When it comes to luxury fashion brands, Louis Vuitton is undoubtedly at the top of the list. Founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton himself, the brand has become a symbol of wealth, sophistication, and style.
However, with the passing of time and generations, questions arise about who will take over the reins of this iconic fashion house. So, who is the heir to Louis Vuitton?
The Founder of Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton was born in France in 1821 and began his career as a trunk maker. In 1854, he founded his own company and opened his first store in Paris.
He quickly gained a reputation for creating high-quality luggage that was both stylish and practical. His designs were so innovative that he soon became a favorite among European royalty.
A Family Business
After Louis Vuitton’s death in 1892, his son Georges took over the business. Under Georges’ leadership, Louis Vuitton continued to grow and expand into new markets. He also introduced new products such as handbags and wallets that became instant classics.
Georges’ son Gaston-Louis took over after him and continued to run the company until his death in 1970. During his tenure, he expanded the brand even further by opening stores across Europe and North America.
The Arnault Family Takes Over
In 1987, Louis Vuitton merged with Moet Hennessy to form LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy). The merger was orchestrated by businessman Bernard Arnault who became the CEO of LVMH.
Bernard Arnault is now one of the richest men in the world with an estimated net worth of $150 billion. He has three children: Delphine, Antoine, and Alexandre.
The Next Generation
Delphine Arnault is widely considered to be the heir to Louis Vuitton. She has been working for LVMH since 2000 and currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Louis Vuitton. She is also a member of LVMH’s executive committee and is responsible for overseeing the group’s other fashion brands such as Dior and Fendi.
Antoine Arnault, Bernard’s second son, is also involved in the family business. He is the CEO of Berluti, a high-end men’s fashion brand that is owned by LVMH.
Alexandre Arnault, Bernard’s youngest son, is currently the CEO of Rimowa, a luxury luggage brand that was acquired by LVMH in 2016.
The Future of Louis Vuitton
While Delphine Arnault may be seen as the natural heir to Louis Vuitton, it’s important to note that LVMH has a unique corporate structure. The company is divided into individual brands that each have their own CEO and creative director. So even though Delphine may eventually take over as CEO of Louis Vuitton, there will still be many other key players involved in running the company.
In conclusion, while there isn’t necessarily one single heir to Louis Vuitton, it’s clear that the brand will remain in good hands with the Arnault family at its helm. With their wealth of experience and expertise in the luxury fashion industry, they are well-equipped to continue Louis Vuitton’s legacy for generations to come.