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What do you think of when you hear the name Louis Vuitton? Is the label’s cult-favorite Neverfull tote bag — combining chic and functionality? The latest installation in collaboration with Takashi Murakami? Or is it the founder’s original luggage trunk, a nod to the long-lost days of steamboat travel? No matter what associations you have with the French brand, which was founded in 1854, there’s one thing everyone can agree on. That said, Louis Vuitton is one of the most iconic houses of our time, a brand known and loved around the world.
Celebrating over 170 years of its rich heritage, Assouline’s The Legends collection has added a new title created for art and culture lovers with sophisticated tastes. Check out From Louis to Vuitton, a visually rich depiction of all things Louis Vuitton written by French-Swiss journalist Arthur Dreyfus. The best part? This can be read in any order you choose, as a subtle nod to Louis Vuitton’s emphasis on personalized experiences.
The 406 pages of this fashion coffee table book take readers on a journey that begins when Louis Vuitton leaves his hometown of the French Jura and goes to Paris, where he becomes an apprentice to a trunk maker. He quickly made a name for himself in the industry, developing a client list of bourgeoisie figures such as Empress Eugenie, wife of France’s last monarch.
“From the beginning his invention was a success,” Dreyfus writes in one of the book’s first chapters. “Farewell on the rounded upper trunk, and Hello In the flat top trunk… abracadabra…Pile on top of each other!
Louis Vuitton cabin trunk made of Damier canvas, circa 1890.
Provided by: Louis Vuitton
“From Louis to Vuitton” aptly captures the milestones from Vuitton’s first purpose-built workshop in Asnières, a suburb of Paris, to his eponymous brand’s eventual expansion into categories such as men’s and women’s fashion, watches, and fragrance. Because artistic directors are essential to the success of a fashion house, Dreyfus’ latest work also spotlights the contributions of some of Louis Vuitton’s most fearless leaders, those who have been able to propel the label to where it is today, with a firm grasp of its unparalleled heritage.
Given the fact that Louis Vuitton started out in the suitcase and travel business, Assuline’s new arrival also sheds light on history’s most important means of transportation and how Louis Vuitton (along with its successors) was able to capitalize on its evolution. Sports fans will also be pleased to know that the book features Louis Vuitton’s most important sports partnerships, including F1 and most recently with Real Madrid.
Like all the bestsellers in Assuline’s The Legends Collection, From Louis to Vuitton is housed in a three-sided case that boasts a very special (and intentional) quirk. The publisher says it is designed to be slimmer than a book and is “intended to convey the energy of the title and eagerness to meet the reader.”
From Louis to Vuitton explores Louis Vuitton’s rich past and innovative present in more than 400 pages (and over 200 top-quality photographs).
Provided by: Assuline
Assuline recommends treating this book with the same care you would treat a Louis Vuitton Petit Palais top-handle designer handbag. Avoid direct sunlight, regularly dust the edges of the cover and pages, and protect the paper and binding from moisture. Is there another way to ensure that your purchases are free of dust? By reading them regularly.
Indeed, this coffee table books It’s meant to be tasted, not just looked at. And if you’re interested in holiday gifts, Assouline offers specialty gift wrapping services (including luxury wax seals) for an additional fee.
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meet the author
Stacia Datskowska Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked as an assistant digital editor at ELLE DECOR, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through the lens of design. Over the past five years, her byline has appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, Cosmopolitan, and more. Before joining ELLE DECOR, Datskowska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tent pole sale events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from New York University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskowska regularly reports on the release of new fashion books that are available for purchase or pre-order.
Source: Shop – wwd.com
