- With access to previously unpublished information, the author tells
the story of the founder of the world-famous luxury French luggage and
travel goods company, Louis Vuitton This lively biography narrates the
story of Louis Vuitton (1821-1892), who, at the age of 14, set out on
foot for Paris from his native village in the Jura mountains and
ultimately became one of the most successful manufacturers of luggage
and leather goods in the world. Arriving in the metropolis at age 16, he
was taken on as an apprentice at the atelier of Monsieur Maréchal, where
expert packers and talented custom box and luggage makers catered to a
wealthy clientele. He perfected his craft there, becoming the personal
packer and luggage maker for the Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III.
In 1854 he opened his own atelier, and with access to the highest levels
of society and a gift for innovation and design, he was on his way to an
illustrious career. This book, full of previously unpublished
information, reveals the story behind the man and the legendary luxury
goods empire he founded.