The House of Louis Vuitton and Olivier Saillard curated a truly captivating exhibit, Volez Voguez Voyagez, chronicling the history of Louis Vuitton, his family and their company. Entering the exhibition, you quickly understand that you are not just viewing the latest popular luxury tote but you are getting a glimpse into the history of glamorous travel and glamorous people.
Louis Vuitton Background
Taylor Swift’ in Louis Vuitton at the MET gala
The story starts in 1835 when 14-year-old Louis Vuitton travels from a French town near the Swiss border to Paris – all the way on foot. It took him 2 years to get to Paris. He was immediately hired as a box-maker/packer for a company that manufactured boxes and crates used to hold everyday items and clothes.
In 1854, Vuitton founded his own company specializing in trunks for travel (think really large suitcases with specialize compartments for organization). He used special types of wood for strength, to deter pests and for fragrance in the trunks. He then added canvas and patterns to make them elegant and unique. The end result was a creation of architectural strength and beauty, making his trunks a favorite of celebrities from the start.
When Louis Vuitton died in 1892, his son and grandson took over the traditions and the famous Monogram canvas was introduced in his honor.
Picnic trunk for glamorous ladies who lunch like Jesse Woolworth
The Invention of Travel
The invention of the automobile in the 1890s followed by commercial airlines and railways ushered the world toward new travel habits and life experiences. Resorts along the North Sea, the Basque Country, the English Channel, and Mediterranean were now easily reached resort destinations.
The exhibition was set up depending on the mode of travel and trunk usage. This arrangement allowed you to feel part of these glamorous excursions.
Louis Vuitton Wine Tote – Holds 5 wine bottles
Automobile Travel
The first cars made did not have a trunk or roof, so Vuitton designed many functional pieces for the car such as: tire holders, tool boxes and blankets. One of my favorite trunks is the lunch trunk – think elegant picnic basket. It held items such a silver serving dishes, silverware, linens and china. Lunch would not be complete without the bucket bags used to carry 5 bottles of wine (I now have new use for my bucket bag). Since cars were not enclosed, Vuitton designed goggles and coats to keep out the dust. Also, fashionable ladies carried a flat black Morracco leather bag in her arms. These were the beginning of today’s fashion handbag.
Hotel stamps for trunks recognizing hotel frequent visitors
Train/Aviation Travel
The aero bag (think Vuitton’s KeepAll 50) was designed to be lightweight and fit under the airplane seat. They fit: 1 overcoat, 3 nightgowns, 3 pairs of underwear, 3 waistcoats, 3 pairs of underwear, 6 pairs of socks, 12 handkerchiefs, 1 pair of shoes, 18 detachable collars, gloves, ties and hats. The total weighed less than 57 pounds. (Note to self…you really can pack lightly and do not need 10 pairs of shoes for a 3 day trip.)
One wall in this room was dedicated to labels collected from various resorts. These labels could be thought as early frequent flyer miles. Patrons who frequented resorts tended to get upgrades when hotels recognized their label on the trunks.
Steamer bag w/ Gaston-Louis Vuitton’s monogram
Ship/Yacht Travel
In the early 1900s Louis Vuitton’s invention of the Steamer Bag revolutionized handbag luggage. It was light, made of canvas and could be stored in a wardrobe trunk. Travelers used it to store dirty clothes since on these floating palaces, they would change clothes 6 times each day depending on the time and activity.
It’s A Wrap
The tour ended in a room filled with the newest Vuitton haute couture dresses worn by celebrities and new patterns such as the Supreme.
History meets fashion has never been so riveting and fun. The craftsmanship, design and love that goes into each piece from the House of Louis Vuitton makes them worth their reputation, popularity and price.
Avery Note: This exhibit/history made me realize why LV is the only designer to perfect a chic tote (NeverFull) that can also carry 100+ pounds
