Throughout the 21st century, there is one name that stands distinguished in the category of luggage and travel retail: Louis Vuitton.
Starting with just a tiny store in Paris in 1854, Vuitton's trunks and suitcases were lightweight and rectangular, and thus a great change from the regular luggage of the day. The popularity of the Louis Vuitton brand has made it one of the most counterfeited in the world.
His company, Louis Vuitton Malletier, or LV, rapidly gained popularity and opened its first store in London soon after taking over in Paris. Shortly after, Vuitton passed away, and his son Georges came into management.
In 1986, at the turn of the century, Vuitton unveiled its now legendary Monogram Canvas. The gold quatrefoils and flowers as well as the LV monogram set upon a brown background now checker the company's merchandise. From that point forward, the brand has been unstoppable.
Stores opened on the Champs-Élysées, New York, Bombay and Buenos Aires. The brand flew through the markets, raking in massive profits while still creating new lines and designs of luggage. In 1987, LV merged with champagne manufacturer Mo?t et Chandon and brandy manufacturer Hennessy to create LVMH as a luxury goods group.
A decade later, LV hired fashion designer Marc Jacobs as its arts director, and soon thereafter he produced the brand's first ready-to-wear line of clothing for men and women. LV further broadened its reach with a pen collection and a city travel guide.
In 2003 Takashi Murakami collaborated with Jacobs to remodel the Monogram Canvas to create the new Monogram Multicolore line of handbags. The Multicolore monogram replaces the original gold color with 33 different colors set on a white or black background.
The look quickly became popular with teens and young women and was further popularized by Jennifer Lopez.
The company saw its 150th worldwide anniversary in 2004 and the reopening of its Champs-Élysées store (its largest in the world) in 2005.
Today the company has advertised with the likes of Mikhail Gorbachev, Andre Agassi, Gisele Bündchen and even Keith Richards.
The brand's longevity is due to its commitment to quality. Each piece of luggage is hand-made, like it was back when Louis was in charge. Each brass lock and key is unique to the owner and pick-proof, and the frames of the trunk are made from aged poplar.
Such high quality design has made the brand synonymous with Prada, Gucci, Fendi, Dior and Chanel, and it is also just as expensive.
A fashionable lady looking for a signature Louis handbag can expect to spend anywhere between $300-$700 for a clutch or $1,000+ for a purse or carry-all.
For a classy man, briefcases and bags run about $700-$4,000, while wallets will set you back about $300. The men's spring lineup showed a monochromatic theme of blue, gold, brown and white in experimental styles. The clothing was both luxurious and casual, which for a French powerhouse is uncommon.
Louis Vuitton is perhaps a brand uncommon on college campuses. It is the epitome of luxury living and travel, and this is perhaps why its appearance is so sparse on campus.
As Hopkins students we don't really have the time or the money.
Yet it has been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And the world of counterfeit products seems to be addicted to Louis Vuitton at the moment, so why not pick up a fake the next time you're in a major fashion city?
But make sure it's a good one. Do your research - it helps.
Monsieur Vuitton's attention to detail brought him fame and immortality. So when you wake up tomorrow morning and want to decide between your blue hoodie and your red hoodie, try something different and add a little flare.
A little attention to detail goes a long way.
