Louis Vuitton Fashion Collections

Louis Vuitton (1821-1892) began manufacturing trunks in Paris in 1854. The history of travel has always been linked to this legendary Frenchman. His visionary approach in designing luggage was unrivaled during his days. The company he then started went on to become one of the world's most famous makers of luxury goods in the world. Louis Vuitton was recognizeable by its designer luggage pattern: a beige-on-chestnut monogram, "LV." Vuitton's high-quality travelling trunks were such a hit that he had to expand his factory within a few years, relocating to Asniéres in 1860.

The Vuitton line gained international recognition, by receiving a bronze medal at the 1867 Paris World's Fair and a gold medal at the 1889 World's Fair. After Louis Vuitton died in 1892, his son, Georges, took the company to new heights, developing what is recognized as the first "designer label" on a product. Widespread copying of Vuitton patterns encouraged Georges to design the distinctive "LV" monogram against background motifs of stars and flowers. Vuitton's luggage company has now become a world leader in luxury consumer goods, with products that include travel books, perfume, distilled spirits and designer clothing.

In 1901, the Louis Vuitton Company introduces the Steamer Bag, a smaller piece of luggage designed to be kept inside Vuitton luggage trunks.

By 1914, the Louis Vuitton Building opens on the Champs-Elysees. This is the largest travel-goods store in the world at the time. Stores also open in New York, Bombay, Washington, London, Alexandria, and Buenos Aires as World War I begins.

In 1932, Louis Vuitton introduces the Noé bag. This bag was originally made for champagne vinters to transport bottles, and is currently sold as a handbag. Soon thereafter, the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag is introduced. Both are still manufactured today. In 1936, the golden age of Louis Vuitton ends as Georges Vuitton passes away. Estimates credit Georges Vuitton with over 700 new Vuitton designs. Gaston-Louis Vuitton, his son, assumes control of the company.

The company launches, in 1966 the classic Papillon, a cylindrical bag that is said to resemble a butterfly. The design is still popular today.

By 1978, the company opens its first stores in Japan, in Tokyo and Osaka. Vuitton products were popular in Japan, and its sales in Japan would come to account for nearly half of the company's total revenue by the 1980s.) Later, the company would expand its presence in Asia by opening its first store in Korea, in Seoul in 1985.

In 1983, the company joins with America's Cup to form the Louis Vuitton Cup, a preliminary competition (known as an eliminatory regatta) for the world's most prestigious yacht race.

In 1987, Moët et Chandon and Hennessy, leading manufacturers of champagne and of brandy, respectively, merge with Louis Vuitton to form the world's largest luxury goods conglomerate, LVMH. The group is partly owned by the Christian Dior group, and Bernard Arnault is chairman and CEO of both companies.

Marc Jacobs has been designing the Louis Vuitton Collections since the 1990s. His contract does not expire until 2008. He recently released Louis Vuittons first line of ready-to-wear clothing.

One of the most prestigious luxury labels in the business, Louis Vuitton handbags are sold for thousands of dollars a piece. The most popular Louis Vuitton Handbag, the monogram model with "LV" printed in pink, red, yellow and green colors with an assortment of other shapes on a white background, has become the choice handbag for iconic celebrities like Jessica Simpson and Madonna. Another popular design in the Louis Vuitton collection is the cherry pattern. This pattern is a top choice for other world renowned celebrities like Milas Kunis and Lindsay Lohan. n addition to their extremely popular handbag collection, Louis Vuitton also offers a wide variety of luggage, doggie bags (large handbags to tote around puppies), footwear, wallets and other fashion accessories.

In the 21st century some 200 Louis Vuitton boutiques in the major cities of Europe, the U.S., and Far East supplied prestigious luggage, elegant apparel, and a wide range of accessories to its distinguished clientéle. As part of the LVMH empire, the Vuitton brand was nestled among an ever-expanding number of design houses including Christian Lacroix, Givenchy, Emilio Pucci, Kenzo, Fendi, Michael Kors, and Donna Karan.

Loui s Vuitton died in 1892. Over a hundred years after his death, the firm which bears his name still survives. It is now owned by LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) and its CEO is Bernard Arnault.

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