Louis Vuitton is an iconic logo made of an inspired and inspiring Monogram, epi leather, unmatched trunk making and an unpickable lock. The fate of the most symbolic trunkmaker in history is so naturally linked to travel that it’s no wonder Louis Vuitton is so focused on practicality, security, and elegance.
In 1854, Louis Vuitton found his self named brand as a trunkmaker in Paris – soon after, he would drastically change the art of traveling. The founder was very fond of changing all of the less practical aspects of luggage in those days.
In the very beginning came the shape of the trunks, then the issue of security. Louis Vuitton concentrated on one main project at that time: helping the closing system of trunks evolve to make them incapable of being penetrated or imitated.
He worked with a variety of different types of locks, going from one supplier to the next, always seeking a more original system and the best way to help solve the new problems of that time.
In 1896, after many years of research, Louis arrived at a major breakthrough… In a time where travelers transported a majority of their personal belongings in wardrobes and trunks that would unfortunately attract thieves, Louis Vuitton had the courage to create the only lock that was unpickable.
The creation of the unpickable lock is due to a delicate balance of both tradition and innovation. With one key for one single bag, the public still had to be convinced of the truthfulness of Louis Vuitton’s claims.
To do this and to aid capturing the belief of many, Georges, his son, would take on Harry Houdini. According to the story, the dare was to get Houdini out of a box closed with a Louis Vuitton lock. With an onlooking crowd, Houdini wasn’t able to escape, and the lock’s efficiency was proven. .
As a result, the trunkmaker issued a response to the new demands of the day.
- The cover’s lock was ensured through a three-point system that would secure the trunk.
- Numbered and stocked, the keys were linked to the individual customer who would receive a distinct lock number.
Today of course, Louis Vuitton produces more bags than trunks, but the lock is still the brand’s signature. Since 1901, the unpickable lock adorned every bag.
Take the Keepall, for example; the bag for the most intrepid of travelers. One of the brand’s most known handbags, the Keepall is a highly demanded travel bag that’s a favorite of long-haul travelers. A padlock seals Louis Vuitton’s quality and authenticity.
But it’s actually another piece that’s put the unpickable lock in more people hands – a smaller-size travel bag, perfect for daily outings.
In the 60s, Audrey Hepburn would fall in love with the Speedy and thus, contributed heavily to its popularity. But the actress wanted the brand to imagine an even smaller size. As a result, the Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 handbag was created and a padlock appeared on every type of style, even men’s, for Spring/Summer 2018.
In 2013, Louis Vuitton would convert its label into a sign of love – Louis Vuitton’s iconic padlock became the centerpiece of a collection of rings, bracelets, and pendants made of yellow, rose, and grey gold called Lock-It.
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