From debut to revival, how this design defined an era.
Luxury fashion is no longer just about handbags or heels — it’s about storytelling. And perhaps no one has done it quite like Nicolas Ghesquière, who celebrates a decade at Louis Vuitton this year. At the center of his success? A bag that captured the Maison’s past and present: the GO-14.
1. A Fortunate Debut
Debuting in Spring 2015, the GO-14 — short for Ghesquière October 2014 — was a nod to Louis Vuitton’s 1854 roots as a trunkmaker. Designed during his first season at the helm, the GO-14 set the tone for a new leather-forward future at LV, one less focused on monogram play and more on craftsmanship.
2. The Power of Malletage
The bag’s most distinct feature, the crisscrossed Malletage quilting, drew from the inside of vintage Vuitton trunks. While many initially compared it to Chanel, it soon became clear this was Vuitton’s own signature — one rooted in heritage, and reimagined in supple lambskin and structured lines.
3. A Triumphant Return
Though briefly retired in the late 2010s, the GO-14 returned in 2023, perfectly timed with the rise of quiet luxury. Updated in mini Pico, MM, and GM sizes, and flaunted by the likes of Cate Blanchett and Emma Stone, the bag reentered Vuitton’s spotlight — and our feeds — with force.
4. Craftsmanship on Display
Each GO-14 requires over 20 assembly steps, including hand-applied 17-meter gallon trim and a toasted patina effect that shifts in the light. These touches go beyond design — they signify Ghesquière’s mission to elevate Vuitton from a canvas icon to a leather luxury leader.
5. Investing in Icon Status
Originally retailing for under $4,000, today’s GO-14 starts at $4,450 for the Pico, with larger sizes climbing beyond $7,000. Still, for collectors, the investment is not just in a handbag — but in a piece of design history that continues to shape the future of fashion.
Images via purseblog.com