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.
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Louis Vuitton fashion for sale on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, Louis Vuitton handbags are typically cheaper in France. On 1stDibs, however, you can find Louis Vuitton handbags at a range of prices.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM measures 15.6’’ long by 12.8’’ high by 7.9’’ wide. It is the largest size of the Neverfull bag model. Shop for the classic Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is Louis Vuitton known for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Louis Vuitton is renowned for its luxury products, from bags and shoes to scarves and fashion. The brand is famous for durability, exceptionally high-quality materials and its unmistakable logo and patterns. Find a wide range of expertly authenticated Louis Vuitton pieces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022While the opinion of the most iconic Louis Vuitton bag is largely contested, one bag has stood the test of time. The Speedy bag, originally made in the 1930s, was designed in response to advances in transportation and was a departure for the fashion house from its usual steamer trunk collection. Shop a variety of vintage and modern Louis Vuitton bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Vachetta is a kind of leather used by Louis Vuitton. It is cowhide leather that has been left untreated, and gains a luxurious patina over time when cared for properly. Browse an assortment of authentic Louis Vuitton products crafted from Vachetta leather on 1stDibs.
- Who is the owner of Louis Vuitton?6 Answers1stDibs ExpertJanuary 4, 2022Bernard Arnault is the Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, commonly referred to as LVMH. The luxury empire also includes the fashion houses of Christian Dior, Fendi and Givenchy. Arnault was born in Roubaix, France in 1949 and has been the Chairman and CEO of LVMH since 1989.1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The French corporation LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is the owner of Louis Vuitton. Its CEO and Chairman of the Board is Bernard Arnault as of December 2021. LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is a publicly traded company owned by its shareholders. Find a large collection of Louis Vuitton on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Louis Vuitton is owned by the holding company LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton. Since 1989, the chairman has been Bernard Arnault. Find authentic vintage and modern Louis Vuitton pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertMarch 6, 2024Bernard Arnault is the Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, commonly referred to as LVMH. The luxury empire also includes the fashion houses of Christian Dior, Fendi and Givenchy. Arnault was born in Roubaix, France in 1949 and has been the Chairman and CEO of LVMH since 1989.1stDibs ExpertMarch 6, 2024The French corporation LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is the owner of Louis Vuitton. Its CEO and Chairman of the Board is Bernard Arnault as of December 2021. LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is a publicly traded company owned by its shareholders. Find a large collection of Louis Vuitton on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertMarch 6, 2024Louis Vuitton is owned by the holding company LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton. Since 1989, the chairman has been Bernard Arnault. Find authentic vintage and modern Louis Vuitton pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Can you return Louis Vuitton?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024Yes, you typically can return items purchased directly from Louis Vuitton online or in a brand-owned retail store, provided you didn't use or damage them. Normally, Louis Vuitton places a limit on how long you have to return items. Check the information included with the item for specific return policies. You’ll find a large selection of Louis Vuitton 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 ExpertMarch 7, 2024Louis Vuitton products are made in various countries. The luxury brand’s leather goods collection is crafted in workshops located in France, Spain and the United States. Ready-to-wear pieces, footwear and sunglasses are manufactured in France and Italy, while jewelry collections are produced in France, Italy and Switzerland. Timepieces are created exclusively in the Louis Vuitton watchmaking workshop in Geneva, Switzerland. You’ll find a wide range of Louis Vuitton products from some of the world’s top sellers 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.
- 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 ExpertMarch 7, 2024Louis Vuitton is available for purchase from its official Louis Vuitton boutiques, a variety of online retailers and at luxury department store chains such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and more. When shopping online for Louis Vuitton products, it’s important to choose a reputable seller to ensure your purchase is authentic. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Louis Vuitton goods from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The Neverfull MM is one of Louis Vuitton's most popular bags. It is not being discontinued.
- Does Louis Vuitton have sales?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024No, Louis Vuitton products are never marked down — and unless they are secondhand, any discounted Louis Vuitton items are likely to be counterfeit. To ensure you purchase authentic, high quality Louis Vuitton products, look for a reputable seller. Shop authentic Louis Vuitton handbags and purses, clothing and accessories from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
- Is Louis Vuitton Italian?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024No, Louis Vuitton is not Italian. The iconic luxury brand is French.
The company's modest origins can be traced back to when its founder, Louis Vuitton, 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. When he arrived in the capital city, 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 French corporation LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is the owner of Louis Vuitton.
Find vintage Louis Vuitton trunks, handbags, clothing and accessories on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023The history of Louis Vuitton began in 1854 when Louis Vuitton opened a shop on rue Neuve des Capucines in Paris. He started off packing valuables for wealthy clients and went on to design steamer trunks for travel. In 1896, the company introduced its still-famous monogram print, and it continued to produce bags and luggage for the next 100 years. When Marc Jacobs took over as creative director in 1997, he created the first ready-to-wear line for Louis Vuitton. During the 2000s and 2010s, the brand introduced a number of iconic handbag designs, including the Multicolore and the Twist. Shop a collection of Louis Vuitton pieces from some of the world's best boutiques 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 ExpertFebruary 21, 2024No, Louboutins are not from Louis Vuitton. The French luxury fashion house Christian Louboutin produces the pumps with the iconic red bottoms. Designer Christian Louboutin founded the brand in 1992. Louis Vuitton is a separate fashion house based in Paris, France. Designer Louis Vuitton established the luxury brand in 1854. Find a range of Christian Louboutin shoes and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024What Louis Vuitton trunks are used for today differs from their original purpose. Today, most people use the sturdy, hard-sided trunks as decorative storage furniture in their homes. However, 19th-century versions were for travelers taking long trips, usually by ship. The size and durability of the trunks made them ideal for safely transporting personal items. Find a diverse assortment of Louis Vuitton trunks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024No, Louboutin is not the same as Louis Vuitton. Although their names do sound similar, Christian Louboutin and Louis Vuitton are different fashion houses, both based in Paris. Designer Louis Vuitton founded Louis Vuitton in 1854, while designer Christian Louboutin established Christian Louboutin in 1992. Shop a diverse assortment of Christian Louboutin and Louis Vuitton pieces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Louis Vuitton bags are so expensive due to their exquisite craftsmanship and durable materials. Additionally, the production of Louis Vuitton products is limited, which also increases the brands prices.
- What is a Louis Vuitton trunk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024The Louis Vuitton trunk is a hard-sided piece of luggage with a rectangular shape and a hinged lid. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the French luxury fashion house's trunks saw use as travel accessories, with people using them to carry their personal belongings on long voyages via ship. Today, Louis Vuitton trunks are more commonly used as decorative storage solutions in homes. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Louis Vuitton trunks.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Louis Vuitton Vivienne is the mascot of the luxury brand. She is a playful character fashioned in the likeness of Louis Vuitton’s popular floral motif. Vivienne appears in a range of colors and prints on Louis Vuitton clothing and accessories. Shop a wide range of Louis Vuitton garments and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024To tell a Louis Vuitton trunk apart from other trunks, look inside. Even antique travel trunks produced by the French luxury fashion house will typically include a label that identifies the maker. Many trunks made in 1896 or later show off Louis Vuitton's signature monogram canvas on their exteriors or linings as well. Explore a collection of Louis Vuitton trunks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024You can authenticate a Louis Vuitton shawl by finding the label that is printed on both sides, which is affixed using seams with the shawl’s primary color. The hem will be hand-rolled and ‘Louis Vuitton’ will also be written in capital letters somewhere on the item. Find a collection of expertly vetted Louis Vuitton designs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To authenticate a Louis Vuitton wallet made between 1982 and March 2021, look for the date code, usually stamped directly onto the wallet above a seam. The first two characters of the code refer to the manufacturing location and are either two letters or a letter and a number. Next, you should find four numbers. The first and third tell you the month of the manufacturing date, while the second and fourth numbers indicate the manufacturing numerical date. For example, March 20 would appear as "0230." Newer wallets have microchips for authenticating. A customer service representative at a Louis Vuitton retail store can scan the microchip for you to determine authenticity. Discover a large collection of authentic Louis Vuitton wallets on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024How you wear a Louis Vuitton bandeau is a matter of personal preference because it can be worn many ways. In fact, the versatility of the accessory is part of what makes it so popular. Common styles include tying it in a knot around your neck like a scarf or wrapping it around your head as a headband. Shop a range of designer bandeau scarves 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.
- Do Louis Vuitton repair bags?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Louis Vuitton does offer repair services as long as your product is authentic and purchased at a Louis Vuitton store or Louis Vuitton retailer.
- Are Louis Vuitton bags handmade?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Louis Vuitton handbags are handmade with expert craftsmanship and only the finest, highest quality materials and hardware that never compromises on quality. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of authentic Louis Vuitton handbags from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, Louis Vuitton collaborated with Supreme. The two brands unveiled their shared collection in 2017. Called Louis Vuitton x Supreme, it included a range of bags, apparel and accessories. Explore an assortment of Louis Vuitton x Supreme pieces from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024After purchase, Louis Vuitton offers its ‘Mon Monogram’ service on specific styles of handbags. However, if your Louis Vuitton bag is pre-owned, the only personalized service the high-fashion retailer offers is hot stamping. Shop a collection of authentic Louis Vuitton purses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, you can insure a Louis Vuitton handbag as well as other luxury items. While Louis Vuitton doesn’t offer a manufacturer’s warranty, most homeowners insurance plans have personal property protection that can be extended to include your handbags. Inquire with your insurance provider for details. Shop a variety of authorized authentic Louis Vuitton bags on 1stDibs.