Louis Vuitton, the iconic luxury fashion house, has a rich history that dates back to the humble beginnings of its founder, Louis Vuitton. Raised by a farmer father and a milliner mother in the rural town of Anchay in eastern France, Vuitton’s journey to success was anything but conventional.
At the age of 14, Vuitton embarked on a 280-mile pilgrimage to Paris, where he spent nearly two decades honing his craft as a box maker under the guidance of a prominent malletier. His skills caught the attention of Napoleon III’s wife, Eugénie de Montijo, who appointed him as the official trunk maker. In 1854, Vuitton opened his first luggage shop near Place Vendôme, where he sold leather travel goods and canvas steamer trunks.
Over the years, the brand continued to innovate and expand its offerings. In 1888, Vuitton’s son, Georges, trademarked the signature checkerboard Damier print. The iconic steamer bag, designed for trans-Atlantic voyages, was introduced in 1901, followed by the foldable Keepall tote in the 1930s.
Now, Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director, Pharrell Williams, and musician Tyler, the Creator, are putting a modern twist on the classic Keepall with the Damier Golf. The new bag features a checkered celadon motif inspired by lush fairways, a playful nod to Tyler’s favorite dog on the interior lining, and a bubble gum pink removable charm shaped like a flower on the leather handles.
This collaboration between Williams and Tyler breathes new life into Louis Vuitton’s timeless designs, showcasing a playful reinterpretation of the brand’s iconic codes. The Damier Golf is a testament to the enduring legacy of Louis Vuitton and its ability to stay relevant in the ever-changing world of fashion.
