Louis Vuitton Information Guide Quick Access: Louis Vuitton History Everyone knows the famous Monogram, but do you know the actual history of the Louis Vuitton company? The original Louis Vuitton company was founded by Louis Vuitton in 1854 on Rue Neuve des Capucines in Paris, France. Originally a luggage maker, Louis Vuitton realized that flat trunks could be stacked, as opposed to the rounded trunks that were more popular at the time. In 1858, Vuitton introduced his flat-bottom trunks and France went wild. In 1892, Louis Vuitton died, and the company's management passed to his son, Georges Vuitton. Georges Vuitton had a vision for the company and wanted to grow it into a worldwide company. By 1913, the Louis Vuitton Building opened on the Champs-Elysees, which was the largest travel-goods store in the world at the time. Soon after, stores were opened in New York, Bombay, Washington, London, Alexandria, and Buenos Aires. In 1936, Georges Vuitton died, and his son, Gaston-Louis Vuitton, assumed control of the company. Gaston-Louis began to incorporate leather and transform the Monogram canvas into a more pliable material for use on handbags and small leather goods. Marc Jacobs brought a much needed youthful spirit to LV and spurred collaborations with famous artists: In 2001, Stephen Sprouse created the Graffiti and Roses lines; in 2003, Takashi Murakami created the Monogram Multicolore and Cherry Blossom lines; in 2008, artist Richard Prince created the Aquarelle, or more commonly known as the Watercolor Speedy. A reinterpretation of the iconic bag, this style features the classic Monogram pattern with a smudged painted fashion. There are 17 paint colors that are used in the smudging of this Speedy. These were released in white and brown. Additionally, Marc Jacobs also introduced LV to collaborating with numerous street artists. Often, these collaborations and collections sell for above their retail prices. It is believed that it was originally made for Coco Chanel as a custom order. The original Alma was the creation of Gaston-Louis Vuitton, who named it for the Alma Bridge, a span that connects two Parisian neighborhoods. The bag still serves this function - 4 bottles with the bottom down and the 5th inverted and nestled between the others. This drawstring bag comes in two sizes - the Noe, and the smaller Petit Noe. The name Noe is French for Noah, who was not only famous for loading animals on the Arc two by two, but for his ability to consume wine. Now created in 25, 30, 35, and 40, as well as a Bandouliere style that includes a strap. The Neverfull comes in three sizes, PM, MM and GM. It is made in classic monogram canvas, Damier both ebene and Azur , Epi leather and has been re-created in limited edition styles. Additionally, Coco Chanel was born in Saumur, a city in the Loire Valley in France. As stated above, some sizing is in the format of numbers 25, 30, 35, 40, etc. These numbers signify the length in centimeters. Louis Vuitton also refers to sizes as BB Bebe Bandouliere , PM Petit Modele , MM Medium Modele , or GM Grande Modele , for mini, small, medium, and large. At the time, to foil counterfeiters, he created a canvas bearing bold graphics, a pattern that was instantly recognizable. The unique pattern is composed of flowers, a universal and timeless symbol, and the entwined Louis Vuitton initials. The pattern was based on the trend of using Japanese and Oriental designs in the late Victorian era. The Monogram fabric is crafted out of durable vinyl coated canvas. Since it was first designed, the Monogram canvas has been associated with natural, vegetable-tanned vachetta cowhide leather. Its smooth, natural grain brings out the harmony of the carefully selected hide. The transparency reveals the natural markings, such as veins and wrinkles, proving it has not been treated. The leather starts out with a white tone and gradually darkens over time, leaving a rich caramel or amber color. Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Canvas Contrary to popular belief, Damier Canvas was created before Monogram canvas. Influenced by the striped Raye canvas that was still being imitated, Vuitton wanted to take his design even further. Ready for a fun fact? Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Launched in 2006, this line is a new interpretation of the iconic Damier Canvas, the Damier Azur collection takes us away to the celebrated shores of the French Riviera. At once classic and casual, subtly different, Damier Azur offers a complete collection of products ranging from city bags to luggage. Released in 2008, the Damier Graphite collection is a discreet revisit of the classic Damier. Damier Graphite features an understated black and grey tonal pattern with smooth black leather, instead of the iconic brown. Louis Vuitton Monogram Multicolore In 2003, in collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, the Monogram Multicolore line was born. Takashi Murakami is considered one of the leaders in Japanese neo-pop art. Famous for his colorful, cheerful work, Murakami created the fun and cheerful Monogram canvas which uses 33 colors to create the well known Monogram pattern. It is made of 58% cotton, 24% linen and 18% polyamide. In 2010, the Mini Lin collection was reinvented and renamed to the Monogram Idylle Canvas Collection. Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Color Guide The Vernis line was introduced in 1997 by then, newly appointed Artistic Director Marc Jacobs. The Vernis line was inspired by RTW collections and is continually released in a range of unique, sparkling colors that highlight the famous Monogram print.. Vernis is a coated leather, similar to patent leather, that is embossed with the famous LV Monogram. The Louis Vuitton Epi Leather collection was created to respond to the demand for more durable leather necessary in modern travel conditions. Its originality comes from the graphic two-tone effect which makes it immediately recognizable. The process consists of printing an intensely dyed leather before applying a special coloration on the surface of the grain, which can withstand any weather condition. The natural stretch of Epi leather also offers good qualities of resistance. Curated in a multitude of colors, we appreciate the durability and timelessness of the Epi leather collection. Older Epi typically comes with goldtone hardware, with a brief interlude of brushed brass and titanium. Louis Vuitton introduced shiny silvertone hardware in 2004. In Spring 2001, the Epi Plage collection was a limited release with a vinyl transparent Epi line, used for the beach. This came in three colors - Grenadine Red, Coconut, and Orange. In 2010, Electric Epi was introduced as a glossy patent leather version of Epi in three colors, Plum, Black, and Amande. In 2011, the Epi collection was released with a new assortment of bright Rainbow colors. Epi Color Guide Updated Summer 2018 : Black: Introduced in 1985, always available Borneo Green: Introduced in 1985; Discontinued 1998 Kenyan Fawn: Introduced in 1985, Discontinued Toledo Blue: Introduced in 1985; Discontinued 2002 Winnipeg Sable: Introduced in 1985; Discontinued Castilian Red: Introduced in 1987 Cipango Gold: Introduced in 1990, Discontinued Tassil Yellow: Introduced in 1993; Discontinued 2003 Vanilla: Introduced in 2000; Discontinued 2002 Lilac: Introduced in 2000; Discontinued 2003 Pepper: Introduced in 2000; Discontinued in 2005 Moka: Introduced in 2000; Discontinued Mandarin: Discontinued 2006 Myrtille Blue: Introduced in 2003; Discontinued in 2006 Rouge: Introduced in 2006; Discontinued in 2009 Canelle: Introduced 2006 Ivorie: Introduced in 2007 Cassis: Introduced in 2008 Grenade: Introduced in 2008-2009 Rubis: Introduced 2009 Menthe: Introduced in 2011 Cacao: Introduced in 2011 Figue: Introduced in 2011 Piment: Introduced in 2011 Indigo: Introduced in 2011 Fuchsia: Introduced in 2011 Gres: Introduced in 2011 Citron: Introduced in 2011 Cyan: Introduced in 2011 Carmine: Introduced in 2011 Quetsche: Introduced in 2014 Pistache: Introduced in 2014 Dune: Introduced in 2014 Saphir: Introcued in 2014 Coquelicot: Introduced in 2014 Mimosa: Introduced in 2014 Rose Nacre: Introduced in 2014 Anthracite Nacre: Introduced in 2014 Bordeaux: Introduced 2014 Grenade new Grenade : Introduced 2015 Rose Ballerine: Introduced 2015 Lilas Naturel Blueberry Jaune Pale Freesia Jonquille Orange Bleu Celeste Navy Blue Safran Camel Turquoise Anthracite Nacre Poppy: Introduced in 2015 Fuchsia: Introduced in 2015 Pivoine: Introduced in 2015 Rouge Pomodoro: Introduced in 2015 Light Denim Louis Vuitton Monogram Empreinte Leather Louis Vuitton Empreinte Color Guide Released in 2012, the Monogram Empreinte line is both luxurious and durable. After carefully selecting the highest quality of calf leather, it is dyed throughout and then enriched with tannins for a rounder aspect. Then, the leather is drummed several times to softly pull up the natural grain of the skin and reveal its supple, luxurious feel. Finally, the leather is embossed with the iconic Monogram pattern. Empreinte Color List: Safran Amethyste Orient Black Cerise Galet Jaipur Bronze Aurore Havane Flamme Terre Celeste Ombre Infini Neige Orage Empreinte Color Guide: Louis Vuitton Taiga Leather The taiga leather line is named after the largest coniferous forest in Russia called the Taiga. This line was introduced in 1993 and has remained popular since. Mostly used to construct briefcases and travel accessories, the Taiga line is sophisticated and will always remain a classic. Launched in 2004, it is natural grain which has not undergone chemical treatment to maintain the excellent balance between suppleness and durability. Suhali Colors: Plum, White, Geranium, Blue, Tanami, Verone, Sienne, Gold, Black, Silver Suhali names are adjectives describing a Louis Vuitton woman: L'Impétueux spontaneous, mischievous L'Épanoui blossoming, radiant L'Affriolant alluring L'Aimable lovable L'Imprevisible unpredictable Le Talentueux talented L'Ingenieux crafty, cunning Le Inoubliable aka Lockit unforgettable Le Fabuleux Fabulous Louis Vuitton Monogram Mahina Color Guide Introduced in 2007, the Mahina line is made from gorgeous drummed leather and has meticulous perforations in the classic Monogram pattern. The Mahina collection was inspired by the phases and crescents of the moon and in Polynesian culture the Mahina is a lunar deity. Also originally created to carry knitting yarn. Bosphore: Named after a body of water near Turkey Abbesses: A station of the Paris Metro system Deauville: A luxurious city in France located near Normandy Amazone: Named after the Amazonian rain forest Danube: Named after the Danube river, the second longest in all of Europe Nice: Named after the City of Nice, France. Batignolles: Named after the town in France Laguito Briefcase: Named after a cigar Learn More About Louis Vuitton Shop Now Handbags and Accessories Grades New Item hasn't been used. Like New Item is like new with very slight signs of use. Natural tan leather has darkened slightly although no signs of soiling. Gently Used Item has obviously been used, but no signs of significant soiling, abrasions, stains, scratches, or tears. Leather is supple with minimal creasing. Natural tan leather has honey patina due to contact with air and human body oils although no signs of soiling. Well Used Item has been well-loved and it shows. Signs of wear, especially on bottom and corners although no tears on main areas. Light soiling of materials. Many fashionistas agree that many items in this category look their best and brandish these items with pride. Shoe Condition Grades New Shoes have not been worn. Soles and uppers have no signs of wear. Like New Shoes are like new with very slight signs of wear on the soles. Very little to no signs of soiling on the shoe uppers. Gently Used Shoes have obviously been worn, but no signs of significant wear, abrasions, stains, scratches, or tears on the shoe upper. Leather is supple with minimal creasing. Some signs of wear and abrasion on the soles. Well Used Shoes were well-loved and it shows. Possible light soiling of materials on the shoe uppers. Jewelry Condition Grades New Item hasn't been used. Like New Item is like new with very slight signs of use. Gently Used Item has obviously been used, but no signs of significant abrasions, stains, scratches, or dents. Metal surface has superficial surface scratches. Well Used Item has been well-loved and it shows. Signs of wear, with medium scratches visible from a close distance. Light soiling or discoloration of materials may be present. Handbags and Accessories Grades New Item hasn't been used. Like New Item is like new with very slight signs of use. Natural tan leather has darkened slightly although no signs of soiling. Gently Used Item has obviously been used, but no signs of significant soiling, abrasions, stains, scratches, or tears. Leather is supple with minimal creasing. Natural tan leather has honey patina due to contact with air and human body oils although no signs of soiling. Well Used Item has been well-loved and it shows. Signs of wear, especially on bottom and corners although no tears on main areas. Light soiling of materials. Many fashionistas agree that many items in this category look their best and brandish these items with pride. Handbags and Accessories Grades New Item hasn't been used. Like New Item is like new with very slight signs of use. Natural tan leather has darkened slightly although no signs of soiling. Gently Used Item has obviously been used, but no signs of significant soiling, abrasions, stains, scratches, or tears. Leather is supple with minimal creasing. Natural tan leather has honey patina due to contact with air and human body oils although no signs of soiling. Well Used Item has been well-loved and it shows. Signs of wear, especially on bottom and corners although no tears on main areas. Light soiling of materials. Many fashionistas agree that many items in this category look their best and brandish these items with pride. Men's Accessories New Item hasn't been used. Like New Item is like new with very slight signs of use. Gently Used Item has obviously been used, but no signs of significant abrasions, stains, scratches, or dents. Metal surface has superficial surface scratches. Well Used Item has been well-loved and it shows. Signs of wear, with medium scratches visible from a close distance. Light soiling or discoloration of materials may be present. Clothing Grades New Item hasn't been worn. Like New Item is like new with very slight signs of use. Gently Used Item has obviously been used, but no signs of significant wear, stains, or odors. Well Used Item has been well-loved and it shows. Signs of wear, light soiling or discoloration of materials may be present.
