Louis Vuitton Unveils the GO-14 Bag: A Masterpiece of Timeless Luxury

Louis Vuitton, renowned for its legacy of elegance and impeccable craftsmanship, unveils the GO-14 bag, a remarkable addition to its illustrious history of leather goods. This exceptional bag represents the meeting of passions: the creative inspiration of a visionary designer, the closely guarded techniques of a master trunk-maker, and the unmatched skills of artisans. The GO-14 signifies not only a fresh beginning but also a celebration of Louis Vuitton's enduring heritage.

The GO-14 isn't just another bag; it symbolizes an initiation into the world of timeless luxury. Designed by Louis Vuitton's Women's Artistic Director, Nicolas Ghesquière, the GO-14 carries a hidden code in its name, "Ghesquière October 2014," signifying its debut during Nicolas Ghesquière's inaugural presentation as the Women's Artistic Director at Louis Vuitton. Today, in 2023, it re-emerges with a distinctive feature: malletage.

Malletage encapsulates the spirit of Louis Vuitton's rich history of trunk-making. This iconic crisscross pattern, originally used to line the interiors of trunks, ensured that important documents stayed securely in place during arduous journeys. Nicolas Ghesquière revived this Louis Vuitton innovation, introducing it in his debut collection and unveiling this hidden luxury. As Ghesquière aptly puts it, "There are some universal codes that exist solely within Louis Vuitton. It was about reappropriating and reimagining them in a new context." This innovation has since become a signature design element for Louis Vuitton, gracing both clothing and accessories.

Today, the GO-14 stands as a lavish and sensuous bag, carefully crafted from supple lambskin adorned with the distinctive malletage pattern. Overstitching accentuates the bag's curves, enhancing its luxurious cushioned feel. It is available in an array of hues, ranging from classic black and white to nuanced, toasted shades, revealing the depth of its texture.

The GO-14 proves to be a versatile companion, capable of adapting to every mood and style. It can be elegantly draped over the shoulder using its new jewel chain, which falls as gracefully as a gold necklace. Alternatively, it can be carried on the arm or by hand, as the chain can be doubled through a novel groove system, reminiscent of two precious commas. The addition of a handle reaffirms the GO-14's status as a classic piece, embodying sophistication at all times.

The malletage gracing the bag, which has evolved since the earliest trunks, represents a genuine challenge for artisans. The creative process involves over 20 intricate steps, including precise patina work to achieve a satin or toasted finish with subtle color gradations. Additionally, a highly precise technique is required to apply the 17-meter-long trim, creating the rounded malletage pattern for each GO-14. This surpasses traditional quilting in complexity, showcasing the expertise of Louis Vuitton's ateliers.

The GO-14 MM Malletage Toasté in tan lambskin, GO-14 MM in white and black lambskin are just some of the variants, each reflecting the artistry and meticulous craftsmanship that defines Louis Vuitton.

For more information and to explore the GO-14 collection, please visit Louis Vuitton's official website.