When it comes to luxury fashion brands, few are as iconic and recognizable as Louis Vuitton. Founded in 1854, the French fashion house has become synonymous with high-end leather goods, luggage, and accessories.
But who will inherit the Louis Vuitton empire when its current leaders step down? Let’s take a closer look.
Early Days of Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton himself founded the brand in Paris in 1854. The company quickly gained a reputation for its innovative designs and high-quality materials. By the time of Vuitton’s death in 1892, the brand had become a household name across Europe.
The Next Generation
When Louis Vuitton passed away, his son Georges took over the business. Under Georges’ leadership, the brand continued to expand and innovate. In 1896, Georges introduced the now-iconic LV monogram canvas design.
Georges’ son Gaston-Louis took over after his father’s death in 1936. Gaston-Louis managed to keep the brand relevant throughout World War II and beyond. He introduced new products such as wallets and handbags, helping to cement Louis Vuitton’s reputation as a luxury lifestyle brand.
The Modern Era
In 1987, Louis Vuitton merged with Moet et Chandon Champagne and Hennessy Cognac to form LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy). This move solidified Louis Vuitton’s position as one of the world’s most valuable luxury brands.
Today, LVMH is still controlled by members of the founding families – specifically Bernard Arnault and his family. Arnault is one of the richest people in France and has been instrumental in growing LVMH’s portfolio of luxury brands beyond just Louis Vuitton.
Who Will Inherit Louis Vuitton?
Given that Louis Vuitton is part of a larger conglomerate, it’s difficult to say who exactly will inherit the brand. However, it’s worth noting that Arnault has several children who are involved in LVMH. His daughter Delphine is currently the executive vice president of Louis Vuitton and sits on LVMH’s executive committee.
It’s possible that Delphine (or one of Arnault’s other children) could eventually take over as the head of LVMH and therefore control the future of Louis Vuitton.
Conclusion
While we can’t say for certain who will inherit Louis Vuitton, it’s clear that the brand will remain in good hands. The Arnault family has a long history of successfully managing luxury brands, and their continued involvement in LVMH ensures that Louis Vuitton will continue to be a major player in the fashion world for years to come.