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Les Trois Generations: Louis, Georges et Gaston avec les Ouvriers D'Asnieres en 1888
It has been three weeks since I toured the original Louis Vuitton home and Atelier in Asnieres (a small suburb just outside of Paris) but I have been putting off writing the actual entry because frankly, I feared I could not convey my thoughts properly in words and do it justice. How do I share the privilege of touring a home that carries with it the legacy of one of the most important fashion dynasties in the history of fashion without sounding contrived or boastful? It is a delicate balance of offering factual details of the visit with my interpretation of everything I saw that day-- one that I hope I achieved through the following pictorial tour. I am posting the pictures in the order that I took them so that you can feel as if you were on the tour along with me. I sincerely hope you enjoy it as much as I did! I have newfound respect and understanding for the brand but this entry is not about the latest "it" bag or a discussion of whether or not we should purchase Louis Vuitton bags; rather, it is a stroll through the history of time.... so grab a drink and have fun :)
My escort, the handsome and charming Gregory Baratte (Director of e-commerce for LVMH) picked me up early in the morning and we arrived at the street which has now been renamed "Rue Louis Vuitton" after a short 25 minute drive from Paris. As you can see from the photo below, the entire compound is very secure and even if you were to discover its location, it would take a tank to get inside.
The outside looked so much like a bland factory that I was caught off guard when I entered the cozy and well kept garden of the house.
Monsieur Vuitton came from modest if comfortable means and built his house in 1870 shortly following the success of the LV steamer trunks. The Vuitton Family lived in this house until 1970 (when grandson Gaston and his wife decided to make the home into a private museum). For 100 years, the family lived in the home Monsieur Vuitton built instead of moving to the more fashionable districts in Paris. Here is the view of the front door as I walked up the path.
The trunk above is also in the foyer and is used as a table, there were so many gorgeous trunks used as tables throughout the house! LVMH actively purchases old LV trunks from private collectors for their own museum. This one is really old, look at the logo.
To the right of the entry way is the dining room, which you walk through to the sitting room. The table was beautifully set, as if they were preparing for Monsieur Vuitton et famille to arrive home any minute for dinner.
I looked above the piano and saw this-- isn't it amazing?
Next to the piano is a gorgeous blue porcelain fireplace. I have never seen anything like it. Chinoiserie was Louis Vuitton's favorite, and there are many beautiful Asian works of art throughout the house.
I love this bay window, it looks out to the garden and is in the center of the room. I am disappointed that the lighting was not in my favor. I had wanted to bring a camera crew but everything was so last minute I could not do so. I have plans to do a film documentary on Louis Vuitton and plan to bring a proper camera crew next time.
The gorgeous chandelier is also in the center of the room. All the vines in each corner point to this stunning centerpiece. I felt like I had been transported to another era while sitting in that room. I have to say, this was a very pretty and comfortable home. It's not showy at all and each piece looked as if it took a lot of thought and care.
A pair of sconces above the bay window in the family room on right.
Continuing right, full circle back to the entry from the dining room. This table still carries family photos of the Vuittons.
Walking out the backdoor to the Atelier next door, there is a plaque which shows where a bomb had landed on March 15, 1915 during WWI. Monsieur Vuitton had passed by then, his son Georges was living at the house with his family at the time. The house has so much history, it's amazing.
Heading towards the walkway between the house and the Atelier (which is just a nice word for "Factory"). The woman in yellow is the lovely tour guide who led Gregory and I through the tour.
The beginning of a well crafted Louis Vuitton trunk. LV craftsmen have to be well trained in carpentry in addition to leather work. Items such as champagne bottle, plates, and other pieces are retrofitted so that when you pack them, they fit perfectly.
The stockroom, this photo is a mere 10% of the size of the actual stockroom. This is only for small parts. The leather stockroom is on the other side and houses the most amazing leathers and skins!!!
A craftswoman working on zippers.
Top grade cowhide imprinted with the LV logo. The leather stockroom is kept at 23 degrees celsius at all times to ensure the leathers stay supple and do not crack.
As I freely played with all the sumptuous leather, I had an urge to ask the craftsmen to make me bags on the spot!
There was a rack full of samples for workers to work from but I wasn't allowed to photo that. LV also offers Bespoke bags in the spirit of travel. Janet Jackson was refused when she requested a fashion bag as Bespoke bags must be for travel. You are assigned a craftsman from beginning to end and you get to be involved in the whole design process-- it takes roughly 8 months to complete. Karl Lagerfeld had one made to fit 20 ipods!
Here is a craftswoman cutting the leather, it takes 5 years of training to qualify as a leather worker. Her work is precise and well measured, I watched her for several minutes but she never paid attention to me, that was how focused she was! There are currently 220 craftsmen at the Atelier.
As you see, leather workers have strict codes to follow, cow leather has different texture depending on what part it is from so they have to make sure they use the right pieces for the parts they are working on.
This is where the serious work is done, all the special bags and fashion bags you see on the runway is done here. It takes anywhere from an additional 10-15 years of training after the initial 5 years as a leather worker to qualify as a skilled craftsmen at Louis Vuitton. After I giddily snapped photos inside the atelier, our tour guide politely informed me that it was forbidden to take photos there. Apparently no one has ever been allowed to do so before (mostly for security and property rights)-- not even the top magazines in the world have these photos!
I didn't get to take the really juicy pictures of craftsmen working on the pink ostrich speedy bag or the trunks (1,000 nails go into each trunk!). The man I watched nailing them down had it down to a musical tune, it was quite comical. The entire experience was incredible. On the third floor of the Atelier is where the exotic skin bags are made-- crocodile, lizard, snakes, ostrich. 60% of the alligators are from US, 30% from Australia, 10% from other regions.
We went back to the house to the 2nd floor, where the museum is. This is the original carryall made in 1924.
The Iconic trunks. The original trunk made by Louis Vuitton was a simple canvas in 1854, the stripe was introduced in 1872, and in 1888-- the damier was created (which was re-issued in the 20th century, causing people to think it was new whereas it was the predecessor to the monogram). In 1896 the popular LV monogram was designed by Georges to honor his father, Louis Vuitton. Each symbol in the monogram has meaning. Inspired by his father's deeply religious Catholic roots and his love of Asian art.
This trunk belonged to Monsieur Louis Vuitton and is originally from Japan (Monsieur Vuitton collected trunks from all over the world), the floral design partly inspired the LV logo.
The stain glass windows of their church that also inspired the LV motif.
The final result, known as the Monogram. The rest, as they say, is fashion history. Louis Vuitton is the most widely known luxury brand in the world today.
My tour was an incredible experience, definitely a career high. I'd like to thank the LV North America team and the local Paris staff for allowing me a peek into the private world of Louis Vuitton.
All photos property of Bag Snob, LLC
Wow, Tina! I'm absolutely in awe. The home is just jaw-droppingly beautiful, and the atelier is fascinating. Though I'm not into the LV monogram logo products (love the Damier tho), I do have great respect for the quality and tradition of the brand. Fabulous post!!!
Thank you, deja pseu! I spent a lot of time editing the photos, I took over 100 but the 45 above are the best. I might do another post on just the items in the museum...
I am the one who is in awe. Why Louis Vuitton would care about me is beyond my comprehension. But I am not one to ask questions, as long as they are willing to allow me access-- I gladly accept!
Hello Tina, I also wish to thank you for taking the time to share your pictures and write about your tour. It was great to see what was talked about in "How Luxury Lost It's Luster." Very interesting about the history of the LV monogram - I don't recall that being discussed in the book. I don't see myself ever buying the LV monogram though - I do like the limited Damier - have a Damier Lune carryall and will buy something from the new Damier Graphite.
Hi Manbag,
Dana Thompson probably did not take this tour... which is a shame...
Most people, including myself until I went on the tour, are ignorant of the legacy of Louis Vuitton and his close knit family. The family never gave in to the flash of the fashion business, instead choosing to quietly live their lives in the same modest home LV built back in 1870. And despite what the latest bags are, the brand and the heritage will remain... beyond all of our lifetimes.
Fashion goes in and out of vogue, true legacy will never go out of style.
xoxo
you mean Dana Thomas? if i'm not mistake, she did go on this tour. she mentioned it in her book.
Tina!! what an awesome experience! Thank you so much for getting those photos and showing us. I have much more respect for that aspect of Louis Vuitton. It seems very two-faced. At least one part has kept to its roots. Thank you for being so sneaky and getting awesome pictures, I'm sure you almost gave some of the LV staff a heart attack!
Lauren,
My tour guide almost had a heart attack! I was snapping away and she didn't say anything at first but finally was like, "pardon madame, no photos". She said it like 5 times until I finally put the camera away :) But being politely French, she just smiled the whole time but I could see her freaking out behind the calm facade.
It's a wonder the (many) security guards didn't chase me out of there and throw me on the street. Instead, they had champagne and hors d'oeuvres waiting for me at the end.
Is there any chance you recall what kinds of joints they are using for their trunks? how theyre actually put together, because theyre always covered and ive been searching for a long time to find a wrecked one or one missing trim on the perfect place ect ect.. :) I have seen the video of how theyre made but it doesnt show the actual joints.
Good Job by the way, even if you arent invited back :)
Kind Regards, Ron.
Tina,
Thank you for taking the time to make this morning's coffee an international adventure. The French just know how to do it right. When ever I see this sort of perfection, and it extends to their cooking, wine making, couture in all forms, architecture, writing and speaking (they LOVE their own language); I feel as though I am looking back into the great empire of later day France. For those people who travel to Paris, and think the French are snobs.....guess what, they've earned the right to be!
Dear Tina,
Well I have learned something that astounded both me and my Japanese husband, that the symbols used on LV products were Japanese inspired.
The ones in your photos are actually Kamon, or family crests, some of which could by Samari family crests.
No wonder LV does so well in Japan.
Now, I will have to break down and get one- but will go for one of the Murakami versions. Hmmmm I wonder which one.
Any advice?
dear my new bag, choose what your heart tells you... and since you are japanese, a Murakami would be very appropriate!
I am so glad everyone likes this entry. I was hesitant for so long because I know "Blogger" and "Bragger" is a mere 2 letters apart.
But I really wanted to share this with you all. I have so many more photos, will load those up next week...
xoxo
Tina,
Thank you so much for this very eloquent tour of the Louis Vuitton home and atelier. Pictures are stunning. I am in awe of the exquisite decor of the house. I am also not a fan of French roccoco, but this house shows how it should be done!
xoxo
awesome post!!! thoroughly enjoyed it! i felt like i was there with you. now, i have a new found respect for the brand.
TINA! I haven't posted in weeks! I've been taking a slight vacay from my blog as well. It was my birthday blah blah blah. I went to Hermes! I'm going to send you what I got so you can see. Back on topic, this was fabulous. The pictures of that sitting room are to die for! That ornate decoration is so cool. The minute I saw the ceiling above the piano, I wanted to show all my friends instantly. It's my new inspiration for my modest condo here in LA. :) Can I say once again, that this is so brilliant. You are such the forefront of the future of journalism. Frankly, I like that you didn't have a camera crew. It's so personal. It's like you're our friend who got back from a Europe trip! They were so nice to you, that it looks like the LV House was where you were staying. So good. A personal touch reaching a huge audience like that is what the internet was made for!
Fabulous entry Tina...what a fantastic Heritage thank you for sharing it in so much detail!
Looking forward to your Hermes museum and collection post! When you purchase an exotic Birkin in colour would you suggest the 30 or smaller? My First Birkin is on it's way cannot contain my excitement!
L.xo
Thank you, Tina, for posting this! Really good to see the real and find out the great history of the house.
Looking forward to even more of these!!!
=)
That home - swoon. Walking through that garden - double swoon. Thanks Tina, for all of the pictures, I have a much better appreciation for the brand. I found the atelier to be so interesting, after all the slagging of the ubiquitous monogram I was not expecting the attention to quality. It made me rethink how I feel about LV, especially the leather choices, and production value. What an inspiration to see all the hard work and dedication. Even better, how discreet, charming and authentic everything was.
Tina, thank you for sharing this incredible journey. This is the most eloquent article on Louis Vuitton I have ever read. so often are we caught up with the latest and greatest that we forget to see where the roots began.
You should be very proud of yourself, for the legacy you are leaving through Bag Snob, the best fashion blog in the history of fashion.
I look forward to reading more of your adventures. PJH is right, you are like our girlfriend, albeit a very fabulous and glamorous one, with access that we could never dream of having. thank you again for taking us along the ride.
wow...what a tour tina! i felt like i was really there. that blue porcelain fireplace is so beautiful. as you said, never seen anything like it. you're making me want to run out and get an lv trunk. nahhhhhhhhhhh...unfortunately the only one i like is the one from japan that isn't lv. i'll stick with my globe-trotter, but i do think it's hot when a women walks into a hotel with an exotic birkin and about a million trunks. something about a man doing it feels a bit rapperesque to me...think pharrell and the ginormous purple croc birkin.
side note - i'm thinking about getting a marc marmel travel bag. do you have an opinion on the line?
Dear Tina,
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing story with us,I always loved LV and I couldn't care less about the fact that someone make see me as carrying a knock off but it hurts me to see such a great brand being downgraded because of the counterfeit goods-success turned into downfall. Great shame.
Thank you so much for the tour. I have several LV pieces, the small roll-on bag in black is my favourite.
Loved the ceiling above the piano and the delighted tone of the article.
oh and why on earth does karl lagerfeld need 20 ipods??? he wears the same outfit everyday, but he needs 20 ipods?
Tina,
I am echoing all the accolades you've received on this piece. Congratulations on so effectively sharing your experience with us. I do think that not having a crew brought out your best as a reporter -- respect for your subject, sensitivity, attention to detail, focus -- the best of your head and heart. This is a winning combination and one that can get lost when a crew accompanies a reporter. Looking forward to your future productions. Keep up the good work.
You guys really warm my heart :) Thank you all so much for your comments and good wishes. I stayed up late the other night finishing this and really didn't want the tour to end...
I just got home from a 4th of July parade at a historic downtown square and kept thinking about time... how precious it is and how little we have of it. We really should enjoy each moment and live happily and well!
I really enjoyed reading this post. There was so much I didn't know.
One question though-why was Janet Jackson refused a bespoke bag? and how much do they usually run for?
Hi Vanessa, Janet was refused for a Bespoke Fashion bag because all Louis Vuitton Bespoke bags must be in the Spirit of Travel... which was the original intention of Monsieur Vuitton when he started the company. It was his grandson who introduced "soft bags" to accompany the luggage and trunks.
The price starts at $8k and goes up from there.
OMIGOODNESS T, I am in AWE!!! You did such a great job!! I feel like I was there with u.
That blue porcelain fireplace is SO!! AMAZING never seen anything like it, the ceiling above the piano is beautiful!!!! WOW what A home and the graden?...I can go on and on..just think of all the history that went on in that house..it gives me goose bumps...what a privilege it was for you to go on this tour....if U ever go again-I will be more then happy to tag along and be your camera gal...
BRAVA TO YOU Ms. T!!!! =)
XOXO...
Thank YOU!! for sharing this amazing exprience with us...I can't wait to see more photos!!
What a great tour!! Thank you so much, Tina.
This is a very entertaining and interesting post. I loved seeing the pictures of the home and factory. It is amazing to see what goes into making a bag and to see where the logo comes from was fascinating.
james, you kill me...I was thinking the exact same thing (I'm sure a lot of people were on here when they ready it). Why in the heck does Karl need 20 iPods? That's a lot of music...maybe he divides them between composer..
Tina-
I have a feeling you will become known as the girl who changed Louis Vuitton's image back to the timeless brand it's meant to be.
Your story gave me better insight than any of those ads with the rock stars, movie stars, etc.
Good job, thank you, Tina!
Tina, well done and beautifully written. I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. You are not a "bragger".
The story I heard about Karl was that the trunk was made to carry champagne not ipods.
He is a little out there so who knows?
I also heard that LV was doing a special collection just for the Japanese market to be sold only in Tokyo.
This was so interesting.I do love the history of LV.Some of their bags are great classics.I have several. I understand that Coco Chanel, preferred the Alma. It is sad that so many fake LV's have devalued the bags somewhat, but I can always tell the fakes. I have an antique Louis Vuitton trunk, which I use in my home. I cherish it.
Fantastic entry. All the best with your doco, I personally can't wait. I wanted to ask you if LV have tours for tour groups, because this tour would definitely be on my wishlist.
Hi Anastasia,
Unfortunately LV does not offer tours for tour groups. Tours are by invitation only (I could not even bring my husband!) and they only allow 3-4 people per month to tour.
wow, this is indeed one 'eye-opener' entry! The interior is absolutely stunning and tastefully done. =)
thanks for sharing this great trip with all of us and this will be my favourite entry of the year in bagsnob!
have a wonderful 4th of july!
Off topic but I thought I would share this: for all of our Stylish Men:
http://www.billamberg.com/product/BillAmberg_CATEGORY_New_Alligator/CON0101010021703.htm
:)
WHAT A SURPRISE!!!!!!!After a day full of barbecue, I went to Bag Snob Saturday morning with a cup of coffee and almost had what we in the South call a "come apart", I was sooo excited to find your article, finally, about your LV visit.I loved to see a liveable home. Cozy, charming and inviting. I could see myself, as you wrote,with the "oh my God" and "oooh and aaah" comments!!! How does the trip effect your opinion as THE Bag Snob towards LV and how the name and product have taken an unfortunate turn over the past few years. I once couldn't wait to get a new LV but now they are so EVERYWHERE that it's not special anymore. Now, I feel that people in my "neck of the woods" look at the LV bag as just another handbag. I hate to mention brands but let me, Coach, Burberry, Kate Spade,get my drift. Now that is a comment you would find from a fellow "Snob". Lisa
Lucky you! The only thing for me that comes close to a beautiful pair of shoes is a beautiful handcrafted bag & you've just proven my point! Thanks for the informative blog!
SORRY, BUT I JUST COULDN'T RESIST. THIS IS TOO FUNNY!
According to the New York Post Andre Leon Talley had a tough time buying underpants recently. The 6-foot-8 Vogue editor at large was in Macy's picking out XXL Calvin Klein thongs, but was thwarted when he tried to open a store credit-card account, our spy said. "He was denied and had trouble paying for it and had to come back . . . it was a big fiasco," the source said. Vogue spokes man Patrick O'Connell confirmed Talley was in Macy's, but insisted he was buying Polo boxers - not thongs. He declined to discuss the credit flap. Here's the link.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07062008/gossip/pagesix/credit_crunch_118596.htm
this entry really changed my views towards the monogram.
after seeing it being sold in many backalley market as $20 knockoffs. i swore i will never buy a single monogram bag.
but after this post. i have a new found respect for monogram.
imagine a son creating the monogram to honor his father?? im touched. ( of course those Vuitton family earned billions from that brilliant idea!!) and all the asian inspiration for the patterns...
i understand now. why the logos. the gaudy prints of monogram.
i wish i could do the same. creating a legacy inspiried by
my father. (and hopefully to earn billions like the Vuittons too)
i suddenly treassure my monogram bags again. you are right. it is a legacy :)
good job bagsnob!!!
the best post ever!!!!
keep up the good work. your blog is now educational!
we look forward to many more exclusive tours!!
Tina! ~*THANK*YOU*~ for your pictures of the gorgeous and serene LV property!
What an absolute shame that the LV brand has been tarnished due to fakes, knock-offs and counterfeits. Certainly Monsieur Vuitton never would have intended his creations to be degraded as they have been in recent years.
Thank you to MH-LV for allowing us to have a peek at the company's heritage. Congratulations to MH-LV for a recent French court ruling awarding MH-LV the US equivalent of $63M against eBay for failure to police sellers selling counterfeit LV/Dior merchandise! Long overdue decision!
MG
Thank you so much for all these photos! I had never like LV bags as almost everyone is using them & there are so much counterfeits. But after these photo tours, I begin to have more respect for the brand. One day, maybe I'll just buy an LV bag.
I was personally moved and touched by the fact that the monogram was inspired by the great devotion that the Vuittons had to their Roman Catholic faith - it brought me THIS CLOSE to even considering buying a monogram bag.
Nice report Tina. One little detail about the interior of the modest Vuitton home: it is not decorated in a Rococo style but is a stunning example of French Art Nouveau. Perhaps when the home became a museum, in the 1970's, the faux finishes were brightened up a bit too.
everyone's already said what i wanted to say ;) hands down this is one of the most excellent posts on this blog. congratulations bagsnob!
I want to know what the factory in China looks like.
I've collected LV bags for years and until you really know the legacy behind the brand, you can't truly appreciate how special LV is. You've done a great job bringing your tour to us. Can't wait to read more about it. Lucky girl!
Tina, what a wonderful tour. Thank you so much for sharing and for this eye widening experience.
I will never look at my monogram bags the same again.
Look forward to your future adventures!
Tina...
An astounding, remarkable post. Thank you thank you thank you! I'm not a huge LV fan, but adored reading and seeing this!
I am linking to it on our little blog following the post on the Japan Ltd Editions bags.
Very Cool!
TP
the last LV i had was like more than 5 yrs ago -- i just felt tired of the monogram. but now i have a new found interest on the Vernis collection, especially now that they have it in red -- particularly Alma in pomme d'amour! i wonder if its hard to care for the vernis line.
Hi Tina!
What a fantastic post! I love to read about the origins of such things and Louis Vuitton is no exception. It was wonderful that you got to experience such a great piece of history.
Just a question, how did you manage to score an invite? Do you work or are you associated with the company or did you just buy a whole lot of bags? :p
WOW!
This house is truly an authentic representation of LV. Porcelain fireplace? That's unheard of. Thanks so much for sharing!
www.theconscioussnob.com
Tina, this was WOW. I have always carried my Vuitton bags with pride, regardless of all the knock-offs out there. My attitude has been as long as I know I've got the real thing I can walk around with my head straight. The fakers never do - they tend to look around themselves to see who is looking at them. I became attached to the brand because of their history and tradition. When the french does anyting, they tend to be particular, specific and with certain purpose. It is not their fault that the world will copy anything luxury they do. In my European circle of friends, their thought on the brand has always been - you have to know the history of the brand to really appreciate it. And if you don't, oh well. That is usually their way of saying you're of a certain class for not knowing. You did a fantastic job at re-introducing your bloggies to the brand. You have probably done the same for some in the fashion biz as well. That was an exceptional fashion piece, but still I wonder, why you? Such an outsider, why? For goodness sake they turn down Janet Jackson.
Hi Tina, thanks for posting on your tour, I found it very interesting. I appreciate knowing the reason for the classic monogram being; " In 1896 the popular LV monogram was designed by Georges to honor his father, Louis Vuitton. Each symbol in the monogram has meaning. Inspired by his father's deeply religious Catholic roots and his love of Asian art."
I remember watching a tour of the LV house on Fashion File in 2008. I'm a LV fan. I was looking at buying another one this comming week, a classic monogram, I'm very excited!
I agree with Nan about the fake/replica bags out there. I know my bag is real and thats all that matters. I don't care if other people are questioning its authenticity. I had read that LV has had problems with fake/replica bags dating way back to the late 1800's so that even if you purchase a vintage bag, it could be fake unless you're knowledgable on what markings to look for on Vintage Louis Vuitton, you could be taken.
I have read so many blogs from 'The Bag Snob' and I was always under the impression that LV was not your popular choice at all. That negative feedback always followed on any comments regarding Louis Vuitton, and then your readers would soon follow suit on the LV bashing. So I suppose I'm curious why a person who isn't a true HUGE fan of Louis Vuitton would be invited to the House?? was it to suade your opinion on the brand to make it more positive considering the popularity behind 'The Bag Snob site'.. Their way of 'wooing' you to get you to appreciate them for what they actually stand for? It was easy, once they treated you like gold, and let you take photographs to then tell you it was prohibited, and hand you a glass of Champagne instead of booting you on the street.. Interesting. Whatever it was it worked to get a positive post/blog on a popular site, that in turn persuaded a bunch of sheep to then again be proud of their LV bags..
People should always be their own person and make up their own ideas/conclusions. Take into consideration to what others say with regards to simple things like bags, being color choices and designs, but to completely jump on a band wagon over comments on a website that bash one particular brand, I just think the result looks childish. and then a positive blog ends up getting people to pull out their Louis Vuitton bags once again..
Always been a LV fan!
I really get a lot of information from this website, Tina. Thank you for sharing.
Hi! I cant view the photos... really would like to see them!!
Might be naive, but how does one get invited to tour the house? I am a huge fan of the legacy, the brand, the story... Thank you.
this kind of purses looks so beautiful ,
if you attend an important party, you absolutely need a purse like that , so if you want to own this brand name Handbag, you will find it here
I really get a lot of information from this website, Tina. Thank you for sharing.
by Kevin
I really get a lot of information from this website, Tina. Thank you for sharing.
by Kevin