Louis Vuitton
GO-14
The GO-14 bag is unique in Louis Vuitton’s history of leather goods. It is the nexus of entwined passions: a designer’s inspiration, a trunk-maker’s secrets, an artisan’s ingenuity... The GO-14 is both a commencement and a culmination.
The GO-14 is an initiatory bag, one of Nicolas Ghesquière’s first designs – hence its coded name: Ghesquière October 2014, the date it first appeared on the runway for the debut of the Women’s Artistic Director at Louis Vuitton. It is re-emerging in 2023 in full spirit with a unique characteristic: malletage.
The malletage brings in the spirit of historical trunk-making. This refined crisscrossing pattern pads the insides of trunks. The galon trim was a simple ingenuity that kept documents in their place regardless of the twists and turns of travelling. Nicolas Ghesquière rediscovered this Louis Vuitton innovation and featured it in his first collection, reawakening and revealing this invisible luxury: “There are some universal codes that exist solely in Louis Vuitton. It was about reappropriating and transposing them into a new setting.” Nicolas Ghesquière turned it into a striking signature, a graphic design language for clothes and accessories. A narrative thread.
Today, the GO-14 is a generous, sensual padded lambskin bag. It is covered in this bouncy, infinitely soft malletage with overstitching highlighting the design’s curves and cushiony feel. It comes in every shade, from the starkest black and white to the diluted, nuanced, toasted shades that reveal the subtleties of its texture.
The GO-14 is a versatile bag that can be worn in many different ways to match every woman’s mood: on or over the shoulder with its new jewel chain as supple as a gold necklace; on the arm or handheld, as the chain can also be doubled thanks to a brand new groove system – like two precious commas. Finally, a handle reaffirms the bag’s position as a classic. The GO-14 exudes sophistication at all times.
The GO-14 is a feat of skill and the epitome of thriving heritage. The malletage that pads the bag – ever-evolving since the earliest trunks in a quest for enhancement and ultimate elegance – is a real challenge for artisans. The creative process requires more than 20 different steps, including the utmost meticulousness on the patina to ensure a satin or toasted finish and to perfect the colour’s subtle gradations. A highly precise technique for depositing the 17-metre-long trim is also needed for the rounded malletage of each GO-14. A more complex savoir-faire than for traditional quilting is also paramount. GO-14’s perfect harmonies resonate with all the expertise of Louis Vuitton’s ateliers.
About Louis Vuitton
Since 1854, Louis Vuitton has brought unique designs to the world,
combining innovation with style, always aiming for the finest quality and
preserving biodiversity. Today, the House remains faithful to the spirit
of its founder, Louis Vuitton, who invented a genuine “Art of Travel”
through luggage, bags and accessories which were as creative as they were
elegant and practical. Since then, audacity has shaped the story of Louis
Vuitton. Faithful to its heritage, Louis Vuitton has opened its doors to
architects, artists and designers across the years, all the while
developing disciplines such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches,
jewellery, and fragrance. These carefully created products are testament
to Louis Vuitton’s commitment to fine craftsmanship.
For further information:
www.louisvuitton.com