Louis Vuitton, eponymous founder of the designer label that we know and love today, introduced his flat-bottom trunks to huge critical acclaim in 1858, establishing the LV Co. as the go-to brand for stylish and durable luggage.
Louis Vuitton, eponymous founder of the designer label that we know and love today, introduced his flat-bottom trunks to critical acclaim in 1858, establishing LV Co. as the go-to brand for stylish and durable luggage. Now, more than 150 years on, Louis Vuitton luggage – and purses, wallets, bags and handbags – are still amongst the most fashionable accessories, coveted globally. Often a symbol of status the iconic LV monogram – considered to be the very first ‘designer label’ on a product, created in 1896 – has become synonymous with luxury and glamour. One of the most well known and recognisable logos to exist it has spawned countless imitators and counterfeits.
Lesser known, however, is the personal logo of Gaston-Louis Vuitton, the grandson of Louis, who took over the House in 1936 after his father George died. Whilst Gaston-Louis broadened the Louis Vuitton leather line, using the LV monogram across an increasing number of products, for his own luggage he used a distinct V initial marking which can be seen printed across this week’s Most Loved product posted by Yana Sheptovetskaya. The bag itself originates from 1901, a Steamer Bag introduced by the Louis Vuitton company as a smaller piece of luggage designed to be kept inside Vuitton luggage trunks. Although an updated version of this particular design remains in today’s Louis Vuitton collection, Gaston-Louis’ logo is a much rarer find – only briefly making a reappearance in the House’s spring/summer 2005 catwalk show and collection.
Here we speak to Yana about where she found this rare Louis Vuitton bag and what her favourite fashion logo is.
What made you choose to Love this Louis Vuitton bag?
The fact that it is probably the only one Louis Vuitton bag I have ever liked. Gaston-Louis’s personal logo is beautiful.
Where did you find it?
A while ago, I can't remember where. But yesterday I found the same bag on the Vintage Seekers online shop, it’s called a Steamer bag and costs £1,725. Not with Gaston Louis’s logo though.
Do you own any Louis Vuitton items?
I have a black monogram scarf which my friend gave me as a birthday present a couple years ago.
Which has been your favorite Louis Vuitton collection and why?
Blason Jewellery collection by Pharrell Williams and Camille Miceli. Why? Pharrell Williams.
The LV monogram is one of the most iconic logos – which is your most liked fashion brand logo and why?
YSL.
What is the last thing you bought?
I bought a Stella McCartney coat yesterday. I buy coats all the time and it is getting very serious now.
What is your dream purchase?
Apart from this Bertone car and the Ultimate in NYC real estate, I dream of having original copies of all the issues of Portfolio magazine by Frank Zachary and Alexey Brodovitch.
What is your favourite online shop?
There are so many! Totokaelo and Paper-Scissor-Stone.
Text by Lucia Davies
