Louis Vuitton Floral Print Petite Malle
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 4.93 in (12.5 cm)Length: 7.88 in (20 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: DPLVPETMAL70241stDibs: LU33618382032
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Chanel Lace Floral Petite Malle BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBPetite Malle or 'Small Trunk' in French is a Louis Vuitton style that has deep roots in the brand's heritage. This bag is a modern interpretation of Louis...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Céline Python Evening ClutchBy CelineLocated in London, GBThis black python skin evening clutch from Céline features an all around zip fastening, a snap button closure, internal zipped pockets and an embossed internal logo stamp. Colour...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Dior x Rimowa Personal ClutchBy Christian DiorLocated in London, GBExpertly crafted and limited edition, the Dior x Rimowa Clutch is a statement piece that showcases a collaboration between two renowned brands. Made with the highest quality material...Category
2010s Clutches
- Hermès Egee Black ClutchBy HermèsLocated in London, GBThe Egee Black Clutch by Hermès is an authentic and stylish accessory, featuring black smooth calfskin leather and a double polished silver palladium Chain d'Ancre. Its matching leat...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Vintage Lana Marks Clutch BagBy Lana MarksLocated in London, GBFinished to glimmering perfection, this vintage Lana Marks handbag is truly enchanting in its sleek, burnished gold crocodile-effect leather. Its snap-lock fastening opens to reveal ...Category
Late 20th Century Clutches
- Hermes Navy Jige Elan 29By HermèsLocated in London, GBThe Hermès’ Jige Elan 29 clutch focuses on minimalism, elegance and efficiency. Crafted in Italy, this timeless piece is designed in smooth navy bl...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Clutches
- Chanel Vintage 1990 Alligator Skin Leather Classic Flap Bag Convertible ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLSmall black Chanel crocodile envelope flap with vintage chain 1990 {VINTAGE 33 Years} Vintage gold hardware Interior black leather lining Crocodile...Category
1990s French Clutches
- Rare 1980s Fendi Snakeskin Crossbody BagBy FendiLocated in Scottsdale, AZIncredible 1980s Fendi snakeskin clutch handbag in grey and red with grey leather accents. Fully lined interior with zip pocket. Tuck in the long strap...Category
1980s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Ferragamo Woven Bronze Clutch/CrossbodyBy FerragamoLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis highly textured Ferragamo clutch will be your new favorite handbag! Salvatore Ferragamo is highly known to be a luxury Italian shoe designer who emigrated to Boston, MA and then shortly opened a store in Hollywood where he found success. He was always confused that shoes seemed to be beautiful but uncomfortable to wear, he so decided to study anatomy. Making an outfit stylized is all about mixing textures together. To mix textures, try pairing this crossbody/clutch with a soft knit dress, some leather Christian Louboutin knee high boots...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- S/S 2000 Gianni Versace Python Blue Convertible Evening Bag & Clutch DonatellaBy Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAThis stunning, convertible Versace clutch in dyed blue python is intricately studded to form a classic Greek key motif along the borders. Front and cent...Category
Early 2000s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- 1990s Gianni Versace Couture Lavender Heart Shape Crossbody & Evening ClutchBy Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAConstructed with light purple leather this vintage hardshell heart-shaped Gianni Versace bag features sparkly crosshatched beading and fabric flower...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- 1980s Gucci Grey Suede Convertible Cross Crossbody Hard ShellBy GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a fabulous grey suede hardshell Gucci convertible crossbody bag. From the 1980s, this clam shell style bag is constructed in a light grey suede contrasted with a darker grey leather at the closure, strap, and flap. The crossbody strap can be removed to use the bag as a clutch. A rare vintage Gucci bag...Category
1980s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton
What are the telltale signs that you're holding a real Louis Vuitton and not a knockoff? We spoke with expert Diane D’Amato to find out. Of course, you don't have to worry about fakes on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.
Inside Louis Vuitton’s Most Popular Handbag Collaborations
The venerable brand has earned accolades (and gained new fans) for partnerships that meld fashion with art.