Louis Vuitton Ephemera
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 French Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s European Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton Ephemera
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton Ephemera
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton Ephemera
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Italian Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s French Louis Vuitton Ephemera
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis Vuitton Ephemera
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton Ephemera
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton Ephemera
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton Ephemera
1980s French Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Louis Vuitton Ephemera
2010s Unknown Louis Vuitton Ephemera
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis Vuitton Ephemera
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton Ephemera
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton Ephemera
21st Century and Contemporary Louis Vuitton Ephemera
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis Vuitton Ephemera
15th Century and Earlier French Louis Vuitton Ephemera
Louis Vuitton ephemera for sale on 1stDibs.
Designers Similar to Louis Vuitton
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Supreme x Louis Vuitton collaboration pieces can be purchased directly through both brand sites as well as through multiple retailers. For physical store locations, consult either brands’ websites. Supreme x Louis Vuitton collaboration pieces are available for purchase through multiple platforms, including 1stDibs. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity. Browse vetted retailers through 1stDibs’ style guide.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 4, 2022To clean any water marks or dirt stains from the Vachetta leather on your Louis Vuitton bag, use baby wipes that are free from oil, alcohol and fragrance. Gently rub the leather in circular motions, giving extra attention to the stained spots but making sure to treat all of the leather to avoid an uneven finish. Allow the bag to dry naturally before wearing it.1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To clean Louis Vuitton Vachetta leather, follow the care instructions provided by the brand. Each bag has unique care requirements listed on a care card included in the original packaging. Basic care instructions also appear on tags sewn onto or inside of Louis Vuitton accessories and bags. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Louis Vuitton Vachetta leather goods.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022If needed, clean Vachetta leather with a slightly damp cloth or baby wipes. One of the characteristics of Vachetta is the development of a patina, or natural darkening, over time. Avoid cleaning this leather with any chemical-based product as Vachetta is very delicate. Shop a collection of authentic Louis Vuitton Vachetta leather pieces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Depending on the style of the Louis Vuitton handbag or clutch, you can attach a new strap. For styles with buckles, either a short wristlet loop or longer, adjustable crossbody strap can be attached for a versatile look. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of Louis Vuitton clutches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022You 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022To help your Louis Vuitton achieve an even patina, it is important to minimize its contact with oils and other compounds. Storing your Louis Vuitton in its dust bag and using a wax-free leather conditioner will help the patina to even out. You’ll find a variety of Louis Vuitton handbags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Louis Vuitton Neverfull can be purchased from Louis Vuitton directly as well as through multiple retailers. For physical store locations, consult the brand’s website. Gently-used versions of the Louis Vuitton Neverfall are available for purchase through multiple platforms, including 1stDibs. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity. While Louis Vuitton has at times inspired knockoffs, 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022While 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 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.
- 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 5, 2022All Louis Vuitton leather goods crafted after March 2021 contain a RFID chip. The RFID chip replaced their previous date codes as a way to share data about manufacturing, materials and authenticity of Louis Vuitton items. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of authentic Louis Vuitton wallets.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Louis Vuitton does not have a Black Friday sale. The high-fashion brand notoriously never marks down its prices and discounted items run the risk of being counterfeit. Find a collection of expertly vetted Louis Vuitton designs from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Louis Vuitton does use one piece of leather for a variety of different handbag designs. The material wraps from front to back, with no seam on the bottom, leaving the iconic LV symbol upside-down on the backside. Find a collection of expertly vetted Louis Vuitton handbags from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques 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.
- Does Louis Vuitton have sales?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 4, 2022No, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022After 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.
- 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.