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.
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s French Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton
2010s Louis Vuitton
Late 20th Century French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
Early 2000s French Louis Vuitton
Early 2000s French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton
Early 2000s Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Louis Vuitton
2010s French Louis Vuitton
20th Century Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis Vuitton
2010s Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton
2010s French Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton fashion for sale on 1stDibs.
Designers Similar to Louis Vuitton
- 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.
- Does Louis Vuitton make clothes?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Louis Vuitton makes a range of ready-to-wear womens wear and menswear as well as accessories, such as handbags and shoes. You’ll find a range of both women’s and men’s Louis Vuitton clothing and accessories on 1stDibs from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Louis Vuitton shoes are not known for a red sole on their footwear. Christian Louboutin’s are known for a signature red sole throughout their collection. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of both Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin shoes.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Louis Vuitton bags do not have serial numbers. Instead, the bags feature date code stamps. In most bags, the stamps are on leather tabs attached to the lining or the seam of the pocket. Bags made after 2021 have microchips instead of date codes. Shop a wide range of Louis Vuitton bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, most Louis Vuitton bags come with a lock and key. However, some limited-edition items may not include this iconic accessory. Typically, the padlocks feature a logo stamp on one side. On the other side of the lock is the brand name spelled out below a registered trademark symbol and above the words "made in France." Browse a large selection of Louis Vuitton bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Sadly, no, Louis Vuitton bags never go on sale. There is also no outlet store associated with the brand. You may choose to shop at a consignment store to search for discounted items — however, they do not go through the same vetting process to ensure authenticity. Shop a collection of authentic Louis Vuitton purses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022How long Louis Vuitton belts last depends on how well you care for your item. Storing your belt in a ventilated area when not in use will prolong its life. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Louis Vuitton accessories from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 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.
- 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 ExpertMarch 7, 2024One way to tell if your Louis Vuitton bracelet is real is to look for the date code. If the bracelet was made in the early 1980s or later, it will have a date code. Some bracelets also have a serial number that you can research, but not all have this number. Shop a collection of expertly vetted Louis Vuitton jewelry from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can sell your Louis Vuitton bag in a variety of ways, and where you choose to do so is largely a matter of personal preference. Options include direct sales through social media marketplaces, thrift and resale shops, auction houses and online reselling platforms. You're likely to need the original Certificate of Authenticity to sell your bag regardless of the platform you choose. You’ll find a large selection of 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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, 2024To read a Louis Vuitton date code, look at the first two letters that represent the location of where it was made. These letters are followed by four numbers, the first and third of which tell which week of the year that the product was made, and the second and fourth tell which year it was made. You’ll find a wide variety of authentic Louis Vuitton products from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.