This week, Louis Vuitton celebrates its founder’s 200th birthday! To ring in the bicentennial anniversary, the brand also launched its “Louis the Game,” their downloadable video game which allows users to explore Louis Vuitton through the character “Vivienne.”
For years, LV has been a staple of luxury and whose monogram is recognizable across the globe. This recognition did not come overnight, and one might be surprised to find out that the success began with a 16-year-old Louis Vuitton creating travel trunks.
At the peak of the 19th century, transportation was public, boats and trains were popular modes of travel, and baggage was not handled with care. Trunk makers and craftsmen were hired to pack and protect traveler’s valuables.
The brand’s magazine illustrates the designer’s rich history. “Louis Vuitton’s heritage as a trunk maker preceded even the founding of the company. He quickly became a valued craftsman at the Parisian atelier of Monsieur Maréchal. These were the roots of his highly specialized trade, the beginnings of his career in an artisanal industry that called upon skills to custom design boxes and, later, trunks according to clients’ wishes. Louis Vuitton stayed for 17 years before opening his own workshop at 4 Rue Neuve-des-Capucines near the Place Vendome. The early success of Louis Vuitton meant he had to expand his operations. Just northeast of the center of Paris, the workshop started with 20 employees. In 1900, there were nearly 100 people, and by 1914 there were 225.”
The turning point of his business? Some argue that it was when the designer decided to help clients start protecting their travel pieces with the development of a single lock and two spring buckles.
Years later, his accessories and clothing alike can be seen everywhere; Their popularity has even resulted in them often being duped!
With their new interactive app, “Louis the Game,” Users take the role of Vivienne and lead the character through a journey to reach a birthday destination. Along the way, audiences collect candles, keys, and other artifacts. Players can compete against friends worldwide and gather LV skins and accessories along the way.
Whether online or in reality, Louis Vuitton’s designs are statements of creativity and luxury. Our favorite place to see the brand’s creations? The red carpet. Continue reading to check out some of our favorite Louis Vuitton looks, and let us know what you think by reacting below or tweeting us @celebsecrets.
