Design Under the Influence: Goyard

Hello again, it's Erika from small shop sharing with you a 7th edition of "Design Under the Influence." I was thinking recently, one goal that any graphic designer like myself shares is to create a graphic that is not only instantly recognizable, but highly regarded. Such is the case with the famous Goyard pattern. You know the one, those interweaving "Y"s ...

Did you know that the company associated with this pattern was founded back in 1853 (one year before Louis Vuitton), and to this day sits on the rue Saint-Honoré in Paris? L. Maison Goyard has a rich history and is considered a pioneer in the ultra-luxurious luggage industry, initially designing and manufacturing customized trunks for traveling aristocrats in the 1800's, and monogramming the pieces with clientele's family crests and colors.

More recently, Goyard's handbags have become the "it" bag for all Manhattan-ites between Madison and 5th it seems, and "it" celebs alike. But getting your hands on a highly coveted bag is not so simple; Goyard does not sell online, and currently has only twelve stores worldwide.

New York Times "The Trophy" by Bill Cunningham

One of the reasons Goyard's line of trunks and bags is so in demand is because each is hand sewn, lightweight, waterproof, and the pattern adorning each is hand painted. You can get a Goyard piece in a variety of colors, configurations, and customizations:

I've heard the "Y" pattern, made up of three chevrons, symbolizes the family "tree" of three generations/centuries of the Goyard family. As a graphic designer I get giddy with excitement when I think about how something so visually simple could represent something so exclusive and steeped in history. And to see it replicated in wallpaper, dinnerware, and textiles would be the perfect compliment, in my humble opinion.