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 Ivorie EPI Leather Passy GM Handbag Satchel
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A chic and sophisticated Louis Vuitton bag to carry all your daily essentials. This Louis Vuitton Ivorie Epi Leather Passy GM Bag features a roomy interior with three separate compar...
Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Cite Bag NM
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Cite Bag NM combines timeless style with practical design. Made from durable Monogram canvas and natural leather, it features gold-tone hardware, a ...
Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Graceful MM Hobo Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Graceful MM hobo in classic Monogram canvas is an extra-roomy yet lightweight bag to carry every day. Natural cowhide leather detailing and shiny golden hardware add a refined, s...
Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Neverfull MM Tote & Pouch
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM is a legendary staple, celebrated for its perfect balance of classic elegance and unmatched utility. This set features the timeless monogram coated can...
Louis Vuitton Vintage Monogram Looping MM Top Handle Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Own a piece of timeless luxury with this vintage Louis Vuitton Monogram Looping MM Handbag. Crafted from iconic LV canvas with leather trim, it features a comfortable curved handle a...
Louis Vuitton Vintage Monogram Idylle Canvas Elegie Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Louis Vuitton Monogram Idylle Elegie has a classic look and is crafted of Louis Vuitton mini monogram canvas. The bag feature...
Louis Vuitton Pepper Epi Leather Croisette GM Zip Tote 857236
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
Width (inch) : 14.1 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 36 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 11.8 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 30 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 4.72 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 12 cm(approx) ...
Vintage Louis Vuitton Cabas Piano 2002 Tote Monogram Canvas Louis Vuitton Tote
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Rochester, NY
A sought-after classic from the house’s archive, this pre-owned vintage Louis Vuitton Cabas Piano Tote is admired for its clean proportions, practical zip-top design, and enduring everyday versatility. The Cabas Piano silhouette became so popular that it later returned in updated form, a testament to the timeless appeal of this elegant carryall shape. Crafted in signature monogram coated canvas with natural vachetta leather trim and handles, this piece balances durability with unmistakable heritage style. The top zipper closure opens to a cocoa brown fabric interior fitted with patch pockets for daily organization. In the medium size, the Cabas Piano transitions effortlessly from city use to travel, work, or weekend wear. Vintage examples like these from tghe early 2000s have an attractive patina and are especially prized for the character they develop over time. This item is offered as a pre-owned resale piece and may show signs of prior use consistent with age, storage, and handling. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description and condition report. Details Brand: Louis Vuitton Model: Cabas Piano Material: Monogram coated canvas / Vachetta leather trim Interior: Cocoa brown textile lining with patch pockets Closure: Top zipper Style: Tote / Shoulder Bag Origin: France Height: 10 in. Width: 12.75 in. Depth: 6 in. Date Code: VI1032 (France, March 2002) Authenticity / Independent Resale Notice This is a pre-owned resale item. Seller is not associated or affiliated with Louis Vuitton, and this listing is not endorsed by or made on behalf of Louis Vuitton. Any trademarks mentioned are used only to identify the genuine pre-owned item being offered for resale. Any authentication is performed independently by the seller and/or qualified third-party authenticators where applicable. No representation is made that the brand owner has authenticated or approved this item. Search Terms Louis Vuitton Cabas Piano, LV monogram tote, vintage Louis Vuitton bag, zip top designer tote, Cabas Piano handbag, Louis Vuitton shoulder tote, everyday luxury bag, collectible Louis Vuitton tote...
Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Medium Soufflot Handbag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in London, GB
Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Medium Soufflot Handbag Black bag crafted from signature Epi leather with clean lines and a cylindrical silhouette. Detailed with LV logo embossed at the ...
Louis Vuitton Monogram Sac Shopping Tote Bag 6LV1022
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: N00964 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 15 " Width: 5.5 " Height: 13 " Shoulder Handle Drop: 13 " OVERALL FAIR+ CONDITION ( 6.5/10 or BC ) Accessorie...
Louis Vuitton Reverse Monogram Onthego MM Tote Bag/Handbag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Louis Vuitton Onthego Reversible Monogram MM Bag Purchased and authenticated by Fashionphile (original Fashionphile tag included) 13.8 x 10.6 x 5.5 inches (Length x Height x Width) G...
Louis Vuitton Monogram Sac Shopping Tote Bag 7LV712
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
GOOD CONDITION (7/10 or B) (Outside) rubs on the leather parts (Shoulder) rubs on the whole parts stains on the whole parts (Outside) rubs on the edges of the corners stains on ...
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.
