Louis Vuitton History 20th Century
The Louis Vuitton History 20th Century that began in 1854 swung into high gear when Baby New Year announced the new Century.
Less than a year into the new millennium, Louis Vuitton rolled out a New Year's baby of its own. In 1901, Louis Vuitton introduced its Steamer Bag. Originallyconceived as a laundry bag that would be kept inside Louis Vuitton wardrobe trunks, the Steamer Bag was a brilliant combination of tradition and innovation. This ancestor of Louis Vuitton soft luggage grew steadily in popularity, becoming a "cult favorite" and one of the company's most sought-after items.
Louis Vuitton history took a back seat to global events, but the company never ceased its creative output. Even as World War l raged across Europe, Louis Vuitton opened its flagship store on the Champs Elysees. The Louis Vuitton store took its rightful place in history as the largest travel items store in the world at that time. Today Louis Vuitton stores are found worldwide. (See below)
During this rich period in Louis Vuitton history, Georges Vuitton developed the company's signature five-tumbler lock. The locks could not be "picked," and — in another Louis Vuitton history moment — each had its own number, enabling the owner to open an entire luggage suite with a single key. Since Georges made history with the lock, all Louis Vuitton suitcases and trunks produced the company use its technology.
Louis Vuitton history and technology met again in 1959, when the company was able to perfect a new method of coating. This process is still being used today. In addition to the strength and impermeability it offers, the special Louis Vuitton coating allows the fabric beneath to maintain its suppleness and beauty.
Louis Vuitton History in the 20th Century - Global Expansion
The worldwide appeal of Louis Vuitton isn't speculation, it's historical fact. To meet the demand for its spectacular products, the company has opened stores around the globe. In 1978, Louis Vuitton left Europe and headed to Japan, opening its first official stores in Asia in Tokyo and Osaka.
Louis Vuitton history took a turn for the best in Japan, and just a few years later, the company created Louis Vuitton Japan and opened the fabulous multi-level Ginza store in 198l. Eastern expansion continued in 1984 with a store in Seoul, South Korea and again in 1992 with the company's first store in Beijing, China.
Louis Vuitton History in the 20th Century - Be A Sport!
In keeping with its commitment to excellence, Louis Vuitton has a history of involvement in the world's most prestigious sporting events. In 1983, the Louis Vuitton Cup challenger series was created to qualify competitors for the America's Cup, the most coveted prize in international yachting. Five years later, the Louis Vuitton Classic, an auto elegance competition, was organized in Bagatelle Park in Paris and the event has continued yearly for nearly two decades.
That same year, Louis Vuitton brought back history when it organized the first international grand vintage car rally in China. The company which had participated in the Black & Yellow Cruise of the 20's and 30's resuscitated the grand scale auto events of the beginning of the century with this exciting rally from Dalian to Beijing.
Louis Vuitton History in the 20th Century - Where Art and Commerce Intersect
The Louis Vuitton company is proud of its history and in 1996, to commemorate the centennial of its beloved Monogram Canvas, the company extended an invitation to seven of the world's most celebrated designers to conceptualize products in monogram. Answering the call were Azzedine Alaia, Manolo Blahnik, Romeo Gigli, Helmut Lang, Isaac Mizrahi, Syvilla and Vivienne Westwood. The artists' "collection" included seven original and functional objects in a limited edition series.
Any Louis Vuitton history would be incomplete without acknowledging the extraordinary contribution of visionary designer Marc Jacobs. In 1998, the American fashion designer became Louis Vuitton's artistic director when the company decided to expand into shoes and ready-to-wear clothes. Jacobs guided Louis Vuitton as it ventured into relatively new territory and is credited with making Louis Vuitton a consistent trendsetter in Paris, always on the cutting edge.
Louis Vuitton History in the 20th Century - New Directions
During the last ten years of the 20th Century, Louis Vuitton branched out into a variety of new areas. In 1993, Louis Vuitton presented Taiga leather in a collection designed for men's business and travel. In 1997, Louis Vuitton introduced a line of pens designed by Anouska Hempel, born at the intersection of leathercraft and the world of writing.
The following year saw the creation of the Louis Vuitton travel book collection with volumes on such destinations as Paris, Tokyo, London, and New York and in 1999, Louis Vuitton presented the LV City Guide, an essential guide to the travel universe.
Louis Vuitton honors the history and the present of the greatest cities of the world. Rio, Sydney, Beijing, and other metropolitan centers where Louis Vuitton travellers have visited throughout history are visually interpreted by artists. The guides offer a unique perspective on the cherished antiquities, commonplace scenes, and everyday people that are characteristic of the area. As if to encourage the Louis Vuitton traveller to create his or her own history, the guides include blank pages for self-expression in word and color.
Louis Vuitton dominated the history of luxury in the 20th Century, remaining at the forefront of popularity. Louis Vuitton bags, luggage, accessories, collections, as well as new additions to the Louis Vuitton line were eagerly anticipated each year and quickly became contemporary classics.
Louis Vuitton enthusiasts wonder: Is there life after the 20th Century for the history of Louis Vuitton? It takes only a quick look at the most recent accomplishments of Louis Vuitton to know that the answer is a resounding "Yes!" With an ever expanding catalogue of timelessly elegant and enduringly beautiful functional works of art, Louis Vuitton is making history with every new creation. Check it out yourself in the Louis Vuitton history of the 21st Century