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Introducing the Louis Vuitton Padlock

One of the oldest symbols of the house, predating even its monogram, Louis Vuitton originally only put padlocks on its travel trunks and bags. But, The Vintage Bar has repurposed them into pendants, creating its own exclusive jewelry collection.

For Louis Vuitton, it has always been about the lock. What is now seemingly a stylistic element on the classic handbags we all covet, was actually one of the motivating forces behind the entire brand. Since 1854, when Louis Vuitton set out to establish himself as a luxury trunk-master, the label has been consumed with the development of one of its most identifiable details – featured long before its now famous monogram. 

 

At a time when the transportation of luggage especially attracted the attention of burglars, Louis Vuitton aimed to assure its customers that their belongings would be secure in its trunks. But it was not until 1886, with the help of Louis’s son Georges, that the brand revolutionized luggage locks with a – unpickable! – tumbler lock that lived up to its high security standards. Confident in the lock, Georges even challenged Harry Houdini – an illusionist known for his escape acts – to free himself from a Louis Vuitton Steamer trunk. Houdini never accepted the dare, and the effectiveness of the Louis Vuitton lock became indisputable. 

 

Starting with the Steamer bag in 1901, Louis Vuitton transitioned its signature lock, in the form of the padlock we still see today, to its range of handbags. Each bag was accompanied by one numbered lock and a corresponding key, offering the same level of security to Louis Vuitton’s smaller, everyday bags and providing them with an elegant mark of authenticity. 

Louis Vuitton Lockit

Elegant enough to stand – front and center – on its own, Louis Vuitton launched a line of padlock jewelry, called Lockit, in 2013. Arguably a more modern version of the traditional heart-shaped locket, Louis Vuitton created sized-down replicas of its iconic padlock to fit on necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. Louis Vuitton’s Lockit collection has reframed its padlock to symbolize not only protection and authenticity, but also love and attachment. Its padlock now serves as a nod to the love lock tradition of, together with a loved one, locking a padlock to a bridge and throwing the key into the water in order to forever seal your commitment.

Photo by Louise Christensen via Louisechristensen instagram official website

TVB’s Exclusive LV Padlock Collection

Here, at The Vintage Bar, we also believe the Louis Vuitton Padlock is worthy of a moment of its own. So, at the end of 2018, we followed Louis Vuitton’s lead and released our take on its Lockit line. Staying true to our mission, we have sourced vintage padlocks that have been separated from their bags and repurposed them as pendants. And, we could not be happier with the result.  The chunky, brass padlocks are well-balanced by the delicate, gold-plated chains we have paired them with, making each necklace a statement piece that can be worn alone or layered. Our Louis Vuitton Padlock necklaces serve as the perfect gift for a significant other on Valentine’s Day, the most on-trend friendship necklaces, or the ultimate way to indulge yourself with a little self-love. We hope you will join us in carrying a piece of the Louis Vuitton legacy around your neck – because these padlocks are simply too chic to go to waste or spend the rest of time attached to a bridge! 

Photo by Maria Kragmann via MariaKragmann instagram official website

Photo by Matilda Djerf via Mathildadjerf instagram official website

Written by Anna Villani
Anna Villani is a fashion writer based in Copenhagen
The people pictured are not associated with The Archive
or The Vintage Bar, and do not endorse the products shown.