New book The Story of Louis Vuitton Luggage is a treasure trove of stories.
There are few things more exquisitely handmade or, indeed, more coveted than a beautiful Louis Vuitton travel bag, case or purse. Now, a new book written by former fashion editor Laia Farran Graves, delves into the history of the French luxury fashion house’s instantly recognisable luggage collection – from its beginnings in 1854 to the present day.
The book is the latest in a series of luxury reads from the Spanish-born, Brighton-based author, which include the Little Book of Prada, The Story of the Chanel Bag and the Little Book of Versace.
‘I love telling stories, and although the Louis Vuitton brand is known globally, not everybody knows how it began – its origins and wonderful heritage,’ says Farran Graves. ‘Louis Vuitton was a visionary. He was the first to create trunks with a flat lid, not domed, for easy stacking. This was groundbreaking at the time as the art of travel was emerging and people needed trunks to transport their belongings.’
“Louis Vuitton was a visionary”
According to Farran Graves, the young Vuitton started his business as a trunk maker in 1854, catering mostly for the French aristocracy. ‘The Trunk Beds he made for the explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, 1875, and the Library Trunk created by his son Gaston-Louis Vuitton for Ernest Hemingway in 1927, were legendary.'
In another chapter, she describes the signature Louis Vuitton single lock that was designed to keep items safe at a time when travellers would transport many of their most treasured personal effects. There's also an image of an original travel label featuring the brand's store addresses, as well as an early serial number used for identification purposes.
The creation of the iconic monogram is another pivotal moment in the story of Louis Vuitton. Designed by his son Georges in 1896 as a tribute to his late father and to avoid counterfeits, it’s one of the most recognised pieces of branding to date,’ notes the writer.
“The creation of the iconic monogram is another pivotal moment in the story of Louis Vuitton”
Other early Louis Vuitton travel essentials to come under the spotlight on subsequent pages include the Speedy, a practical piece that can be flattened to pack away, making it ideal for weekend travellers. The Alma, meanwhile, was first designed in 1925 and worn ever since by a string of celebrities, from Audrey Hepburn to Kim Kardashian. And in another chapter, actress Michelle Williams is shown fronting a Louis Vuitton campaign in 2013 with a timeless Wardrobe Trunk in the background. This vertical piece of luggage was first introduced in 1875 to accommodate shoes, clothing and more, and is almost as tall as the petite blonde standing beside it.
‘I’m drawn to the customised pieces, as they always have an interesting backstory,’ says the author, who is never without her trusty Louis Vuitton “Neverfull” tote. ‘I was recently contacted by a collector who had acquired a beautiful Louis Vuitton Alzer suitcase featuring the Ettore Bugatti logo, probably the first collaboration between both powerhouses, making it an exciting piece of design history.’
Speaking of highly sought-after pieces, Stephen Sprouse’s unique Graffiti Speedy collection in 2001 saw the artist take the classic Louis Vuitton logo and turn it on its head. Then there's the red monogrammed trunk inspired by the house's original Malle Courrier, designed as part of a 2017 collaboration between Louis Vuitton's then-artistic director Kim Jones and the American skateboard brand, Supreme. And who could forget Yayoi Kusama's 2023 collection, the second for the house, which featured her signature polka dots splashed across the facade of Louis Vuitton's New Bond Street store and matching flags lining the entire street?
Of the latter, the writer adds: ‘I think the Yayoi Kusama collaboration and how it was presented in and on the Bond Street flagship was pure genius. The store is a beautiful space and it’s great to see that it is being used to showcase pieces as well as to sell brand classics, making it a true destination store.’
The Story of Louis Vuitton Luggage by Laia Farran Graves is published by Welbeck and is available to purchase online and at leading bookstores.