Since the founding of the brand in 1854, Louis Vuitton has gradually shaped the appearance of modern luxury goods with the suitcase as the starting point.Its design combines practicality, arts and identity symbols, becoming a symbol that cannot be ignored in fashion history.The following are the most representative bags and their historical significance:
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1. Flat-topped suitcase Trunk Steamer (late 19th century)
- Background: After the Industrial Revolution, train travel was on the rise and traditional dome suitcases were difficult to stack.Louis Vuitton launched its first flat-top waterproof suitcase in 1858, reinventing travel methods with galvanized canvas (later developed into classic Trianon canvas) and beech wood frames.
- Significance: Laid the gene for the brand’s “practical luxury” and became a standard travel configuration for European aristocrats and explorers (such as the Egyptian explorer Gaston-Louis).The layered design in the box meets customers’ personalized needs and is still the core of high-quality services.
2. Keepall Travel Bag (1924)
- Design: The first soft travel bag, lightweight and foldable, the name “Keep All” means to accommodate everything.Originally launched in four sizes: 30/40/50/60, paired with Monogram canvas and cowhide trim.
- Influence: Break the hard box tradition and adapt to the rise of automobiles and air travel.It appears many times in the 007 series of movies and becomes synonymous with “silent traveler”.The 2014 joint model with Supreme pushed it to the peak of fashion.
3. Speedy Handbag (born in 1930 and became famous in 1965)
- Origin: Originally named “Express”, inspired by fast-paced modern life.Audrey Hepburn commissioned a custom Speedy 25 in 1965 to transform it from a travel bag to a daily handbag.
- Cultural Symbol: The arc outline and short handle design combine elegance and practicality, becoming a symbol of women’s liberation of their hands.It is still one of the highest-selling LV handbags in the world.
4. Alzer Hard Box (1950s)
- Crafts: Continuing the 19th century hard box tradition, it uses a poplar frame, metal corners and handmade brass locks, and the interior is lined with goatskin.
- Status: Represents the ultimate luxury and is often used as a wedding jewelry box or a private collection.In 2016, the brand launched the “Salute to Monogram” series, replicating Alzer with contemporary art techniques to enhance its artistic value.
5. Neverfull Tote Bag (2007)
- Positioning: With the concept of “never installing is not full”, it focuses on large capacity and lightness.It comes with a detachable small bag to meet the needs of urban women in multiple scenarios.
- Phenomenon success: As the first hit product after the millennium, it has driven the revival of Monogram’s presbyterian flowers.Its entry-level price (compared to hard boxes) attracts young consumers and becomes the key to the brand’s “democratic luxury goods” strategy.
6. Petite Malle Small Box (2014)
- Inspiration: Miniaturely reduce the 19th-century suitcase to a handbag size, retaining the classic locks and edges and angular lines, and upgrading the material to crocodile leather or mirror metal.
- Meaning: Blurred the boundaries between suitcases and accessories, and was named “Futuristic Design to Pay Quest to History” by Vogue.The red carpet look of celebrities such as Alicia Vikander makes it a topical item.
The historical significance of Louis Vuitton
- Defining the aesthetics of travel: From the steam era to the jet era, LV has always responded to changes in travel methods with innovative ways to sublimate functionality into identity.
- Craft inheritance: The French Asnières workshop handmade tradition is retained to this day. Each hard box takes more than 15 hours to work, becoming a benchmark for craftsmanship for luxury goods.
- Confronting counterfeiting and innovation: In 1896, Damier board (precedeed Monogram) was launched to combat piracy; after 2000, we jointly signed with artists to give the old flower a new life.
- Cultural Symbol: From the Duke of Windsor to the Kardashian family, the LV suitcase is both a royal special offer and a wealth totem in popular culture.
Conclusion
Louis Vuitton’s classic bags are not only containers, but also carriers of the spirit of the times.From steamship decks to Instagram shows, they continue to write modern myths of luxury with unchanging craftsmanship and ever-changing creativity.
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