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 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...
Rectangular buffalo horn comb
By Lera Treyger
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Fueki-ryuko is named for a state of mind that holds the eternal within the ever-changing, a harmony between constancy and transformation. It speaks to the quiet recognition that whil...
Fine Art Vessel Carved with Relief from Master Engraver Amayak Stepanyan
Located in Boulder, CO
Vessel Color: Deep Blue Size: Diameter 1-3/8" X 2-1/8"" Tall This beautiful vessel bears a classical Sterling Silver acanthus leaf medallion inset into its cap. Designed and carved in relief by master engraver Amayak Stepanyan, its low dome is crowned with a 6 mm diameter natural Hematite gemstone set in one of our signature Sterling Silver bezels. The vessel also features a Rose Engine...
Hematite, Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Owl Sterling Silver Perfume Bottle
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in University Place, WA
A charming vintage Tiffany & Co. perfume bottle designed in the form of an owl, crafted in sterling silver. The sculptural form is enhanced by finely engraved feather details and ex...
Sterling Silver
Louis Comfort Tiffany Favrile Iridescent Gold Glass Bowl Circa 1880s
By Louis Comfort Tiffany
Located in Westport, CT
An extraordinary Louis Comfort Tiffany Favrile iridescent gold art glass bowl, circa 1882. The hand blown bowl displays a luminous golden surface with shifting iridescent undertones of pink, blue, and violet that change beautifully with the light, exemplifying the rich luster and color depth for which Tiffany’s Favrile glass became renowned. This elegant example reflects the pioneering artistry of Louis Comfort Tiffany and the refined aesthetic of American Art Nouveau glassmaking. Signed “1882 P 1402 L. C. Tiffany…”. Measuring approximately 167.6 mm in top diameter, approximately 83.1 mm in base diameter, and approximately 59.7 mm in height. Gross weight of 332.60 grams. Keywords: Louis Comfort Tiffany glass bowl, Favrile iridescent glass, Tiffany art glass bowl...
The Pepperpot Coin Purse – Handmade Wild Tamarind Seedwork
Located in Oxford, MD
Explore the Botaniqué Studios' "Flora, Fauna & Nationality" collection, an ode to the multifaceted natural habitat of Antigua and Barbuda and our nat...
Square buffalo horn comb
By Lera Treyger
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Wabi takes its name from a state of mind that embraces simplicity without apology, a quiet elegance born from imperfection. It is the absence of pathos, the shedding of excess, and t...
Santa Maria Belt, Wild Tamarind Seed and Jumbie Bead Caribbean Handicraft
Located in Oxford, MD
Botaniqué allows the consumer to explore and celebrate African history, albeit under the jurisdiction of the diaspora. The painstaking process of creating these crafts represents the...
Esther Belt, Authentic Wild Tamarind Seed Bracelet
Located in Oxford, MD
Capturing the mixture of tradition and vibrancy, the Esther Belt is a part of our “Artisan Collection,” lovingly named after one of our Master Seedwork Artisans, Esther Edwards. This unique and handmade bracelet is created with wild tamarind seeds dyed black, uniquely and innovatively dyed with shoe dye, and perfectly placed within this signature design. This pattern is a classic creation for the master seedwork artisans and for the overall island as a typical pattern possessed by Antiguan & Barbudan locales, with a twist to be created distinctively for you. This piece presented is only a snapshot of the broad range of custom-made products produced by the hands of master artisan Antiguan and Barbudan women who specialize in seedwork—created out of the wild tamarind and jumbie bead Seeds. Only five women were on the island of Antigua as master seed workers. To save this art form before it vanished forever, an educational program was developed to preserve the tradition of seed work, with full scholarships for young candidates. Botaniqué Studios...
Jabberwack Belt, Wild Tamarind Seed and Jumbie Bead Seed Handicraft
Located in Oxford, MD
Today, seed work is threatened as a dying art. Only five women on the island of Antigua are master seed workers. To save this art form before it vanishes forever, your purchase will aid in this preservation effort. The masterful handicraft of wild tamarind and jumbie bead seedwork is a dying art, with only five women left in the world to create it. Botanique Studios...
Bvlgari 1980s 18K Gold Folding Travel Razor Shaver
Located in Roma, RM
An elegant and unusual Bvlgari folding travel razor crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, dating to the 1980s. Designed with the refined minimalist aesthetic typical of the Italian maiso...
18k Gold
$11,500
H 1.76 in Dm 1.1 in
Antique 185 CT Hand-Carved Natural Emerald Perfume Bottle with Original Box
Located in Westport, CT
An extraordinary antique hand-carved natural emerald perfume bottle with a matching hand-carved emerald stopper, circa early 20th century, accompanied by its original presentation bo...
Emerald
Sterling Silver & 18k Gold 4-Piece Ranger Buckle Set by Mona Van Riper
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Sterling silver ranger set by Santa Fe artist Mona Van Riper. The set consists of a 2 1/8” x 2 1/4” buckle, two keepers and a tip. The buckle and keepers have 18k gold star accents with garnets and amethysts. Made to fit a 1” belt. Price is for buckle set only. Belts are sold separately. About the Artist Mona Van Riper was raised in Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. She began silver-smithing at the Mabel Dodge Lujan House in Taos in 1976. Making and designing jewelry has been a constant part of her life ever since. Mona is most well-known for her elaborate and intricate buckles, whether with a western theme, crown, fleur-de-lis, heart or with her eponymous skulls. Most of the country’s finest buckle makers—often artisans who learned the skills from their fathers and grandfathers—ply their craft in remote locales, often in obscurity. Mona Van Riper fits that profile. She creates one-of-a-kind turquoise, 18-karat gold, and sterling silver buckles in a 10-by-10-foot utility room in her home located on a dirt road, miles outside of Santa Fe, N.M. Mona’s early jewelry was heavy stamped Southwestern style made from hand-cast ingots and coins. Over the years her style has developed into a more sophisticated and contemporary look while maintaining her signature old-world flavor. In 1992 Mona introduced engraving into her work which has given her jewelry a broader appeal. Mona’s unique jewelry is made from sterling silver in combination with 18 karat gold overlays and engraving. She often uses rare and very high-grade custom cut turquoise in her pieces. Mixing precious and semi-precious stones also gives her jewelry a timeless look. You will find notable differences in quality between artisan-made belt buckles and those that major luxury brands’ machines churn out by the thousands. Handmade solid silver and...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
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...