As far as Louis Vuitton handbags are concerned, they've been seen on the arms of celebs everywhere and are now known as a must-have accessory. Although she left for only an overnight camping trip, Newlywed Jessica Simpson refused to leave the side of her now notorious, white multicore Vuitton, otherwise known as "Pet Louis."
Louis Vuitton was born on August 4th, 1821 at Anchay, in the Jura and moved to Paris at age 14 where he opened his first trunk store in 1854. The first Vuitton catalog ever to be launched was released in 1892 and featured traditional trunks, trunk beds, handbags, and picnic cases. The "damier canvas" was one of the first prints created at Vuitton, with the "monogram canvas" to follow. The latter design was "a beige circle containing a four-petal flower, a curved beige lozenge containing a four-pointed curved star, " and was created in 1896 by Louis' son, George Vuitton. He also added the initials, "L.V.," in memory of his late father.
The "noe" and the "keepall" are among the first models to be made by Vuitton that are still in the collection today. Last year, the Champs-Elysees store was expanded and two new locations opened - one in Moscow and another in New Delhi, adding to the already huge empire that spans the globe. From Venezuela to Vietnam, the amount of stores the company already has is not stopping them from opening even more.
Recent popular collections include the "monogram mini," a tone-on-tone Jacquard canvas monogrammed print and the limited edition "graffiti" line, released in 2001 and designed by Marc Jacobs and Stephen Sprouse. And of course, the "monogram multicore" line by contemporary Japanese artist, Takashi Murakami.
In 2004, Louis Vuitton turns 150 years old and in keeping with grand tradition this season, the house of Vuitton has released several new bags. "Le fabuleux," is a functional, street chic bag that is made of hand-selected goat leather and a natural grain that hasn't been chemical treated. The rectangular bag is adorned with brass hardware and a stylish S lock. Although it comes in black and plum, grab the white version, retailing at $2,880.
The "damier geant" print is a new print with a subtle logo that was available internationally as of March 2004. Currently, the print is only available for four categories: soft luggage, city bags, sport bags, and luggage with wheels.
Next, the "manosque GM" is reminiscent of a beach tote or market shopper and is a multi-functional tote that comes in "damier canvas" print with a mini zipped tote that secures to the bag's interior. Going for $1,450, this item is an essential afternoon accessory for the summer.
No matter what line or function your Louis Vuitton masterpiece belongs to, it's sure to turn heads everywhere it's taken, even if it happens to be in the woods, right next to Nick and Jessica's tent.
Reach the reporter at Kalea.Yoshida@asu.edu
