Louis Vuitton and Hermes Comparison

Louis Vuitton and Hermes: Contrast and Comparison

Both Louis Vuitton and Hermes are 'luxury' handbag brands -- brands that are popular based upon their image and their association with the lives of the very wealthy, as well as their structure and quality. They are also both very old brands. The Louis Vuitton logo, "a Japanese-inspired flower motif, has been synonymous with luxury since it was first introduced in 1896" and is considered the world's first designer label.[footnoteRef:1] Hermes is also instantaneously recognizable and dates back to an 1837 Parisian harness-making shop.[footnoteRef:2] However, while Louis Vuitton is associated with outrageous style and celebrity fashion -- "in today's world, Louis Vuitton conjures thoughts of the posh, extravagant lifestyle of the celebrities and socialites who, with cult-like zeal, carry purses and bags emblazoned with the Vuitton logo" -- Hermes has a far more classic image. [footnoteRef:3] The celebrities associated with Hermes are those of the Golden Age of Hollywood, like Grace Kelly and American royalty like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. [1: Diana Prince, "Louis Vuitton: The history behind the purse," Yahoo Voices, Available: http://voices.yahoo.com/louis-vuitton-history-behind-purse-53285.html [3 Nov 2012]] [2: "History of Hermes," Fashion Bank, Available http://www.my-fashionbank.com/articles/article44.html [3 Nov 2012]] [3: Prince, 2012]

Today, "Hermes is recognized for its handmade luggage and handbag collections" and its reputation is based upon its customization and quality.[footnoteRef:4] "The company does not use assembly lines, only one craftsperson may work on one handbag at a time, hand-stitching each individual piece. Due to the labor-intensive nature of Hermes production methods and the use of rare materials, sometimes including exotic skins as well as precious metals, one bag can take 18 to 24 hours to create.[footnoteRef:5]" The designs are often extremely subtle and customized. Thus, while trendy Vuitton bags strive to be 'of the moment,' because of the time, care, and crafting that goes into a Hermes bag, Hermes strives for a timeless, classic appeal. Hermes also manufactures equally distinctive "menswear, perfume, women's fashion, footwear and jewelry."[footnoteRef:6] [4: Christopher Parr, "The history of the Hermes bag and Grace Kelly," Pursuitist, Available: http://pursuitist.com/style/hermes-kelly-bag / [3 Nov 2012]] [5: Parr 2012] [6: "History of Hermes," Fashion Bank, Available http://www.my-fashionbank.com/articles/article44.html [3 Nov 2012]]

Louis Vuitton has tended to be more innovative in its design and more eclectic. From the beginning, it incorporated aspects of Japanese designs into its style, versus the European appearance favored by Hermes. In "1924, eight years after the end of WWI, Vuitton invented the 'Keepall' bag, a light-weight travel bag that foreran the invention of the duffel bag. In 1932, the 'Noe' bag was designed for a champagne vinter to transport several bottles at once.[footnoteRef:7]" As the brand grew older, it adopted more outrageous stunts to gain in notoriety. Vuitton has sponsored auto racing and yachting events, while Hermes has remained decorously in the sidelines. [7: Prince, 2012]

Even the materials used to construct a Vuitton bag are distinct. Louis Vuitton created a new way to 'coat' the leather, which "allowed the fabric beneath to maintain its suppleness and beauty, while adding strength and impermeability. By treating the canvas to make it more supple while still maintaining its durability and elegance, the material was able to be used for making purses, smaller bags, and wallets.[footnoteRef:8]" Hermes, in contrast, was known for using traditional materials, specifically leather from different animals to create a unique feel. For example, Grace Kelly's famous signature bag was made of goat skin.[footnoteRef:9] [8: Prince, 2012] [9: Parr, 2012]