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.
Early 20th Century Louis Vuitton Monogram Bisten Case
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Chicago, IL
This Louis Vuitton Bisten case, dating from 1910 to 1930, exemplifies the brand's innovative craftsmanship. It features hand-painted canvas monogram, solid brass hardware, and reinfo...
Brass
Set of Three Early 20th Century Louis Vuitton Luggage
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite set of Louis Vuitton luggage, dating from 1910 to 1930, represents the pinnacle of luxury travel and showcases the brand's renowned craftsmanship, making it a must-have for discerning collectors. Each piece features a hand-painted canvas monogram exterior embellished with interlocking L and V initials, quatrefoils, and flowers against a rich brown background. Solid brass hardware, reinforced corners adorned with embossed lozine trim. Each exterior and interior component is marked "Louis Vuitton” or “LV”. Each case has a label inside, a serial number on the inside, and a number stamped onto the lock outside. The Louis Vuitton shoe case...
Brass
Early 20th Century Louis Vuitton Monogram Wardrobe Trunk with Fourteen Hangers
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Chicago, IL
This Louis Vuitton upright wardrobe trunk, dating from 1910 to 1930, exemplifies the elegance of the clear lozine series, known as the 1st series after 1914. Designed for organized packing, this trunk is ideal for suits and soft dresses, ensuring they remain wrinkle-free during travel. The trunk features a vertical opening that reveals six drawers, each having a canvas exterior with a linen interior. It includes a trinket drawer with an organizer, four drawers with fabric covers, and a hat drawer equipped with a ribbon cage. A pullout mechanism holds 14 original hangers, while a leather strap secures additional items in the lower section. Externally, the trunk showcases a hand-painted monogram canvas, wooden slat reinforcements, solid brass hardware, and leather handles, with reinforced corners embossed with the LV initials. The iconic monogram design features interlocking L and V letters. The center clasp utilizes a v-lock design with a serial number for authenticity, and inside, the authentic Louis Vuitton plate...
Brass
Mid 19th Century English Games Compendium
Located in Chicago, IL
This beautiful maple and ebony compendium box has a hinged lid and a pair of front doors that swing open to reveal the boxwood and ebony hand-carved chess pieces. Each chess piece si...
Bone, Boxwood, Ebony, Maple
Late American Federal Bowfront Chest of Drawers
Located in Chicago, IL
This timeless and elegant statement chest of drawers has been meticulously crafted, embodying the refined artistry of the late Federal period, which followed the American War of Independence. What sets this period apart is the regional variation in techniques and the prominence of local craftsmen, each bringing unique touches to their work. Despite these regional differences, Federal period furniture...
Brass
Late 18th Century English George III Oval Double Banded Mahogany Cellarette
Located in Chicago, IL
A finely crafted late 18th-century English George III oval double‑banded mahogany cellarette of elegant, understated form. Originally conceived for storing and cooling bottles of wi...
Brass
1920's Louis Vuitton Monogram Large Travel Case, Circa 1920
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Altrincham, GB
This fantastic Louis Vuitton travel case dating from the 1920's. Used in our office, we placed a piece of glass over the top, using it as a coffee table and later a television stand....
Antique 20th Century Louis Vuitton Suitcase In Monogram Canvas, France c.1925
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A charming and authentic Louis Vuitton hard-sided case dating from the early 20th century, beautifully finished in the brand’s iconic stencilled monogram canvas. The exterior is comp...
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Shoe Trunk, France c.1930
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A magnificent and exceptionally rare Louis Vuitton shoe trunk, adorned with stencilled monogram canvas, lozine trim and brass fittings. Elevating its uniqueness is the remarkably unc...
Brass
Louis Vuitton Monogram Suitcase / Luggage or Trunk, Alzer 80, Mid 20th Century
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Stamford, CT
Louis Vuitton Monogram Suitcase / Trunk, Alzer 80, Mid 20th Century A Louis Vuitton Monogramed Hard Suitcase. In good to fair conditio...
Canvas
Vintage 20th Century Louis Vuitton Suitcase In Monogram Canvas, France
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A charming and authentic Louis Vuitton hard-sided case dating from the mid 20th century, beautifully finished in the brand’s iconic stencilled monogram canvas, a version that was dis...
Brass
20th Century Louis Vuitton Courier Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1930
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Around the turn of the 19th and 20th century Louis Vuitton had established himself as a market leader in trunk making and needed to set his now famous brand apart from the imitators ...
Brass
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.
