On September 26, Louis Vuitton inaugurated a special exhibition, “Louis Vuitton Art Deco,” in Paris to mark the centenary of the Art Deco movement. The show is held at LV Dream, located across from the Samaritaine department store. Designed as an immersive experience, the exhibition recreates the historic moment of the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, highlighting the brand’s deep connection to the Art Deco style.
1925: A Defining Moment in Paris
Paris in the 1920s was a city illuminated by jazz, cinema, and dazzling shop windows. Art Deco, with its geometric forms and shimmering metallic details, flourished in this era, establishing itself as a truly international design language. The 1925 World’s Fair cemented its influence, attracting over 16 million visitors from around the globe.
Louis Vuitton participated in the fair in the “Class 9” section, presenting travel trunks and leather goods that embodied the modern lifestyle. At the center of this endeavor was Gaston-Louis Vuitton, grandson of the founder. He not only oversaw product design and window displays but also led collaborations with artists, shaping the brand’s visual identity.
Exhibition Structure and Highlights
The Louis Vuitton Art Deco exhibition is spread across eight galleries and showcases more than 300 archival pieces, many of which are being presented to the public for the first time. Visitors are welcomed into a recreation of Louis Vuitton’s 1925 booth, complete with emerald green curtains, circular lighting, and Art Deco-style gold lettering.
Among the treasures on display are custom-made trunks for couturier Paul Poiret and opera singer Marthe Chenal, as well as a grooming set once owned by composer Igor Stravinsky. Crafted from rare materials such as ivory, tortoiseshell, and crocodile leather, these pieces embody the luxury and craftsmanship of the era.
The exhibition also features essays written by Gaston-Louis Vuitton on window display design, along with sketches of storefront façades. As the brand’s first archivist, he meticulously photographed and documented everything, leaving behind an invaluable legacy.
From Past to Present
Another section of the exhibition highlights small handbags from the 1920s, such as minaudières and evening bags. These are shown alongside later collections by Marc Jacobs and Nicolas Ghesquière, illustrating how the spirit of Art Deco continues to resonate in modern design.
The final chapter, “Beauty in Travel,” situates Louis Vuitton within the cultural landscape of 1920s travel—from ocean liners to transatlantic flights—while reaffirming the brand’s enduring relevance. Contemporary creations, including Ghesquière’s 2020 Cruise Collection and Pharrell Williams’ menswear designs, are also on view.
Café, Boutique, and Future Exhibitions
Adjacent to the exhibition, Le Café Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton offers special menus and chocolates inspired by the show. The gift store features collector’s items, as well as small leather goods and books.
Looking ahead, beginning October 22, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris will open “1925–2025: 100 Years of Art Deco.” Louis Vuitton will contribute works to this broader exhibition, offering a comprehensive look at the movement across a century.
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