Louis Vuitton Artistic Director Discusses Brand History and New Collection

Inside a building outside Paris, Louis Vuitton stores and preserves more than a century of its products. Nicolas Ghesquière, the company's artistic director, said the collection contains secrets that inform current designs. Ghesquière said the story of Louis Vuitton centers on innovation.

The company was founded in 1821 by a trunk-maker who created a flat, stackable trunk that replaced rounded designs and changed travel.

Pierre-Louis Vuitton, the founder's great-great-great-grandson, oversees trunk production at the family workshop. He said each trunk is built to last a lifetime using methods from 172 years ago. The interlocking LV logo remains one of the brand's most recognizable symbols. Ghesquière said every decision at the company carries economic and creative weight because of its size.

Ghesquière described his design process as opening a trunk each season to imagine its contents. His Petite Malle clutch draws directly from the original trunk design. A new collection featuring a collaboration with the estate of artist Keith Haring is scheduled to show in New York this week.

Ghesquière said fashion succeeds when it offers something different from what came before. The 2026 cruise collection is set to debut at the Frick in New York City on May 20.