As Louis Vuitton brings French elegance
to Chennai with a new store, we trace the story of its five classics. The
evolution of a woman’s luxurious companion continues.
Neverfull
1854 - Louis
Vuitton founded the brand in Paris. Popular for customized travel trunks
1892 - An
archival campaign is converted to its now famous handwritten patch on its
striped interior
1896 -
Louis’ son Georges Vuitton designs the iconic Monogram symbol in homage to his
father
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from 1898
Hillary
Duff
Neverfull
Monogram (L-R) sizes GM, MM, PM
Speedy
1930 -
Originally called the ‘Express’, the first kind of hybrid – both luggage and a
purse
1965 -
Created on a personal request in a smaller size as a Speedy 25 for the stylish
Audrey Hepburn, starting the carry-all city bag trend in the ’60s
1978 - The
launch of mini Speedy as a tribute to its creator Henri LV established its never-ending
demand
Louis
Vuitton travel catalogue
Audrey
Hepburn with her Speedy 25
Noé
1932 -
Keeping the tradition of custom-made designs alive, the Noé was designed to
transport five bottles for champagne vintners.
1960 -
Adapted and launched as a city bag, its name refers to Noah, the Biblical
character known for building the Ark and harvesting wine.
2010 - Naomi
Campbell picked the reinvented Noé from the LV SS 2010 line for the White
Alliance Charity, where part of the money from the sale benefits the
Foundation. Soon after it was the season’s most-wanted bag.
Naomi
Campbell with her Noé
Variations of the Noé Alma
1934 - The
distinctive shape was inspired by the ‘Squire’ bag.
1955 -
Renamed ‘Champs Elysees’, it got its current form in a monogrammed canvas in
1992 as a tribute to Place de l’Alma in Paris.
2006 -
Creative director Marc Jacobs collaborates with American artist Stephen
Sprouse’s graffiti prints. Brings it back for 2009.
The
Alma in an alligator version
Michelle
Yeoh with her Monogram Alma
Monogram
Vernis roses Alma Fuchsia
SS
2001 Stephen Sprouse Graffiti Alma
Saumur
1986 - A
utilitarian bag for hunters, the gibecière (French for game bag) back in 1964
was the inspiration. Reminiscent of a saddle, it is named after the French city
Saumur, known for its riding school and prestigious stables.
2006 - Its
adaptable strap and pocket features lead to the launch of two versions in the
Monogram Mini Lin line on a light supple and resistant canvas textile.
School
of Cavalry, Saumur, France, circa 1950
Saumur
