Louis Vuitton

From Louis Vuitton's Second French Empire pageantry to the brand's Far East launch; from the classic LV travel chest to Nicolas Ghesquières's trunk-inspired collection; and from the house's emblematic monogram, to recent creations merging it with daring designs from contemporary artists, this volume tells the story of Louis Vuitton, the fashion house that embodies the spirit of travel and quintessentially French elegance the world over.

Explore the people, the places, and the clients at the heart of the Louis Vuitton story--the kings and princesses, intrepid explorers and prima donnas, fantastic creations, objects, and accessories--which imbue Louis Vuitton with the spirit of travel. Discover the evolutions in technology and design that have proved essential to the success of this extraordinary brand.

The work offers a journey into the Louis Vuitton universe, the brand's rich history, and its passionate defense of quality craftsmanship, art, and artists. With insight from the Vuitton archives, this work reveals the constantly evolving design inspiration that is central to the brand, walking the line between classic style and modernity.

About the Author

Patrick Mauriès is a journalist, publisher, and author of around thirty essays and stories. In 1981, he founded his own literary review, Le Promeneur inspired by eighteenth-century gazettes, becoming a publishing house in its own right from 1988. He is an expert in cultural studies, specialising in English-speaking and Italian societies, and has written widely on literature, fashion and the decorative arts. He contributed to The World According to Karl and Choupette, both published by Flammarion.

Pierre Léonforte splits his time between Paris and Milan. He is a regular contributor to international publications including AD, Vanity Fair, Marie-Claire Maison, and a columnist for Le Figaro. A founder and former editor-in-chief of the Louis Vuitton City Guides, he is now editorial advisor to the series. He has written a number of illustrated books and coauthored Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks (Abrams, 2010).