Louis Vuitton retraces the history of its emblematic founder in a book

Born in 1821 in the Jura, Louis Vuitton forged an exceptional destiny to the point of making its name a luxury brand and a symbol of excellence. His career began in a small village that he left for Paris where he began as an apprentice with a “layetier-packer-trunk maker”  in 1837. Spotted by the Empress Eugenie, who appreciated his know-how and the quality of his trunks, he successfully set up his own business in 1854, opened a shop on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and seduced a wealthy clientele. A time of great social change, the nineteenth century saw the appearance of new means of transport such as the train, the steamboat and later the car, which allowed tourism to develop rapidly. Having become famous for its trunks, which were light, strong and practical to transport, Louis Vuitton inaugurated a large workshop in Asnières in 1859 to meet all his orders. Later joined by his son, his grandson and great-grandson took over, making the name Louis Vuitton go down in history.

And while Louis Vuitton is celebrating the 200th birthday

of its founder this year, it is unveiling today a biography by Caroline Bongrand, novelist of the screenplay of the film Eiffel (2021). The opportunity to learn more about a bold and innovative man who will make French luxury shine. 

An exclusive hardcover edition is available in Louis Vuitton stores for the first time from October 15. The novel is published by Éditions Gallimard in the collection “Hors-série Littérature”, on October 28. A French version of the audiobook “Louis Vuitton, l’audacieuse”, read by Isabelle Huppert, will be available on Audible and louisvuitton.com from October 28.