I had the priviledge of visiting the factory of LOUIS VUITTON in 2007 with the General Manager of Vuitton Switzerland. It was a wonderful visit through history and a discovery of the scenes behind a worldwide known brand. While we were strolling through the different floors and rooms of the 155 years old house, we knew that we might also encounter one member of the family who works like the rest of them in the factory. The GM of LV Switzerland said to us after the visit that we met him, but he did not introduce himself to remain one worker amongst his co-workers, anonymous and respectful.
It will not be the history of the brand neither publicity for it, but more a tribute to a man that has been working for the Vuitton family since 1975. A man that passionate about his job is just something magical.
Since 34 years, he hammers golden nails into the large trunks or suitcases and he loves it with all his heart. Every nail is as important to him as a surgery would be to a surgeon, an account opening to a banker or an applause for an artist on stage! This man loves his job and can talk about it to whoever comes to visit the factory at Anières, near Paris and make you believe that this is the best job on earth!
When you hear him tell you all the difference between a small nail and a bigger one, between nails on a trunk and invisible nails in the other suitcases, you look at these luggage with a different perspective and almost imagine the story behind the man.
By seeing such passion and such commitment in one skilled worker, you will never be able anymore to buy any false branded bags or suitcases. When you are trapped on beaches in Asia or on markets in Turkey, maybe you help the local "black market", but you participate in degrading the jobs of these workers in Europe who have dedicated all their lives to making such a simple gesture as hammering a nail an ART!
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