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 LV Handbag City Steamer PM Black Calfskin 4453002
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
LOUIS VUITTON LV Handbag City Steamer PM Black Calfskin 4453002 Perfect for the a woman on-the-go, this gorgeous and newer creation from Louis Vuitton is perfect for the LV lover wh...
H 14 in D 14.5 in
Louis Vuitton 1970s Monogram Wig Case Round Hat Trunk Travel Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Louis Vuitton x The French Luggage Company round wig case / hat trunk, likely produced in the 1970s, and an exceptionally rare example of Louis Vuitton’s licensed U.S. production. Crafted from the house’s iconic Monogram canvas, this piece was made in the United States under special license by The French Luggage Company, highly sought after by collectors for its unique place in Louis Vuitton history. Designed as a round hat trunk (boîte chapeau) or wig case, it features coated leather trim, a structured silhouette, and a top handle for easy carriage. The interior is lined in brown fabric and fitted with a wooden central post, originally intended to secure a hat form or wig in place during travel. The exterior is finished with brass feet and a center zip closure with push tab, keeping contents protected while maintaining its classic travel aesthetic. Accompanied by its original triangular Louis Vuitton / French Co monogram luggage tag (no keys included), this is a standout archival piece, ideal for the Louis Vuitton collector, luxury travel enthusiast, or as a striking interior design accent. Note that image 2 shows an AI model for styling purposes. Measurements (approx.): Height: 14 in Diameter (top): 14.5 in Condition: Preowned/vintage with visible signs of age and use consistent with its era. Notable for scuffs, surface digs, and darkening to the coated leather trim. The front leather patch is heat-stamped with a previous owner’s initials. Interior remains clean and well-preserved. Additional Notes: Final image shown with two Louis Vuitton boîte chapeau hat boxes (50cm Damier and 45cm Monogram) for scale; sold separately. Authenticated by Entrupy; a copy of the certificate of authenticity will be included with purchase. A rare opportunity to acquire a 1970s Louis Vuitton French Co...
Hermes Connect the Dots Limited Edition HAC 40 Black Evergrain Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermès HAC 40 “Connect the Dots” edition which reimagines one of the house’s most historic silhouettes through a modern, graphic lens. Rather than relying on tr...
H 22.45 in W 16.93 in D 11.82 in
Goyard Travel Bag, Vintage Oversized Goyard Travel Bag Tote
By Goyard
Located in Saint-ouen, FR
An oversized vintage Goyard travel bag in black leather and woven chevrons canvas with a yellow colored canvas interior. Its two large leather handle...
H 16.93 in W 13.78 in D 8.27 in
Chanel Choco Bar Travel Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
This black-navy travel bag from Chanel is the perfect addition to any journey. The stylish luggage features the iconic brand's logo and includes an authenticity card. While there may...
Chanel Quilted Black Caviar Skin Shoulder Bag / Tote, Golden Chain & Hardware
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Quilted Black Caviar Skin Shoulder Bag / Tote, Golden Chain & Hardware Material: Leather Vintage Code ID 0548030 Color: Black Description Chanel Tote From the Late 1980's - E...
H 6.7 in W 2.37 in L 9.45 in
1970s Gucci Brown Leather Vanity Travel Kit
Located in Paris, FR
1970s Gucci brown leather vanity beauty travel kit featuring a logo gold-tone claps opening, inside nylon compartments, a gold-tone stamp. Length 9.4in (24cm) Height: 6.7in. (17cm) ...
LOUIS VUITTON Black Taurillon Leather Volta Bag/ Hand bag, Excellent condition
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
Perfect for the a woman on-the-go, this gorgeous and newer creation from Louis Vuitton is perfect for the LV lover who also wants a functional everyday bag! The Volta is made from su...
Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Evasion Sports Tote Vintage
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Louis Vuitton Monogram Evasion GM Sports Tote in good condition. rare Vintage design no longer made or sold in stores. Signature...
H 10.24 in W 14.18 in D 11.03 in L 13.39 in
Black Leather Train Case , Black Beauty Case
Located in Saint-ouen, FR
This beautiful beauty case features black leather and all brass fittings.Its main lock , its corners as well as its 2 latches are in solid brass . Its large and comfortable top leath...
Diamonds and sapphires still played a starring role, but less popular stones popped up too.
The Japanese artist is one of many creators with whom the French fashion house has partnered to impressive effect.
