I've been stalking websites of luxury brands for as long as I can remember. Even if I knew I can't afford anything from their merchandise. It started with Hermes, which I later discovered produce its own line of books. A few years ago, I learned that Louis Vuitton has its own line of publication. Unlike Hermes which showcased a glimpse of their history and design process, Louis Vuitton ventured on travel books. I believe it's because of Louis Vuitton's origin. The fashion house and luxury retail company started with trunks and luggage. Everything was attributed with travel and voyages. 

Louis Vuitton released several books featuring different cities. The series I've been wanting complete is the Travel Books, which showcases partnership with renowned contemporary artists. One of my favorites is Jiro Taniguchi's version of Venice. 

Jiro Taniguchi started as a manga artist. He is best known for his 90s comic book, The Walking Man. His drawings and story telling approach lean on the unconventional style, less dialogues, tame and quiet characters. He often focuses on showing the daily lives of a typical resident. Another distinct trademark of his works, his emphasis on scenery, landscape and structures. 


Jiro Taniguchi's accomplishments and awards outside his own country no doubt, made him more than deserving to be included in Louis Vuitton's Travel Book series. Beyond his talent, another reason why I love Jiro Taniguchi's version is because of his own story behind Venice. 




Jiro Taniguchi's journey and connection with Venice started from his own family. He discovered a series of postcards that led him to Venice. 

It's not a surprise why I fell in love with Jiro Taniguchi's travel story. I have fascination with postcards, especially those "lost postcards" I featured in my blog. I've always been interested with people, places and stories behind these lost postcards.

Here are a few pages from Jiro Taniguchi's Venice 


Another side story, I was expecting to receive this hardbound version

I originally wanted to purchase via Louis Vuitton's US based website. Unfortunately, it was already out of stock. On one random day, I found a copy from Book Depository. I didn't read the description, the copy was in paper back. :(



Nevertheless, it's still the same content. 





Each page is uniquely impressive. Venice is already a beautiful city on its own. Jiro Taniguchi's illustration made it more interesting. A true artist will always have a different and meaningful interpretation of everything.

I may not have acquired the real hardbound book from Louis Vuitton. But the paperback edition is all worth it, definitely 5 out of 5 stars for this book.