For over 150 years, Louis Vuitton’s monogrammed bags have been associated with style and luxury. Born in 1821, he left home at age 13 to seek his fortune in Paris, where he became an apprentice box-maker, eventually leading to his appearance at the French Royal Court. With royal backing, Louis opened his first workshop in 1854, where his skills and innovations established his brand as one of the most popular in Europe. Passing on his passion for crafting beautiful luggage to his son, Georges, and later his grandson Gaston-Louis, they ensured that the company continued to grow, surviving two world wars, to become the luxury brand for which it is famous. Louis Vuitton stores opened in cities around the world and expanded into other high-end brands. The 1987 merger with Möet Hennessy created the megabrand LVMH, and in 1997 the appointment of Marc Jacobs launched Louis Vuitton into the fashion world. "The Louis Vuitton woman is more about a quality, a quality within some women that needs to come out, be noticed and recognised." Marc Jacobs "There's a lot of baggage that comes with our family, but it's like Louis Vuitton luggage." Kim Kardashian "Luxury has to be comfortable, otherwise it's not luxury." Louis Vuitton