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.
1920's Louis Vuitton Monogram Large Travel Case, Circa 1920
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Altrincham, GB
This fantastic Louis Vuitton travel case dating from the 1920's. Used in our office, we placed a piece of glass over the top, using it as a coffee table and later a television stand....
$7,209Sale Price|20% Off
Louis Vuitton Art Deco Prototype Collection 2011 Limited Edition
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Berlin, DE
Louis Vuitton prototype of the limited "Art Déco" shoulder bag in purple/turquoise from the 2011 collection. Prototype! 1 of 1 piece unique!...
Louis Vuitton Epi Rimy Bag Charm Red
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Louis Vuitton Epi Rimy Bag Charm in Red—an exquisite accessory that effortlessly combines luxury and flair. This bag charm is not just an embellishment; it's a statem...
Vintage Crystal Band Tiara 1990s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A elegantly sleek Vintage Crystal Band Tiara from the 1990s. A continuous row of closely set crystal stones forms a seamless band. The perfect finishing touch for your wedding day o...
$694
H 11.82 in W 20.87 in D 1.19 in Dm 20.87 in
Large antique fan in embroidered champagne and bone-colored silk
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
A beautiful antique fan, possibly from the late 19th or early 20th century, in a Romantic style, from a private collection. The sticks are made of hand-pyrographed and openwork bone,...
$895
H 0.63 in W 3 in D 1.88 in
Antique Viennese or Austrian Engine-Turned Silver Card Case or Snuff Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique silver card case or snuff box. With engine turned engraved decoration throughout. Marked with an Austrian silver assay mark for 13 Loth, Vienna, and 1856, along with...
Silver
$2,300
H 13 in W 9 in L 13 in
Vintage Louis Vuitton Monogram Hard-Sided Vanity Case — Leather Trim, Iconic Tru
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Tucson, AZ
Discover timeless luxury with this vintage Louis Vuitton hard-sided vanity case, featuring the iconic LV monogram canvas and rich leather trim details. Designed in a classic trunk silhouette, this piece showcases durable craftsmanship, double-stitched seams, and stylish brass hardware, embodying the elegance and quality for which Louis Vuitton is renowned. The vanity case offers a spacious interior, perfect for storing cosmetics or travel essentials, and features an adjustable leather handle for versatile carrying options. Its collectible status and unmistakable design make it a highly sought-after addition for any fashion enthusiast or serious collector of vintage travel accessories...
FLATO Platinum and Diamond Travel Watch
By Paul Flato
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This unusual watch clock was created by Paul Flato in New York in the 1930s. Paul Flato was famous for his whimsical imaginative designs. In the 1930's, he counted both socialites ...
Diamond, Platinum
Boucheron Silver 18 Karat Gold Jeweled Mid Century Cosmetic Case w Original Box
By Boucheron
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Elevate your personal feminine accoutrements or collection with this uniquely romantic mid-century Vanity Cosmetic Case by Boucheron, Paris. Always with a keen sense of style, the w...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
$9,387
W 3.63 in D 0.83 in L 5.08 in
Boucheron 1940s Lady's Ruby and Sapphire vanity case "Minaudiêre Bag"
By Boucheron
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Boucheron 1940s Lady's Ruby and Sapphire vanity case "Minaudiêre Bag" The rectangular case decorated to the front with a pierced design of birds amongst fl...
Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, 18k Gold
18k Gold Thimble by Yves Saint Laurent
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in PARIS, FR
This exceptional piece comes from the Haute Couture House of Saint Laurent. This vintage and in pristine condition thimble is made of 18k gold, as shown in the third photo with the e...
18k Gold
$239Sale Price|20% Off
W 2.95 in
Mid-Century Volupté American Art Deco Style Rhinestone Gold-Tone Compact
Located in Honolulu, HI
This authentic compact case by the legendary American manufacturer Volupté is a quintessential piece of mid-century vanity history. Influenced by the geometric elegance of the Art De...
Gold Plate
Art Deco 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Purse
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Purse Details: Material: 18K yellow gold Stones: approx. 0.27 carats of diamonds, and accented with French cut rubies. Measurements: 7.5cm x 7cm Weigh...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco Diamond Pearl Enamel Gold Make Up Vanity Case Box
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco 18k gold vanity cosmetic case, including a compact, lipstick and additional small compartment. Decorated with enamel top (small chip on enamel on one corner). Box measures 3...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel
$230Sale Price|20% Off
W 3 in D 0.38 in L 3 in
Art Deco Volupté USA Golden Compact with Rhinestone Embellishments, 1950s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a vintage Volupté golden compact with rhinestone embellishments. We are so excited to find this great condition compact with 70+ years of life!...
Brass
Our Louis Vuitton 'On My Side' Handbag in Laurier Green; Toffee Latte Beige
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Canterbury, England
Our Louis Vuitton 'On My Side' Handbag comes in Laurier Green; Toffee Latte Beige with Monogram. This reference benefits from a capacious interior with multiple compartments and pres...
Louis Vuitton Mini Lin Croisette Bag Charm
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your style with the Louis Vuitton Mini Lin Croisette Bag Charm—a charming accessory that adds a touch of sophistication to you...