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.
Fendi Mamma Baguette Vintage Black Cloth Silver Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Mamma Baguette Vintage Black Cloth Silver Hardware Shoulder Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD In Very good condition,...
Size: 11"L x 5.75"W x 6"H
Chanel Lambskin Lax Accordion Hobo Black
By Chanel
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Chanel Lambskin Lax Accordion Hobo bag in black. Black was Coco's happiest color and it's displayed in every Chanel collection. Features lambskin black leather, front slip ...
Dior briefcase bag by Gianfranco Ferré Spring-Summer 1995
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
DIOR - Spring/Summer 1995 Ready-to-Wear Collection under the artistic direction of Gianfranco Ferré. Supple calfskin briefcase with a houndstooth print. Red supple calfskin handle a...
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Medium Classic Double Flap Bag SKU: 152177 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: A timeless classic that never goes out of style, ...
Size: One Size
Mulberry, Maxi Mabel travel bag in brown
By Mulberry
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Mulberry, Maxi Mabel travel bag in brown. The item is in good condition, some scratches and wear on the leather.
Jean-Louis Scherrer bag
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
JEAN-LOUIS SCHERRER - Red satin bag with golden lurex threads, decorated with black trimmings and three openwork golden metal buttons. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Le...
Chanel Black Quilted Caviar Small Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Black Quilted Caviar Small Classic Double Flap Bag SKU: 150326 MSRP: 10800.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: A timeless classic that never goe...
Bottega Veneta Fondant Nappa Intrecciato Small Parachute Bag
By Bottega Veneta
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Bottega Veneta Fondant Nappa Intrecciato Small Parachute Bag SKU: 152737 MSRP: 4500.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Item ...
Saint Laurent Bordeaux Smooth Calfskin Medium Rider Bucket Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Bordeaux Smooth Calfskin Medium Rider Bucket Bag SKU: 152848 MSRP: 2350.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Good Condition Comments: Item is ...
Vintage Louis Vuitton Y2K Monogram Canvas Looping PM Shoulder Bag Made in USA
By Louis Vuitton
Located in San Diego, CA
A timeless icon of early 2000s authentic Louis Vuitton design, this super rare Louis Vuitton Looping PM Shoulder Bag embodies the effortless sophistication of the Y2K era. Discontinued in 2004, this is a very sought out bag. Crafted from the brand’s signature Monogram coated canvas, it features a gently curved silhouette and structured single-arch vachetta leather handle that sits perfectly on the shoulder. The interior reveals a soft beige microfiber lining with a zippered pocket and open slot — ideal for everyday essentials. Finished with golden brass hardware and the classic “Louis Vuitton Paris, Made in U.S.A.” heat stamp, this vintage piece carries the date code SD0052, denoting May 2002 production from Louis Vuitton’s California atelier. An enduring favorite among collectors and style icons alike, the Looping PM offers a chic balance between functionality and French heritage craftsmanship — a true wardrobe staple that pairs effortlessly with modern tailoring or casual weekend denim. Size and Measurements: • Height: 8.5 in (21.5 cm) • Width: 9.5 in (24 cm) • Depth: 3 in (7.5 cm) • Handle drop: 8 in (20 cm) Condition: Good vintage condition with gentle patina to vachetta leather consistent with age. Some minor marks to the lining that cannot be seen when worn. Smooth zipper closure and intact stitching throughout. Origin: Made in U.S.A. Date Code: SD0052 (May 2002) Collection: Monogram Canvas Looping PM Hardware: Gold-tone brass Lining: Beige microfiber ⸻ Louis Vuitton Looping PM, 2002 Louis Vuitton shoulder bag, Y2K Louis Vuitton, vintage LV monogram bag, early 2000s Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton made in USA...
CHANEL black & multi fabric 21S 19 MEDIUM GRAFFITI Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel 19 Medium shoulder bag in black nylon fabric showcases a vibrant multicolor Chanel icons print, inspired by neon signs. Featuring mixed hardware—including ...
ETRO black grained leather LOGO Tote Bag
By Etro
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Etro tote in black grained leather is a refined everyday essential. Designed with large logo embossing on the front and whipstitched top handles, it blends effort...
BOTTEGA VENETA airforce blue Intrecciato leather 2019 ROUND BELT Bag
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Bottega Veneta belt bag is crafted in black and white Intrecciato-woven leather and paired with an airforce-blue and black ...
THE ROW Cypress green leather EW MARGAUX Tote Bag
By The Row
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic The Row EW Margaux shopper in Cyprus leather, showcasing the brand’s signature understated elegance and refined craftsmanship. The structured silhouette is accented wi...
ETRO burgundy paisley canvas 2023 LOVE TROTTER MEDIUM Tote Bag
By Etro
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Etro 2023 Love Trotter Medium Paisley Tote in Burgundy beautifully combines the brand’s iconic artistry with modern functionality. Crafted from coated paisley can...
CHANEL black quilted leather 16K GIRL CHANEL SMALL Clutch Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Girl Chanel clutch is crafted in black quilted lambskin leather and designed to echo the silhouette of the maison’s iconic tweed jacket. Detailed with gold...
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.
