Today a designer's muse has arguably become as important as a brand itself. Louis Vuitton is celebrating its six, most influential muses since the House's creation in 1854, with an exhibit, entitled Timeless Muses. The exhibition highlights the brand’s most significant women throughout history: Wife of Napoleon III Empress Eugenie, influential architest and designer Charlotte Perriand, French novelist Françoise Sagan, actress Catherine Deneuve, model Kate Moss, and filmmaker Soia Coppola. All six women "have seen the world through a different pair of eyes and approached life with audacity and a sense of freedom," according to the exhibit's press release. "They changed the fact of femininity by moving lines and inspired Louis Vuitton in many ways.” And while some have maintained a close, long-standing relationship with the house, others (such as Sofia Coppola) have inspired actual products. The exhibit runs through September 23rd at the Tokyo Station Hotel in Japan and features “immersive digital technology" in a "nightclub ambiance" that allows visitors to experience the inspirations and emotions that these women have invoked for the legendary fashion house.
The wife of Napolen III, Empress Eugenie de Montijo admired the extravagene of Marie Antoinette’s lifestyle, which she utilized to create a "fascinating, glittering court." Recognized for her beauty and passion for elegant style, Eugenie was an admirer of Louis Vuitton’s trunks, which she used amongst her travels to transport her wardrobe of "fine gowns and toiletries."
Empress Eugenie served as Louis Vuitton’s first ambassadress, initiating the brand to international recognition. "Her vision and influence were to shape the tenets of modern femininity and luxury."
Charlotte Perriand emerged at the 1927 Paris fair as a young designer and architect. Perriand was commissioned by Le Corbusier to design pieces soon after that would later become 20th century icons. Between her passion for interior design, photography, and Japanese traditions, Perriand "presented her utter freedom existence and creativity to the world."
To honor Perriand's legacy, the house will create "a wardrobe of colorful and interchangebale items inspired by her unique style" in 2014.
Sagan published her first novel, Bonjour Tristesse, at age 19, marking a long journey of literary success. Her "sharp tongue and sparkling personality" formulated a writing style that was romantic in theme yet simple in tone. Recognized as a big spender, Sagan maintained a collection of Jaguars, Maseratis, Aston Martins, and of course, Louis Vuitton.
Sagan's go-to bag was the Louis Vuitton Keepall, which "she would have one, two, three -- eight? -- and would shower them as gifts on her unsuspecting friends, leaving them with a memento of a woman whose unique style was impossible to pin down."
Jacques ROUCHON
French actress Catherine Deneuve stole the silver screens of film like Belle de Jour and Indochine. Between her beauty and personality, Deneuve became a French cinematic icon, and "a reference in terms of poise and chic."
As a long-time Louis Vuitton customer, Deneuve said that "the Monogram captivates her for its Asian connections." Throughout the height of her career in the 1960s and 1970s, Deneuve traveled with her Louis Vuitton Speedy bag close to her side. After years of dedication to the house, the actress became the face of the Louis Vuitton Care Values campaign in 2008 at age 64.
Discovered at age 14, Kate Moss has of course become a legendary supermodel. Louis Vuitton described Moss as its muse as "pure, feminine, childlike, and unique."
A regular on the Louis Vuitton runway, Kate Moss became closesly related to the Louis Vuitton brand when friend Marc Jacobs became Creative Director of the House. "Kate brings her unique presence to the Louis Vuitton catwalk and to the house's atmosphere," SAYS WHO "Whatever she wears become instantly desirable; a style on its own."
While cinematic success may seem genetic to the Coppolas, Sofia has conquered her own achievements within the film indsutry. With films like The Virgin Suicides, Lost in Translation, and Marie Antoinette under her belt, Coppola's aesthetic has been established as "a flawless blend of discreet luxury and a youthful vibrancy."
Between being named the face of the Louis Vuitton Core Values campaign in 2008 and having a bag named after her, Sofia Coppola has become one of the house's most influential muses. Similar to Moss, Coppola became an influencer for Louis Vuitton when Marc Jacobs became Creative Director and served as an inspiration for the house's 2008 cruise collection. In 2009, the "perfectly practical and incredibly elegant" SC Bag was created with Coppola, and "became an instant object of desire for all women who identify with her distinctive, restrained style."
