Merce Pampalona – Virtuoso Head of Leather Goods Prototyping (Barcelona, Spain)
"Bridging creativity and craftsmanship, turning an idea into reality—that’s what drives me every day. I oversee the transformation of sketches into fully realized leather goods, ensuring that every piece meets Louis Vuitton’s highest standards of craftsmanship. Beyond execution, my team collaborates closely with the House’s designers to adapt artisanal techniques for larger-scale production, maintaining a delicate balance between tradition and innovation. I joined Louis Vuitton in 1994 as an executive assistant when our site had just 90 employees—today, we are over 1,800. Over the years, I worked across multiple departments before leading the creation of our first integrated leather goods prototyping service in 2018. Seeing our first models come to life and walk the runway was an unforgettable moment, one that our entire team celebrated with pride.
For me, being a Virtuoso means embracing new challenges and passing on knowledge. We are actively building partnerships with tannery and design schools to keep these métiers alive. No matter the House or the métier, our passion remains the same—and will continue for generations to come.”