1860s Louis Vuitton Trianon Trunk - Museum Piece
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 26.78 in (68 cm)Width: 21.26 in (54 cm)Length: 31.5 in (80 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3488220399362
Louis Vuitton
The story behind iconic luxury brand Louis Vuitton — best known for its esteemed handbags, crossbody bags, leather goods, ready-to-wear clothing and more — is one of craft and innovation in the worlds of fashion, jewelry and furniture.
The company’s modest origins can be traced back to when its founder, Louis Vuitton (1821–92), wishing to free himself from the conventional lifestyle in his provincial French city of Anchay as well as a difficult stepmother, left in the early 1830s to make a new life in Paris. The young Vuitton was 13 at the time and would need to travel on foot to get to the capital, which was hundreds of miles away. With stops along the way to make money so that he could forge ahead, the journey took a couple of years, but reward was close at hand.
When he arrived in Paris, Vuitton made a living with his hands. He toiled as a box maker and packer for more than a decade and built relationships with royals and members of the upper class while working for the empress of France, Eugenie de Montijo. In 1854, Vuitton launched his namesake company. The craftsman opened a humble workshop on rue Neuve des Capucines and advertised his services with a small poster that read: “Securely packs the most fragile objects. Specializing in packing fashions.”
Long before his brand would become known globally for its exemplary top-handle bags and stylish totes, Vuitton produced stackable and rectangular trunks. The most common trunks of the era were round, which weren’t ideal for toting and storing. In 1858, Vuitton debuted his lightweight, handcrafted canvas trunks, which were sturdy, rugged and equipped with convenient compartments. Travel’s popularity broadened in the late 19th century, and Vuitton’s trunks could easily be packed into train cars and ships — upright trunks meant hanging wardrobe storage that would allow his clients to transport their sophisticated garments without worry. Demand increased and the company grew. When Louis Vuitton died in 1892, control of the luxury house was passed onto his only son, Georges Vuitton.
In 1914, a Louis Vuitton store opened at 70 Champs-Élysées. The largest travel-goods store in the world at the time, it became the company’s flagship.
The Louis Vuitton brand embodies all the attributes of luxury, from the craftsmanship, exclusivity and relevance to heritage. It’s only appropriate that it boasts one of the most recognizable insignias — the imaginative interlocking of letters and fleurettes — in the fashion world. The famous LV monogram was first used in 1896 as part of an initiative by Georges to prevent counterfeiting of his coveted new line of travel trunks. It’s one of the earliest examples of fashion branding.
The LV monogram would soon appear on everything from bags and various fashion accessories to alligator-skin champagne cases, from stylish apparel and earrings to teddy bears and airplane models.
On 1stDibs, the unmistakable insignia can be found on both modern and vintage Louis Vuitton shoulder bags, suitcases, original 19th-century trunks, jackets and more.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- 1920s Louis Vuitton Vuittonite Cabin TrunkBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBLouis Vuitton Vuittonite cabin trunk finished in iconic orange waterproof canvas with brass stamped hardware, leather trim and leather handles. Condition Report: Good condition Ple...Category
1920s French Suitcases and Trunks
- 1920s Goyard Cabin TrunkBy GoyardLocated in London, GBThe 1920s Goyard Cabin Trunk is a distinguished artifact from a golden era, exuding timeless elegance and impeccable craftsmanship. Representing the...Category
1920s French Suitcases and Trunks
- 1920s Louis Vuitton Cowhide Leather Cabin TrunkBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBThe 1920s Louis Vuitton Cowhide Leather Cabin Trunk is a magnificent artifact, evoking a bygone era where the elegance of travel and personal style walked hand in hand. This trunk, w...Category
1920s French Suitcases and Trunks
- 1870s Louis Vuitton Rayee Hatbox TrunkBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBThe Louis Vuitton Rayee trunk in question is an unparalleled masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, holding the distinction of being one of only two ever...Category
1870s Suitcases and Trunks
- 1900s Louis Vuitton Monogram Cabin TrunkBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBThe 1900s Louis Vuitton cabin trunk is an evocative artifact that weaves tales of grandeur, history, and an era of opulent travels. At first glance, it presents itself as more than...Category
Early 1900s French Suitcases and Trunks
- 1910s Louis Vuitton Monogram Courier Steamer TrunkBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBStep back in time and immerse yourself in the luxury and elegance of the early 20th century with this stunning 1910s Louis Vuitton Trunk. This exquisite piece is a testament to the t...Category
1910s French Suitcases and Trunks
- Hermés Herbag Zip Retourne Ebene Vache Leather Etoupe Canvas GMBy HermèsLocated in London, GBA chic and stylish Hermes Herbag Zip. The exterior of this Herbag features a top handle with a crossbody strap in Ebene Vache Hunter leather on the top section whereas the body of th...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Novelty Bags
- Louis Vuitton Courier Vintage TrunkBy Louis VuittonLocated in Water Mill, NYLouis Vuitton Courier Vintage 44" Trunk with Leather Handels and KeysCategory
1950s French Contemporary Suitcases and Trunks
- Les Must de Cartier Vintage Leather Suitcase Burgundy Bordeaux LuggageBy CartierLocated in North Hollywood, CAVintage leather suitcase "Les Must de Cartier" burgundy Bordeaux luggage. Cartier maroon leather with zip around and gold-tone hardware suitca...Category
1960s French Suitcases and Trunks
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Cherry Blossom Pochette Accessoires Wristlet Pouch BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYLouis Vuitton Monogram Cherry Blossom Pochette Accessoires Wristlet Pouch Bag 199lvsCategory
20th Century Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- Dior Brown Monogram Trotter Boston Duffle Bag 776da41Located in Dix hills, NYDior Brown Monogram Trotter Boston Duffle Bag 776da41Category
20th Century Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- Louis Vuitton NBA Basketball Athletisme Keepall Bandouliere Duffle Bag StrapBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYLouis Vuitton NBA Basketball Athletisme Keepall Bandouliere Duffle Bag Strap 10lv720Category
20th Century Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton
What are the telltale signs that you're holding a real Louis Vuitton and not a knockoff? We spoke with expert Diane D’Amato to find out. Of course, you don't have to worry about fakes on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.
Inside Louis Vuitton’s Most Popular Handbag Collaborations
The venerable brand has earned accolades (and gained new fans) for partnerships that meld fashion with art.