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, First cap in beige
By Louis Vuitton
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Louis Vuitton, First cap in beige. The item is new - unworn. • CONDITION: new - unworn • SIZE: L • MATERIAL: 100% cotton 100% calf leather • CARE: dry cleaning • COLOR: beige
$5,300
H 6.7 in Dm 11.82 in
Round Louis Vuitton Hat Trunk 30 cm, Louis Vuitton Hat Box, Louis Vuitton Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This gorgeous and and highly collectible vintage Louis Vuitton round hatbox is beautifully crafted in the iconic Monogram coated canvas with natural cowhide leather trim on a wood s...
Brass
Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Sun Hat with Leather Trim, circa early 2000s
By Louis Vuitton
Located in CACHAN, FR
Elegant Louis Vuitton wide-brim sun hat crafted in a refined ivory cotton canvas subtly printed with the house’s iconic Monogram motif in tonal relief. The understated pattern gives ...
$6,832
H 7.49 in Dm 15.75 in
Round Louis Vuitton Hat Trunk 40 cm, Louis Vuitton Hat Box, Louis Vuitton Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This gorgeous and and highly collectible vintage Louis Vuitton round hatbox is beautifully crafted in the iconic Monogram coated canvas with natural cowhide leather trim on a wood s...
Brass
$6,949
Size: H 7.09 in. x Dm 15.75 in. H 18 c
Round Louis Vuitton Hat Trunk 50, Louis Vuitton Hat Box, Louis Vuitton Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Saint-ouen, FR
This gorgeous Louis Vuitton hat box features Monogram canvas and natural cowhide reinforcements on a wood structure . It is equipped with an adjustab...
Gucci Blue Cap Hat Size M Unisex Made in Italy, 21st Century
By Gucci
Located in Capri, IT
Gucci blue hat - cap totally made in italy in size M measurements: 58 cm
Louis Vuitton 2023 LV Spark Beanie
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your winter style with the Louis Vuitton 2023 LV Spark Beanie, a perfect blend of classic charm and contemporary luxury. This beanie comes in a deep and rich burgundy color, adding a touch of sophistication to your winter wardrobe. It's a classic knit beanie that effortlessly complements any outfit. Louis Vuitton is known for its iconic branding, and this beanie is no exception. The gold-tone signature LV logo stands out beautifully against the burgundy backdrop, showcasing your affinity for high-end fashion. The ribbed LV Spark beanie is adorned with a polished hardware accent, adding a touch of opulence to this winter essential. The turn-up brim not only enhances the casual aesthetic but also adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort, making it perfect for those chilly days. Crafted from pure cashmere, this beanie is not only incredibly soft and comfortable but also offers exceptional warmth and insulation, keeping you cozy during the colder months. Pair this with a Bottega Veneta sweater, some Gucci pants and a Chanel scarf to complete your look. Whether you're strolling through the city or hitting the slopes, the Louis Vuitton 2023 LV Spark Beanie is the perfect accessory to keep you warm and stylish. It's a versatile addition to your winter ensemble, offering the perfect balance between classic charm and modern luxury. Elevate your winter fashion game with this exquisite Louis Vuitton beanie...
LOUIS VUITTON x MURAKAMI blue 2025 MONOGRAM DENIM CERISE Bucket Hat 58
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Louis Vuitton x Takeshi Murakami bucket hat in denim blue soft Monogram cotton (100%) with vibrant Cerise print. Crafted from supple, lightweight cotton, it features a...
Louis Vuitton Petite Boite Chapeau Monogram Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in London, GB
Louis Vuitton Petite Boite Chapeau Monogram Bag Brown bag crafted from coated canvas with the signature LV monogram in the brand's classic hatbox-inspired design. Featuring beige V...
Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Mini Boite Chapeau
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Mini Boite Chapeau SKU: 152129 MSRP: 2560.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Inspired by a popular accessory from the 19...
Louis Vuitton Size 60 Black Leather Monogram Shadow Cap Baseball Hat 123lv19
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: AL0261 M76581 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 8" Width: 4.5" Height: 6.3" Circumference: 21.5"-23.5" Size: 60 OVERALL NEW CONDITION ( 10/10 or N ) A...
Louis Vuitton Virgil Monogram Taurillon Leather Casquette Baseball Cap 12LVJ1025
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: MP2321 Made In: France Circumference: 23.5" OVERALL NEW CONDITION ( 10/10 or N ) Accessories: Box Included Circumference: 23.5" New Unused SKU : 12lvj1025
Louis Vuitton 21FW Black x Blue Leather Damier Infini Baseball Cap Hat 16lv45
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
Louis Vuitton 21FW Black x Blue Leather Damier Infini Baseball Cap Hat 16lv45 Date Code/Serial Number: AL0230 M76562 Made In: Italy Measurements: L...
Louis Vuitton White x Terracotta Match Cap Easy Ou Pas Hat 18LZ517S
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: AL1292 M77743 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 8.5" Width: 4.5" Height: 6" Circumference: 21.5"-23" Size: One Size OVERALL NEW CONDITION ( 10/10 or N...
Louis Vuitton Blue Monogram Velvet Match Neverfull MM Tote with Pouch 24lv517s
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: RFID Chip Made In: Spain Measurements: Length: 18" Width: 6" Height: 11" Shoulder Handle Drop: 8" OVERALL NEW CONDITION ( 10/10 or N ) Accessories: Box,...
Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Zippy 4LV1129K
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Zippy 4LV1129K Date Code/Serial Number: SP2123 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 8" Width: 1 " Height: 4.5 " OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 o...
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The Japanese artist is one of many creators with whom the French fashion house has partnered to impressive effect.
