Product Description

This book provides a comprehensive history of the House of Vuitton in the context of sweeping changes in society, art, culture, fashion, and, above all, travel. Vuitton's goods have been highly innovative and coveted since their inception, which led to the introduction in 1896 of a distinctive "LV" monogrammed canvas. A 1987 merger with Moet-Hennessy made it part of the world's largest luxury goods company, and the 1997 appointment of American designer Marc Jacobs as artistic director expanded the legendary brand's reach into apparel, shoes, jewelry, and watches. The book also explores the company's continued commitment to excellence and travel, reflected by its involvement in the arts and its sponsorship of vintage automobile rallies and the Louis Vuitton Cup, a yacht race. Overseen by LVMH, the book itself demonstrates Louis Vuitton's passion for fine design. It is abundantly illustrated by a stunning array of archival art, historical images, product designs and sketches, and Louis Vuitton's cutting-edge advertising.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #27653 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 616 pages

About the Author
Paul-Gerard Pasols is the former director of communications for Louis Vuitton and a long-time consultant to the company. He was editorial director of the award nominated Louis Vuitton City Guide 2004 - New York.

Customer Reviews

A good coffee table book.
This is a good coffee table book. It is the size of a Louis Vuitton briefcase!

The book is well illustrated with many beautiful photographs covering the inception and rise of the monogram luggage together with the other lines made by this company.

For those interested in the history of the company and the genealogy of the family this will be a valuable resource. It also demonstrates how fashions have changed (and equally not changed) over the last twelve decades through the use of photographs. There are many photographs of the rich and famous with their monogram luggage. There are a number of large colour photographs of goods made by the company.

There are chapters dealing with luggage, special orders, clothing and architecture inspired by the monogram canvas.

The book is well written although clearly with an uncritical eye. The controversy surrounding the company's support for the Vichy regime in the second world war is glossed over with all but the briefest of mentions however this does not detract from the enjoyment of reading the book.

If you purchase this you are likely to be interested in fashion or in particular the LV brand. If that is the case you will not be disappointed.