Second Skin
Louis Vuitton’s timeless Capucines design tells the story of the maison’s captivating history and dedication to creativity and craftsmanship, including the mastery of rare and exotic skins
In 1854, the visionary trunk maker and designer Louis Vuitton set up his boutique and atelier at 4, Rue Neuve-des-capucines. Adjacent to Place Vendôme, Rue Saint Honoré and the Imperial residence at Palais des Tuileries, he would earn his place among the most skilled artisans and craftsmen of luxury goods in Paris; his pioneering designs becoming the favourite of le tout-paris, the most elegant of European society.
Among his loyal clientele and patrons was Empress Eugénie, wife of ruling emperor Napoléon III. As her official emballeur de mode, he would pack her opulent gowns into his handmade luggages. For her, he crafted one of his most legendary creations, the Trianon trunk.
Introduced in 2013, the Capucines bag pays homage to Vuitton’s illustrious life and career. The name itself is a nod to the address where his journey began and the design incorporates emblematic symbols, especially in decorative elements. For example, the glistening rivets on the top handle’s metal rings allude to his luggage from the 19th century. It is also punctuated with the Monogram flower, a motif introduced by his son Georges Vuitton in 1896 in reference to four-leaf clovers cherished by his mother as lucky charms.
The true tribute to Vuitton, however, is the exquisite craftsmanship behind this iconic bag, which carries on his legacy of profound savoir-faire in bringing innovative concepts to life. It is assembled through 250 different steps by the most accomplished artisans at Louis Vuitton’s ateliers around the world. From cutting, stitching and piercing leather by hand to creating and installing metallic pieces, they employ extremely precise gestures and techniques developed by the maison over the last century.
The first Capucines was crafted from the maison’s signature Taurillon leather, known for its supple,
grained texture teased out using a long process of alternating tanning and drying. Since then, it has been refreshed each season with new interpretations in the noble leather and even became a springboard for the imagination of the maison and its partners. In the last three years, it has been reimagined by the world’s biggest artists, including Zeng Fanzhi and Beatriz Milhazes, as part of the annual Artycapucines collection.
Another beloved version of the Capucines involves rare and exotic skins: python, mink, ostrich and crocodile. Responsibly sourced in compliance with international guidelines, these skins are handled with the utmost care. Up to 10 weeks are required to complete the full treatment and tanning process before it is dyed to perfection with a matte or highshine finish and constructed into its familiar shape.
Earlier this year, Louis Vuitton established a new atelier in the carefully restored abbey of Vendôme.
It is dedicated to manufacturing Exotic Capucines, supporting its counterpart in Issoudun.
A bold and exciting step, the future of this timeless icon of femininity, the Capucines, as well as the maison’s extensive portfolio of luxury accessories, looks bright with endless possibilities for elevated craftsmanship and impressive innovations.