Louis Vuitton
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The Label
Louis Vuitton is one of the oldest names in the business. In 1854, Louis Vuitton opened his first store in Paris, hawking finely made trunks, hat boxes, and other luxury luggage for the well-traveled set. By 1888, he had his signature brown and tan checked pattern, and by 1896, the now iconic monogram that peppers its supple leather goods, including some instantly collective women’s bags—the Speedy, the Steamer, the Pochette—appeared. Amazingly, the company didn’t tap into the ready-to-wear business until 1997 when New York designer Marc Jacobs joined, immediately adding an incredibly lucrative clothing business while bringing Vuitton up-to-date by collaborating with such artists as Stephen Sprouse (who irreverently graffitied bags) and later Takashi Murakami (who added a bubble-gum anime humor to the line). Today, the label encompasses ready-to-wear, watches, jewelry, beauty, home, and, of course, that want-worthy luggage.
The Look
More than just a set of initials, LV means all-out luxury with a major dose of fashion-forward chic.
The Designer
Since January 1997, Marc Jacobs has headed up the legendary house, rejuvenating it and putting it solidly at the top of the luxury list. Jacobs, who simultaneously designs his own juggernaut of a signature line, maintains a distinct yet stylish point of view at each.
