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.
Louis Vuitton Cream Bouclé Wool Skirt Suit Fur Collar 2000s UK 12 US 8
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Nashville, TN
An iconic and timeless design. This original Louis Vuitton skirt suit, rendered in a cream bouclé wool, with a grey and taupe toned removable mohair collar, and knitted cream wool ac...
Louis Vuitton Sac Weekend GM in Monogram Canvas, The French Co.
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
Chic, practical Louis Vuitton Sac Weekend GM in Monogram Canvas with Leather Trim from the 1980s. Unsigned, likely made by the French Co, a US collaboration with Vuitton in the perio...
LOUIS VUITTON white Damier Azur canvas SPEEDY 25 Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 Bandoulière bag in Damier Azur coated canvas (100%) with natural cowhide leather trim (100%). This luxury Louis Vuitton handbag showcases the H...
Valise Louis Vuitton Alzer 1970
By Louis Vuitton
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Valise Louis Vuitton Alzer vintage en toile Monogram, datant des années 70-80. Excellent état. Cette valise Louis Vuitton Alzer en toile Monogram,...
LOUIS VUITTON black LV logo monogram raised lace drawstring short dress XS
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Hong Kong, NT
LOUIS VUITTON black LV logo monogram raised lace drawstring waist short sleeved dress XS Reference: TGAS/G00036 Brand: Louis Vuitton Material: Viscose, Blend Color: Black Pattern: Mo...
Vintage Louis Vuitton Sirius 70 Soft Sided Suitcase
By Louis Vuitton
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Travel in timeless style with the iconic Louis Vuitton Sirius 70, the largest of the storied fashion house’s soft-sided travel cases. Exemplifying legendary French craftsmanship, thi...
Louis Vuitton Monogram Empreinte Sorbonne Backpack
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Houston, TX
Fresh and artistic, Louis Vuitton remains one of the world's most coveted symbols of status and sophistication. The Damier pattern was designed in 1888 and the Monogram, in 1896. Ove...
Louis Vuitton Knit Monogram Horizon Soft 55 Suitcase Roller Grey
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Louis Vuitton Knit Monogram Horizon Soft 55 rolling suitcase. Features lightweight black and grey Louis Vuitton monogram on thermoform knit fabric, front zipper pocket, 360...
LOUIS VUITTON cream & black leather PETITE MALLE TRUNK Crossbody Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Trunk Crossbody Bag is a modern interpretation of the house’s iconic travel trunks. Crafted from grained leather in a striking cream an...
Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Alma BB Satchel
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Houston, TX
Fresh and artistic, Louis Vuitton remains one of the world's most coveted symbols of status and sophistication. The Damier pattern was designed in 1888 and the Monogram, in 1896. Ove...
Louis Vuitton x Marc Jacobs Resort 2008 Black Sateen Wrap Dress
By Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton
Located in London, GB
Super chic archival Louis Vuitton dress - from the Resort 2008 collection by Marc Jacobs. Unworn with tag/spare button/fabric swatch. Made from slightly glossy cotton sateen, it has a 1950s inspired cut with wrap over front, Louis Vuitton embossed...
LOUIS VUITTON white & gold leather FRONT ROW Low Top Sneakers Shoes 36
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Louis Vuitton Low Top Front Row Sneakers in white smooth leather with metallic gold-tone velcro logo closure. Have been worn and a...
Louis Vuitton Vintage Monogram Canvas Keepall 55 Duffle
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Houston, TX
Fresh and artistic, Louis Vuitton remains one of the world's most coveted symbols of status and sophistication. The Damier pattern was designed in 1888 and the Monogram, in 1896. Ove...
Louis Vuitton Vintage Speedy Unisex Top Handle Bag in Monogram Canvas
By Stephen Sprouse, Louis Vuitton
Located in Capri, IT
Louis Vuitton by Stephen Sprouse Limited Edition Lace Roses Speedy A unique speedy embellished by the artist Stephen Sprouse with white silverish lace roses all over on the classic m...
LOUIS VUITTON black STRETCH TEXTILE ARCHLIGHT Sock High Top Sneakers Shoes 38
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Louis Vuitton Archlight sneakers in black stretch textile with patent rubber sole. Have been worn with a few scratches t...
Louis Vuitton Vintage Brown Monogram Canvas Keepall 50 Duffle Travel Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Rome, Rome
This authentic, pre-owned Louis Vuitton Keepall 50 Duffle Travel Bag embodies the spirit of modern travel, a legendary silhouette first introduced by Gaston Vuitton in 1930 as a ligh...
New Rare Limited Edition Pink Brown Leather Louis Vuitton Monogram Crystals
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Indulge in the ultimate footwear icon with the Louis Vuitton Trainer Low 'Pink Brown' 1A8Z6Y. Crafted from supple calfskin leather, this sneaker showcases a sophisticated blend of pi...
Louis Vuitton Rose Indien Monogram Articles de Voyage Ikat Neverfull MM
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Louis Vuitton Rose Indien Monogram Articles de Voyage Ikat Neverfull MM SKU: 156430 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Since Louis Vuitton crafted his first ...
Louis Vuitton Nice Mini Vanity Case Monogram Canvas Beauty Bag Brown - Preowned
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Louis Vuitton Nice Mini Vanity Case Monogram Canvas Beauty Bag Brown - Preowned The Louis Vuitton Nice Mini is a beloved travel classic — a structured vanity case in iconic Monogra...
LOUIS VUITTON white & red silk RAMAGES CORAL & DOT BANDEAU Scarf
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Louis Vuitton Ramages Dots bandeau scarf in off-white, red, pink and orange silk (100%) with coral-print. Has been worn and is in ...
Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Neverfull GM Tote
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Houston, TX
Fresh and artistic, Louis Vuitton remains one of the world's most coveted symbols of status and sophistication. The Damier pattern was designed in 1888 and the Monogram, in 1896. Ove...
LOUIS VUITTON black silk SNAKE PRINT FLARE Cocktail Dress 38
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
Louis Vuitton sleeveless snake-print flared dress in black, grey and white silk (100%) with a round neck. Closes on the back with a concealed zipper. Has two front slit pockets. Unli...
LOUIS VUITTON brown Monogram canvas 2018 MICRO BOITE CHAPEAU Case Wallet
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Louis Vuitton Micro Boite Chapeau in brown Monogram canvas with gold-tone metal hook & chain. This hatbox inspired currency purse is crafted of Louis Vuitton Monogram ...
Ladies Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Neverfull GM Tote Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Louis Vuitton Gender: Ladies Measurements: (W x H x D): 17.50" x 12.50" x 6.50" Total Weight: 520.00 grams Ladies Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Neverfull GM Tote Bag. Engr...
LOUIS VUITTON Caramel brown Monogram canvas MANHATTAN NM Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Louis Vuitton Manhattan NM bag in classic Monogram canvas and Caramel brown leather combines timeless elegance with utilitarian detail. It features structured fla...
A 1999 Vintage Louis Vuitton Coated Canvas Monogram Pouch
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This vintage Louis Vuitton Monogram Pochette ( Pouch ) Secret (Model M41418) is crafted in classic brown coated canvas showcasing the iconic LV monogram pattern. Designed with a slim...
Louis Vuitton 2003 LV Ceinture T70 Murakami White Canvas Monogram Belt S 28in
By Takashi Murakami, Louis Vuitton
Located in PARIS, FR
Louis Vuitton belt by Murakami circa 2003 in white Monogram coated canvas with multicolored LV "icons" pattern, closure with a gold metal pin buckle. Size 70 or S or 28in: total leng...
LOUIS VUITTON neon pink & gold STEPHEN SPROUSE GRAFFITI Keyring Keychain
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Louis Vuitton limited edition Graffiti keyring by Stephan Sprouse in gold metall and neon pink resin. Has been wo...
Louis Vuitton Black Oversized Oval Sunglasses with Gold Hardware
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Amman, JO
Louis Vuitton Black Oversized Oval Sunglasses with Gold Hardware Elevate your everyday style with these authentic Louis Vuitton oversized sunglasses. Crafted from glossy black aceta...
LOUIS VUITTON grey cashmere 2021 FLANNEL TAILORED SLEEVELESS Jumpsuit 38 S
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Louis Vuitton 2021 Spring/Summer sleeveless wrap jumpsuit in light grey flannel cashmere (62%), wool (36%) and silk (2%) and lined in silk...
Louis Vuitton 2008 Sz 36.5 Marc Jacobs White Patent Bow Peep-Toe Platform Pumps
By Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton
Located in San Diego, CA
These Louis Vuitton 2008, by Marc Jacobs, white patent bow peep-toe platform pumps are a rare find in pristine condition. Designed with a gloss...
Louis Vuitton Black Monogram Empreinte Felicie Pochette
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Louis Vuitton Black Monogram Empreinte Felicie Pochette SKU: 156371 MSRP: 1770.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Since Louis Vuitton crafted his firs...
Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Neverfull Pochette Wristlet Clutch Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Louis Vuitton Gender: Ladies Length: 9.90 inches Height: 6.25 inches Depth: 4.00 inches Weight: 175.00 grams Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Neverfull Pochette Wristlet Cl...
Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Mini Pochette Accessoires
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Houston, TX
Fresh and artistic, Louis Vuitton remains one of the world's most coveted symbols of status and sophistication. The Damier pattern was designed in 1888 and the Monogram, in 1896. Ove...
1998 Louis Vuitton Epi leather Keepall 50 bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Milano, Lombardia
1998 Louis Vuitton Epi leather Keepall 50 bag A timeless Louis Vuitton Keepall 50 crafted from durable black Epi leather. Produced in 1998, this iconic travel bag combines the House...
Louis Vuitton Rose Gold Mirror Leather Keepall 45cm Bandouliere
By Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton
Located in Corona Del Mar, CA
Louis Vuitton Rose Gold Mirror Leather Keepall 45cm Bandouliere 100% Authentic This Louis Vuitton Keepall 45cm Bandouliere is crafted in rose gold mirror leather, delivering a stri...
A 2000 Louis Vuitton Brown Patent Leather and Vachetta Houston Shoulder Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This sophisticated Louis Vuitton Houston shoulder bag is a classic statement piece from the turn of the millennium, beautifully crafted in a rich bronze-brown Monogram Vernis patent ...
2021 Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami monogram Keepall Bandouliere 45
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Milano, Lombardia
2021 Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami Monogram Keepall Bandoulière 45 This Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 45 is crafted in the iconic Monogram canvas and features the celebrated ...
Louis Vuitton Reverse Monogram Canvas Pochette Metis
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Louis Vuitton Reverse Monogram Canvas Pochette Metis SKU: 157136 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Since Louis Vuitton crafted his first trunk in Paris in 1...
Vintage Louis Vuitton 'Sac Sport' monogram Boston bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage Louis Vuitton 'Sac Sport' monogram Boston bag, executed in coated monogram canvas with leather trim, of dome form with a zippered compartment resting on top of a lower zipper...
Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Fold Pouch
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Fold Pouch SKU: 156444 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Since Louis Vuitton crafted his first trunk in Paris in 1854, the mai...
Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Neverfull MM
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Neverfull MM SKU: 155891 MSRP: 2170.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Since Louis Vuitton crafted his first trunk in Par...
Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Canvas Neverfull MM
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Canvas Neverfull MM SKU: 157033 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Since Louis Vuitton crafted his first trunk in Paris in 1854, t...
LOUIS VUITTON black & silver 2020 BROCADE Tapered Leg Pants 34 fits 36 XS
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Louis Vuitton brocade pants in black and metallic silver polyester (54%), polyamide (33%) and silk (13%). Features a high-waist, tapere...
Vuitton Brown Silk Monogram Trunk Scarf
By Louis Vuitton
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Louis Vuitton silk scarf brown and caramel with monogram trunks design. Excellent condition.
Louis Vuitton Small Pharmacie Make up Trunk
By Louis Vuitton
Located in PARIS, FR
A timeless Louis Vuitton Monogram Beauty Case, expertly crafted in the iconic Monogram coated canvas with natural leather trim and solid brass hardware. This elegant travel case feat...
1980s Vintage LOUIS VUITTON Monogram Pouche Toilette 26 Clutch Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage LOUIS VUITTON Toiletry 26 pouch bag is crafted of Louis Vuitton coated monogram canvas in brown and vachetta leather. Top zipper closure opens to a coated interior in be...
Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Keepall 55 Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Louis Vuitton Keepall 55 in brown Damier Ebene canvas with shoulder strap. This Keepall 55 is designed with LV's Damier Ebene canvas with brown leather trim and gold-tone h...
Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandouliere 60 Duffle Travel Bag LV Monogram Canvas
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Louis Vuitton Keepall 60 Monogram Canvas Duffle Bag – No Strap This authentic Louis Vuitton Keepall 60 is crafted from classic Monogram canvas with natural vachetta leather trim and...
Vintage LOUIS VUITTON Monogram Mini Papillon Pouch Handbag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage LOUIS VUITTON mini Papillon pouch is crafted of monogram canvas and leather in brown. Top zipper closure opens to a brown leather interior. Measures 6.25”x 2.25”x 2.25”....
Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Neonoe MM Shoulder Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Houston, TX
Fresh and artistic, Louis Vuitton remains one of the world's most coveted symbols of status and sophistication. The Damier pattern was designed in 1888 and the Monogram, in 1896. Ove...
NEW LOUIS VUITTON Rare Fuchsia Runway Cartoon Art Firebird Limited Edition Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The extremely rare LOUIS VUITTON Fuchsia Cartoon Firebird, the most luxurious of them all. One of a kind and only a few were released Worldwide in 2008! Cartoon Limited Collection ba...
Louis Vuitton, Eyeline red pointed toe pumps
By Louis Vuitton
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Louis Vuitton, Eyeline pointed toe pumps in patent red leather. Comes with copy of the receipt, dustbags, extra set of heels and box. Small damage on the bottom of the heel, overal i...
1990s Vintage LOUIS VUITTON Monogram Mini Danube Crossbody Bag Unisex
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage Louis Vuitton mini Danube crossbody bag is crafted of LV’s signature coated Monogram canvas with vachetta leather trim, brass hardware, and a matching Monogram canvas st...
Louis Vuitton Vintage Fashion Book Spring Summer 2012 Men’s Collection
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Louis Vuitton Catalogue Fashion Book Spring Summer Men Collection 2012. Louis Vuitton Spirit of Travel Spring 2012 Campaign: Treks to South Africa. From the Louis Vuitton store...
Louis Vuitton Monogram Cabine Trunk Malle C.1930
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Daventry, GB
A Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas trunk, dating from the early 20th century, retaining its original fittings and presenting as a remarkably complete example of one of the House’s most ...
Malle Louis Vuitton Penderie grand modèle circa 1960-70
By Louis Vuitton
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Malle Louis Vuitton penderie grand modèle des années 1960–1970 en toile monogramme. Excellent état. Peut être utilisée debout ou en table basse. Maison : Louis Vuitton Modèle : Mall...
Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Pallas Beauty Clutch
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Houston, TX
Fresh and artistic, Louis Vuitton remains one of the world's most coveted symbols of status and sophistication. The Damier pattern was designed in 1888 and the Monogram, in 1896. Ove...
Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Tivoli PM Satchel Top Handle Bag - Preowned
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Tivoli PM Satchel Top Handle Bag - Preowned Named after the historic Italian town, the Louis Vuitton Tivoli PM is a timeless everyday handbag that comb...
Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Neverfull MM
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Neverfull MM SKU: 155951 MSRP: 2170.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Since Louis Vuitton crafted his first trunk in Par...