Louis Vuitton is the French heritage luxury fashion brand, founded in 1854 by by trunk-maker Louis VUITTON (France, Anchay, 1821 – 1892, Paris). Started by revolutionizing luggage with flat-topped, lightweight, and stackable trunks and became known for its durable canvas, the company expanded into luxury fashion, iconic handbags (Speedy, Neverfull), and accessories, becoming a global symbol of high-end, exclusive fashion and luxury travel. In 1837 a 16-year-old Louis VUITTON arrived in Paris and became an apprentice to Monsieur MARÉCHAL, a successful box-maker and packer. After 17 years as a valued craftsman, in 1854 he opened his own workshop at 4 Rue Neuve-des-Capucines, which specialized in custom boxes and trunks and quickly gained favor with Parisian nobility, including Empress Eugénie. In 1858 VUITTON introduced rectangular, flat-topped trunks made with lightweight Trianon grey canvas. And it was a revolutionary shift from the traditional rounded-top trunks that could not be stacked in the trains and steamships. Next year he opened a workshop in Asnières, which remains the company’s workshop and archives to this day. After Louis's death in 1892, his son, Georges VUITTON, created the famous LV monogram, that embellished all LV production since that time. In the beginning of 20th century the global brand expansion began – the company introduced its iconic bags like the Keepall (1924), the Noé (1932, originally for champagne), and the Speedy (1930). In 1987 to strengthen its position, Louis Vuitton fashion house merged with Moët et Chandon and Hennessy to create the luxury conglomerate LVMH. In 1997 the company entered luxury ready-to-wear fashion with Marc JACOBS as artistic director. In 2013, Marc was replaced by Nicolas GHESQUIÈRE, who currently holds this post. Among other famous designers who worked for this fashion house was Virgil ABLOH (2018–2021), who was responsible for menswear.