Polo & More, Singapore 2017 Polo & More, Singapore 2017 | Page 83

Louise from St. Louis her very first Louis (The Richard Prince Motard Firebird
Bag)? Viewers the world over related to the shine in Louise’s eyes. In Slate
magazine’s review of the movie they referenced that moment, noting that
“the right Louis Vuitton bag – hell, any Louis Vuitton bag – can change
your life”.
This seems to be a lot of pressure for some simple luggage. But Louis
Vuitton has gone far beyond high-quality luggage, travel and leather items.
They have continued to develop and expand their collections, branching out
into fashion, watches and jewelry, sunglasses and even books and stationary.
However it would be a mistake to say they have re-invented themselves,
because the through line of all
their products is the attention to
sumptuous detail, the association
with the champagne lifestyle,
and although they have found a
magnetic allure in age markets
across the board, they continue
to hold their standards sky-high.
They have opened stores in cities
across the globe, and ushered
in revolutionary designer Marc
Jacobs to helm their coveted
fashion line as artistic director.
They have explored their sense
of adventure with the same
allegiance to the grandiose, by involving themselves in events such as
The America’s Cup (awarded as The Louis Vuitton Cup), The Louis Vuitton
Classic (Vintage Car rally). They have an impassioned devotion to the arts,
and the website hails those involved (filmmakers, photographers and more)
as much as it does their famous handbags, if not more. Their image is that
of sophisticated intellect, and that is most evident by their most recent
advertising campaigns, that engage the digital platform to bring consumers
“Infinite Journeys’ like that of Angelina Jolie and her compelling encounter
with Cambodia., where the tag line reads ‘A single journey can change the
course of a life”.
With the knowledge of all of these forays, it’s not that absurd to
speculate that a LV product can be something quite special, something that
can transform. The sensation, both real and portrayed, of having a Louis
Vuitton purse on your arm is quite simply, delicious. And luckily for us in the
Caribbean, that sweet attainment is no longer so far off, with the opening of
the Louis Vuitton flagship store in the incredible lifestyle centre of Limegrove
in Barbados. I know I’ll be visiting, because I know that like kisses, whether
it’s your first or your fortieth, owning an LV is unforgettable. ◼
83
Asnières in 1860. But with success comes imitation, and
flattered as I’m sure he was, the Vuitton family found a
way to guard his brand from counterfeit.
In 1896, four years after Louis Vuitton’s death, his
son Georges Vuitton created what was to become world-
recognizable as a mark of sophistication and quiet
luxury; the iconic LV monogram. Georges is also credited
with developing Vuitton’s unique five-combination
lock. Georges had a unique vision to take the LV brand
and make it a worldwide corporation, which is why he
exhibited his products at the Chicago World Fair in 1893.
Today, the Louis Vuitton brand and the LV monogram
are said to be among the world’s most recognizable and
valuable brands. And it’s still a family affair, as it is now
helmed by Louis’ great-grandson, Partick Louis Vuitton.
He takes his family reputation very seriously and has
been quoted as saying “The name Louis Vuitton stands
for the very best in quality. Undoubtedly, I look upon my
name as a very pleasant inheritance. But as in all cases
where there is a tradition and reputation to uphold,
there is always the pressure for success, and success without
exception. Rightly so - it is very important to me to live up to the demands
of the individual measured against those of the times.” He has continued to
lovingly guide the company into the Icon stratosphere.
The dictionary defines an icon as an enduring symbol, and it is
obvious that LV has become one. In the past 150 years the brand has not
only been associated with royalty and the likes, it has been immortalized
in movies, TV shows, music videos and in the pages of fashion magazines.
Who can forget Carrie in the Sex and the City movie giving her assistant