture by cementing their place in songs, movies, and on the bodies of celebrities. Kanye West, Lil Pump, Jay-Z, and Nicki Minaj have all referenced these two brands on multiple occasions in their song lyrics and, of course, have worn pieces from both brands more times than we can count. Many models wearing either brand have also graced the covers of fashion magazines worldwide. See more about - Prada vs. Louis Vuitton: Everything You Need To Know Louis Vuitton Pxhere Louis Vuitton is the second oldest luxury brand that is still in operation today, known primarily for its luggage and bags with an unpickable lock system. The brand was named after Louis Vuitton, a fashion designer and businessman born in 1821 in a small village in the eastern part of France. He went to Paris on foot when he was 16 and learned to custom design boxes and, later, trunks. His reputation as a trunk maker gained popularity as he began using canvas instead of leather to make the trunks not only more durable, but also waterproof. He opened the first Louis Vuitton store in Paris in 1854. 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. In 2018, American fashion designer Virgil Abloh was appointed the new artistic director of menswear, ushering in a new era of forward-thinking luxury designs and innovation. Unfortunately, Abloh passed away from a private battle with cancer in November 2021, but not before completing his 2022 Spring/Summer menswear collection which was shown in Miami on November 30th of the same year. In early 2021, Abloh also tapped Korean celebrities as Louis Vuitton brand ambassadors to ride on the Korean wave, or the increasing popularity of the South Korean culture. Extremely popular Kpop boy band BTS was announced as a global brand ambassador, while model and actress Ho Yeon-jung from the popular series Squid Game was appointed as the new global ambassador for fashion, watches, and jewelry. The Louis Vuitton brand, now owned by French giant LVMH Moët Hennessy, continues to be one of the most popular luxury brands in the world for a reason. Traveling with Louis Vuitton pieces is the ultimate symbol of luxury and sophistication. The brand continues to create limited edition collections every season, collaborating with celebrities and designers to create more unique items. See more about - Nike vs. adidas: Everything You Need To Know Gucci Modaes Latinoamerica Founded by Guccio Gucci in 1921, this company is one of the oldest Italian fashion brands in operation today. Gucci was born in 1881 in Florence, Italy. He traveled to London in 1898 and landed a job as a porter at the Savoy Hotel, then the most luxurious hotel in London. With his savings, he went home to Florence to open his first store. Like Louis Vuitton, Gucci started out as a luggage manufacturer, mainly producing luxury travel goods as well as premium shoes, handbags, knitwear, and silk goods for upper-class and wealthy Italians. During World War II, constraints forced the label to use cotton instead of leather. It was during this time that the fashion brand introduced its now iconic “GG” monogram in reference to the initials of Guccio Gucci. The logo is one way to represent Gucci in a visually timeless style. The company also introduced the Gucci stripe, consisting of two green stripes interrupted by a single red bar that is seen on many of the brand's wardrobe essentials and other products. Starting in the 1950s, Gucci's success skyrocketed as celebrities were spotted wearing the luxurious brand and carrying the Gucci bag. In the 1960s, the brand introduced accessories including watches, jewelry, and eyewear which have since become a cornerstone of the fashion house. In 1990, American designer Tom Ford was instated as the brand's ready-to-wear designer before being promoted to Creative Director several years later. Ford has been credited with restoring the Gucci brand's reputation, streamlining the products, and reinstating the extravagance and opulence that had previously defined the label. American queen of pop Madonna wore a Gucci outfit from its Fall collection in 1995, giving Ford his first major red carpet moment. Other Ford creations were worn at the red carpet by famous actresses Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Charlize Theron, and others. After Ford's departure in the early 2000s, young Italian fashion designer Frida Giannini initially took over as head of the handbags and accessories line. She was given full creative control of the Gucci brand several years later. In 2015, the brand made a surprise announcement that Alessandro Michele would be taking over as Creative Director. Michele had been working for Gucci for 12 years in various roles but was relatively unknown as a designer. His unique style and penchant for theatrics and kitschy pageantry are keeping the brand at the forefront of people's minds when it comes to high-end leather goods, ready-to-wear clothing, and accessories like watches and jewelry. One Over the Other? Both Louis Vuitton and Gucci have opened stores across the globe, from New York and Los Angeles in the US down to major cities in Australia. There is no need to choose one luxury fashion brand over the other. Louis Vuitton and Gucci both have classic investment pieces as well as collaborative collective pieces that will continue to boost brand valuation over the coming years. Both brands have their own distinct and timeless style, so pick whatever appeals to you. You can't go wrong. See more about - Puma vs. Nike: Everything You Need To Know