Louis Vuitton Babylone Handbag Mahina Leather BB
View Similar Items
Louis Vuitton Babylone Handbag Mahina Leather BB
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Width: 10 in (25.4 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)
- Period:
- Material Notes:Leather
- Condition:Minor wear on handle, scratches on hardware.
- Seller Location:NY, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: 40351/11stDibs: LU8426457621
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.
- 1930's Hand Woven Fish Basket Purse Bucket BagLocated in New York, NY1930's hand woven circular fish basket purse with double drop handles to carry in hand or under arm. The bag can also be used to enhance home decor and as a catch all. Beautiful piece.Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Shoulder Bags
- 2004 brown Lambskin leather pleated rings hobo shoulder bagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLNew condition with faint scratches to hardware. Includes box, dust bag and authenticity card. Extremely rare bag, super soft buttery leather. Large CC silver hardwareCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder Bags
- Louis Vuitton Lavender Shoulder BagLocated in New York, NYLength: 8.75” inches Height: 5.25” inches Material: leather Condition: goodCategory
1990s Shoulder Bags
- Vintage 2001 Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse Monogram Graffiti PochetteBy Louis VuittonLocated in Malibu, CAThis dreamy LOUIS VUITTON limited edition leather pochette bag is as stunning as they come. A coveted collectors piece. From the Steven Sprouse collaboration this bag is to die for! ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags
- Dolce and Gabanna Devotion Floral Shoulder BagBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Palm Beach, FLQuilted nappa leather medium Devotion crossbody bag. Feminine and adaptable, it boasts an original heart clasp with an antique gold finish and a shoulder strap inspired by the method...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Louis Vuitton Les Extraordinaires Tupelo PM HandbagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Palm Beach, FLRare Louis Vuitton spring les extraordinaires Tupelo PM edition from the 2006 spring-summer season in excellent condition. The white leather exterior has gold embroidery and set jewe...Category
Early 2000s French Shoulder 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.