The trip that Louis Vuitton gently organized for me during 2 days was both enriching and immensely interesting, as I am passionate for luxe and its history. I had previously read a couple of books that talked about the way that Louis Vuitton had become the symbol it is nowadays, and the fact of seeing and recalling each place I knew only by words was a very valuable discovery.
Atelier d'écriture
It all started with a rendez-vous at the Louis Vuitton boutique in Saint Germain. I learnt about the relationship the house has had with literature, with famous examples as Hemingway or Virginia Woolf, and in general the association that the maison has always had with artists, writers and other influential characters.
Maison and Atelier Louis Vuitton - Asnières
When we arrived at Rue Louis Vuitton in Asnières, the atmosphere completely changed. From the big and busy Paris, we arrived to the hidden Louis Vuitton treasure where it all started. The house is magnificent with its Art Nouveau style palpable everywhere. I felt incredibly lucky to experience this, seeing all the family's photographs, amazing furniture and even the garden with its lovely roses. It was all a feast for the eyes and senses.
Another different view started with a visit to the Atelier, where I could see the actual production of the Louis Vuitton handbags (where the most exclusive ones are made as well); from the laser cutting machines, to the hand-stiching part of the process. Everyone in the team seemed completely focused on doing their work by caring about each minimal detail , and the ambiance was just positive and friendly, since a lot of the people that work there have known each other for more than 20 years. I noticed their feeling of belonging to something bigger, that kept up with tradition and history of this great house.
The biggest store in Champs Élysées
During my sencond day with Louis Vuitton, the team took us for a private visit to the Louis Vuitton boutique located in Champs Élysées , where we walked by the whole complex, finding more about the new and modern vision of the house. Since the introduction of Marc Jacobs in 1997, the house started producing Ready-To-Wear collections, and from then on, it has taken a global road, selling from jewelry to very special design pieces with contemporary artists. They especially showed us the most recent collaboration with the Campana Brothers, that I found too cool on their side.
This was a unique experience, and the fact of learning about the heritage of Louis Vuitton by being their special guest, made it all more deep and sensitive for me. I want to thank the LV team for being the best hosts and for taking me through this journey of personal luxe!
