Every great story begins with a journey. I’m sure Louis Vuitton, at age fourteen taking his first steps towards Paris, could never imagine how his story would be told 180 years on. His name, even just his initials as a monogram, living on through his luggage and legacy. Growing up in the furthest east mountains of Jura, his walk to Paris would take more than a vigorous afternoon trek. So Vuitton picked up odd jobs to pay for his way across the 400km journey, one as an apprentice layetier (a trunk maker). The quality of his work began to be noticed and eventually lead him to working for French Royalty. The French Royalty were people who knew how to travel, and yes, they were people who wanted to travel with style, ease, comfort and lots of quick stops to enjoy hot little buttery French croissants. Vuitton was the first to make flat topped trunks which, besides being airtight and lightweight, they stacked easily. A seemingly simple innovation but up till then all French trunks had rounded tops for water to run off. These trunks, like many fervent French traditions, were also beautiful and conventional but totally unpractical. Fast forward about 200 years through many journeys aided by the ease and beauty of a piece from Vuitton which are still made by hand. Louis Vuitton is now responsible for an entire culture of beauty promoted through a luxury heritage of status symbols, fashion, goods, signature stores, prestigious Yacht races and a carefully crafted images and campaigns. Here are some of my favourite recent campaigns.

Madonna shot by Steven Meisel:

Catherine Deneuve shot by Annie Leibovitz:

Gorbachev also by Leibovitz:

The latest Resort campaign shot by Mark Segal with model Anne Vyalitsyna:

And this piece of visually indulgence ad directed by Bruno Aveillan which will leave your eyes melting:

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Last week Louis Vuitton invited us to Ellerman House for a very exclusive viewing of their leather collection and new accessories.