RARE Louis Vuitton Exotic Black Alligator "Les Extraordinaires" Evening Bag
About the Item
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:France
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Stunning condition! No abrasions, smells or defects, just perfect.
- Seller Location:Switzerland, CH
- Reference Number:
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: DXB, United Arab Emirates
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- CELINE Rare Exotic Pink „Barbie“ Ostrich Skin Boogie Bag by Michael Kors 2000sBy Celine, Michael KorsLocated in Switzerland, CHA classy CELINE signature piece that will last you for many years Timeless classic - a true beauty! The Boogie bag was created by Michael Kors in the early 2000s while he was designer at CELINE It was an instant success and sold out immediately This exotic bag...Category
Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags
- UNWORN Louis Vuitton Exotic Velvet & Alligator Skin LV Monogram Logo Evening BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Switzerland, CHA Louis Vuitton signature piece that will last you for many years, from one of Vuitton's most stunning collections designed by Marc Jacobs. Crafted from brown monogram velvet, this ...Category
Early 2000s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- UNWORN Exotic Louis Vuitton Marc Jacobs Monogram Canvas Ostrich Tiger Eye BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Switzerland, CHLouis Vuitton by Marc Jacobs FW 2005 bag As seen on Uma Thurman Gorgeous Monogram Canvas combined with precious exotic skins - a dream! Details: A Louis Vui...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- RARE Louis Vuitton Exotic Velvet & Alligator Skin LV Monogram Logo Evening BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Switzerland, CHExtremely Rare Louis Vuitton Alligator Handbag Produced Only For Selected Clients On Invitation Only Details: A Louis Vuitton sign...Category
Early 2000s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- NEW Gucci by Tom Ford 2004 Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Purse ClutchBy Tom Ford for Gucci, GucciLocated in Switzerland, CHEXTREMELY RARE GUCCI BY TOM FORD GORGEOUS MINK FUR EVENING BAG WITH STUNNING JEWELED DRAGON DETAIL DETAILS: A GUCCI signature piece that will last you for many years From one of...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
- GUCCI Exotic Burgundy Fur & Lizard Skin Bag with Crystal-Encrusted ClaspBy GucciLocated in Switzerland, CHA GUCCI signature piece that will last you for many years Very rare Collector's item Only very few pieces were made and sold in selected boutiques Made of beautiful burgundy fur (probably shorn mink?) Huge handcrafted jeweled clasp...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Ingber 1960s Evening Box BagLocated in Alford, MA1960s Ingber box-shaped bag in black featuring a rope top handle and a jeweled clasp. Open to reveal a red interior with side compartment. Plenty of room for phone and essentials.Category
1960s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Moschino Black with White Polka Dot and Gilded Gold Hardware Accent HandbagBy Love MoschinoLocated in New York, NYMoschino wonderfully elegant yet whimsical textured black with white polka dot silk handbag is accented with a polished gilded gold hardware frame. The opening on top is a "Press But...Category
Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Dark Brown Suede Gripoix Jewels Evening BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Dark Brown Suede Gripoix Jewels Evening Bag is in mint condition. A very rare piece featuring an iconic Chanel Gripoix flower design that is a must have for any...Category
Late 20th Century Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Lloyd Klein Paris Shagreen & Rosewood Evening BagLocated in West Palm Beach, FLLloyd Klein, Paris shagreen and rosewood evening bag with a carved stone beaded handle. Natural colour shagreen in greyish green, the beaded handle is blac...Category
20th Century French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Valentino Garavani, Black Alligator, Top-Handle Bag, Gold Tone Hardware, 1960sBy Valentino GaravaniLocated in Kingston, NYValentino Garavani, Black Alligator, Top-Handle Bag, Gold Tone Hardware, 1960s Good condition.Category
1960s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Art Deco Bag with Black Yellow Red Green Mauve Beads and Cream Celluloid FrameLocated in London, GBLovely Art Deco bag with black, yellow, red, green and mauve beads and a cream celluloid frame. Measuring maximum width 16 cm / 6.29 inches and height 17 ...Category
1930s Evening Bags and Minaudières
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.