Having been in the fashion industry for more than 150 years now, Louis Vuitton has become a household name synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation. Amid the fast-paced sartorial landscape, the influential French brand continues to captivate fashion lovers all over the world with its iconic monogram and highly-coveted wardrobe staples. Learn more about the fashion house ahead as we delve deeper into its history and most iconic releases, alongside the creative minds that made and wore them.
Here's your comprehensive guide to all things Louis Vuitton.
Table of Contents:
- Louis Vuitton History
- Louis Vuitton Creative Directors
- Most Iconic Louis Vuitton Bags
- Most Iconic Louis Vuitton Shoes
- Filipino Celebrities Wearing Louis Vuitton
- Where to Shop Louis Vuitton in the Philippines
The History of Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton was first established by French artisan Louis Vuitton himself in 1854. The young craftsman would create custom design boxes and trunks for elite clientele before opening his own workshop in Asnières after 17 years. Starting as a family residence with only 20 employees, the atelier soon expanded to accommodate nearly 200 workers who crafted leather goods for customers around the world.
In 1886, Louis' son Georges Vuitton helped him create a revolutionary single lock system to secure their travel bags. The lock was so effective that Georges ended up getting a patent for the system, which is actually still the very same design they use today. A decade later, Georges' son Gaston-Louis Vuitton debuted the house's signature LV monogram and began producing handbags, wallets, and accessories. The iconic Keepall bag was finally released in the 1930s, with the popular Alma bag following 20 years later.
Louis Vuitton Creative Directors
Gaston-Louis played a significant role in building the foundation of the brand's long-time commitment to exquisite craftsmanship and timeless style. After he passed away, Louis Vuitton's Chairman Henry Racamier took over and spearheaded the establishment of Louis Vuitton stores worldwide. He then merged the brand with Moet Hennessy, officially marking the birth of LVMH.
In 1997, Louis Vuitton welcomed Marc Jacobs as their very first official creative director. Apart from refreshing the house's identity with a contemporary spin, he also worked with various artists such as Takashi Murakami and Stephen Prince for both limited-edition pieces and reliable classics. Plus, he launched Louis Vuitton's first women's ready-to-wear line and introduced menswear to the brand.
Under Marc Jacobs' helm, Paul Helbers became the head men's designer for the brand in 2006 and was then followed by Kim Jones in 2011, who infused his admiration for Japanese culture into streetwear-leaning ensembles. After Marc Jacobs' 16-year term, Nicolas Ghesquière took the reins of womenswear and dropped his first collection for the brand in 2013. Since then, he has been incorporating his innovative aesthetic into the house's contemporary collections to continuously secure their spot at forefront of luxury fashion.
After Kim Jones' departure in 2013, multidisciplinary artist Virgil Abloh held the title as the creative director of menswear. The musician, DJ, engineer, and fashion designer's creations were celebrated for their play of color and reimagined silhouettes that elevated streetwear aesthetics. After he passed away in 2021, musician Pharrell Williams took on the mantle, geared to continue the storied legacy, but fused with his personal take.
The Most Iconic Louis Vuitton Bags
Speedy
The Speedy is arguably the most recognizable bag from Louis Vuitton. Although it was created as a travel bag in the 1930s, the bag currently remains to be a versatile carryall for style stars and professionals alike.
Speedy 35, HK$14,000 (approximately P100,048), LOUIS VUITTON, louisvuitton.com
Neverfull
The Neverfull is another sought-after Louis Vuitton design that's made for travelers. Despite being less than two decades old, this arm candy has already solidified its status as a wardrobe must-have!
Neverfull GM, INR155,000 (approximately P104,189), LOUIS VUITTON, louisvuitton.com
Capucines
The Capucines is one of the most expensive bags in Louis Vuitton's lineup—and for good reason. Timeless and elegant, this 2013 design seamlessly incorporates a slew of the house's signatures into an opulent statement piece.
Capucines BB, HK$55,000 (approximately P393,046), LOUIS VUITTON, louisvuitton.com
Click here for a list of the best Louis Vuitton bags to invest in.
The Most Iconic Louis Vuitton Shoes
LV Archlight Sneaker
To elevate a sneaker collection, go for the LV Archlight Sneaker. Its oversized soles and tall silhouette make the pair one of the most recognizable Louis Vuitton steppers yet.
LV Archlight Sneaker, HK$10,100 (approximately P72,308), LOUIS VUITTON, louisvuitton.com
Laureate Platform Desert Boot
A chic take on the classic military boot, this stylish shoe is guaranteed to toughen up any outfit. Perfect for certified cool girls who love a bit of edge.
Laureate Platform Desert Boot, HK$12,400 (approximately P88,774), LOUIS VUITTON, louisvuitton.com
Lock It Flat Mule
When it comes to designer sandals, no one can go wrong with Louis Vuitton's Lock It Flat Mule. Minimalist design and monogram hardware aside, these slides are also comfortable and easy to wear.
Lock It Flat Mule, HK$7,950 (approximately P56,915), LOUIS VUITTON, louisvuitton.com
Click here for a list of the best Louis Vuitton shoes to invest in.
Filipino Celebrities Wearing Louis Vuitton
Heart Evangelista
An international fashion week regular, Heart Evangelista is associated with nearly all designer brands. That includes Louis Vuitton, of course!
Anne Curtis
Anne Curtis is another Louis Vuitton muse who has a particular penchant for the house's bags. She even sat front-row for their Spring/Summer 2024 showcase in Paris last year!
Sofia Andres
Louis Vuitton is Sofia Andres's go-to designer brand for her chic travel outfits. Here, she dons the brand's cult-fave Camera Box Bag with a monogrammed tee and a double-breasted blazer.
Julia Barretto
When Julia Barretto officially made her Paris Fashion Week debut in 2023, she also got the chance to watch the Louis Vuitton show alongside Dr. Vicki Belo. She went for a sultry yet chic ensemble for the event, donning a backless waistcoat and matching checkered trousers.
Kyline Alcantara
At only 21 years old, Kyline Alcantara already has a growing collection of closet essentials from Louis Vuitton. Some of her picks include the LV Archlight Sneaker, the Loop Monogram Canvas Bag, and the Twist PM Epi Leather Bag.
Where to Shop Louis Vuitton in the Philippines
There are currently three Louis Vuitton boutiques located in the country. You can shop their latest womenswear, menswear, and accessories collections at Greenbelt 3 Makati, The Shoppes at Solaire in Manila, and their latest Cebu outpost in NUSTAR Resort and Casino.
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