FRENCH ART DE VIVRE
Louis Vuitton celebrates the House’s savoir-faire in London
THE JOURNEY THROUGH LONDON
Introducing French Art de Vivre: “Louis Vuitton and London” celebrates the House’s savoir-faire and its spirit of permanent innovation.
Featuring an admirable collection of trunks from the Maison’s archives, this exhibition pays tribute to the history that has linked Louis Vuitton to London since Georges Vuitton opened his first store in the city on March 1, 1885. Located at number 289 Oxford Street, this was the first store outside of France.
Proud of his family heritage and keen to promote both his passion for design and the influence of France abroad, the creator added the Gallic tricolor flag to his own signage. In one of the windows of the London store he placed a similar sign, along with one of the Louis Vuitton bed trunks used by French officers on their missions abroad, in a first example of singular window dressing.
In 1889, Georges opened a new establishment opposite Charing Cross, one of the most important London railway stations. Years later, in 1900, and with the intention of reflecting the sophistication of his creations, Georges decided to move to the heart of the city’s luxury district, at 149 New Bond Street, near where the current store is located today. .
Introducing French Art de Vivre:
“Louis Vuitton and London”
celebrates the House’s savoir-faire and its spirit of ongoing innovation.
