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.
2010s French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis Vuitton
Early 2000s French Louis Vuitton
1990s French Louis Vuitton
2010s French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis Vuitton
1990s French Louis Vuitton
1980s Spanish Louis Vuitton
2010s European Louis Vuitton
Early 2000s French Louis Vuitton
2010s French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton
Early 2000s Spanish Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
Early 2000s Louis Vuitton
Early 2000s French Louis Vuitton
Early 2000s French Louis Vuitton
Early 2000s French Louis Vuitton
2010s Spanish Louis Vuitton
2010s French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis Vuitton
2010s French Louis Vuitton
2010s French Louis Vuitton
1990s French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Louis Vuitton
2010s French Louis Vuitton
2010s French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton
2010s Unknown Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis Vuitton
1990s French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis Vuitton
Early 2000s American Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton fashion for sale on 1stDibs.
Designers Similar to Louis Vuitton
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024Yes, prior to 1991 some Louis Vuitton handbags were made with Eclair zip closures. Branded zippers are a good way to confirm authenticity in some vintage styles. Vintage Louis Vuitton bags sometimes include Talon and C&C zippers as well. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of vintage Louis Vuitton items.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024Any vintage Louis Vuitton item prior to 1982 will not have a serial number. Serial numbers were introduced to Louis Vuitton products in 1982 and discontinued in March 2021 in favor of RFLD chips instead. You’ll find a wide range of Louis Vuitton vintage and modern pieces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024Yes, it is very common for Louis Vuitton items to have upside down LV logos because their leather goods are often made with one continuous piece of leather. Some handbag styles, like the Louis Vuitton Speedy, use one large piece of leather wrapped round the exterior, resulting in upside down LV logos. Shop a wide range of Louis Vuitton garments and handbags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024Yes, if they’re post-1980. Modern Louis Vuitton products have date codes that indicate the country of manufacture and the time of year it was made. The date codes are usually tucked away in seams or pockets. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a large collection of authentic Louis Vuitton products from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024No, not all Louis Vuitton items have date codes. The brand introduced the codes in 1982, so vintage bags produced before that date lack the code. In March 2021, Louis Vuitton began adding authentication microchips to their bags instead of stamping on date codes. You’ll find a large selection of authentic Louis Vuitton apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The Neverfull MM is one of Louis Vuitton's most popular bags. It is not being discontinued.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024No, the Louis Vuitton monogram is not real leather. The iconic fabric also isn't faux leather. The material is actually a high-quality canvas fabric with a special coating that makes it resistant to water and staining. The French luxury fashion house introduced the monogram canvas in 1896. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Louis Vuitton bags, apparel and accessories.
- Is Louis Vuitton haute couture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024Yes, Louis Vuitton is haute couture. The iconic French luxury brand is a member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body of haute couture as an art form.
Founded in 1868 as the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture and renamed FHCM in 2017, the organization has around 100 members — and Sidney Toledano, the CEO of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), sits on its executive committee. "Haute couture" is a legal term that, literally translated, means "high sewing" and refers to innovative, hand-crafted garments created for private clients and presented to the public every January and July.
Find vintage Louis Vuitton Neverfull bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024To find the date code on Louis Vuitton handbags, look to the interior. Unlike other luxury brands, Louis Vuitton does not come with authenticity cards but rather a date code stamped in the lining or on a leather tab within an interior pocket. Note, Louis Vuitton did not include date codes in their handbags until 1982 and stopped including date codes as of March 2021. Newer Louis Vuitton items instead have an RFLD chip. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of authentic Louis Vuitton items.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022For its return policy, Louis Vuitton offers complimentary returns and exchanges within 30 days. The item needs to be in pristine condition with its original packaging. Shop a collection of vintage and new Louis Vuitton designs from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The date code on Louis Vuitton products refers to the place and date the item was made. Generally, the two letters indicate the location and the four numbers pertain to the date. As of March 2021, date codes have been replaced by microchips. Shop a selection of Louis Vuitton items on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024The original Louis Vuitton pattern is the Damier. Georges Vuitton introduced it in 1888, and the French luxury fashion house reintroduced it a century later, in 1988. Damier is a geometric pattern consisting of squares in alternating light and dark colors. Shop a diverse assortment of Louis Vuitton apparel, bags and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The MM part of a Louis Vuitton bag name stands for Moyen Modéle. This term is French and translates to Medium Model, meaning that the bag is a medium-sized piece. Shop for authentic Louis Vuitton bags of any size on 1stDibs.
- Can I buy Louis Vuitton online?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024Yes, you can buy Louis Vuitton online. The French luxury fashion house offers a wide range of bags and accessories on its official website. In addition, you can find Louis Vuitton pieces on a number of trusted online platforms. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of Louis Vuitton apparel, bags, shoes and accessories from some of the world's top boutiques.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024It is unknown when Louis Vuitton restocks its offerings at the brand's official site. No official restocking schedule for the legendary French luxury house's online store has been made public. And because many of the company's handbags, tote bags and other accessories are so popular with fashion lovers all over the world, restocks of a given item at the LV site, its official boutiques or authorized retailers are likely subject to availability.
On 1stDibs, expertly vetted sellers are routinely offering vintage Louis Vuitton Neverfull bags, Speedy bags and other accessories. Find authentic Louis Vuitton Key Pouches, wallets and more from some of the world's top boutiques today. - 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024Nicolas Ghesquière is the creative director for the house of Louis Vuitton. He joined in 2013 following the departure of Marc Jacobs. Prior to his appointment at Louis Vuitton, Ghesquière was the creative director at Balenciaga. Find a variety of authentic and vintage Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga items on 1stDibs.
- Who is the CEO of Louis Vuitton?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024The current CEO of Louis Vuitton is Bernard Arnault. He has been the chief executive of Louis Vuitton as well as several other major luxury brands since 1989. Browse the large collection of authentic Louis Vuitton products on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024While there are no Louis Vuitton retail stores in Raleigh, North Carolina, there is a store location in nearby Charlotte. Save the trip and shop a variety of Louis Vuitton products from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024You can track your Louis Vuitton order by visiting your MyLV account or by referencing the tracking information in your shipping confirmation email. You’ll also find a large collection of Louis Vuitton from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024The story behind Louis Vuitton 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, left his provincial French city of Anchay in the early 1830s to make a new life in Paris. When he arrived, 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, Eugénie de Montijo. In 1854, Vuitton launched his namesake company with 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 offered 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. Today, the fashion house remains one of the most iconic producers of leather goods in the world. Find a diverse assortment of Louis Vuitton bags on 1stDibs.
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