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.
1980s Louis Vuitton Vintage Monogram Canvas Suitcase with Lock & Tag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Travel in timeless style with this authentic vintage Louis Vuitton monogram canvas suitcase, dating to the 1980s. A true icon of luxury travel, this large Louis Vuitton luggage piece...
Louis Vuitton Vintage Sac Cabine Black Leather Doctor's Bag Circa 1900
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, early 20th century Louis Vuitton Sac Cabine, a rare and highly collectible example from the house’s golden age of travel. Designed in the form of a classic doctor’s bag, t...
Louis Vuitton Eden MM Monogram Aurore Shoulder Bag Top Handle + Strap 2012 EUC
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
This authentic Louis Vuitton Eden MM in Monogram Aurore is a chic and versatile bag from the 2012 collection. Designed to be worn two ways, it features both a comfortable shoulder st...
Louis Vuitton 1970s Monogram Wig Case Round Hat Trunk Travel Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Louis Vuitton x The French Luggage Company round wig case / hat trunk, likely produced in the 1970s, and an exceptionally rare example of Louis Vuitton’s licensed U.S. production. Crafted from the house’s iconic Monogram canvas, this piece was made in the United States under special license by The French Luggage Company, highly sought after by collectors for its unique place in Louis Vuitton history. Designed as a round hat trunk (boîte chapeau) or wig case, it features coated leather trim, a structured silhouette, and a top handle for easy carriage. The interior is lined in brown fabric and fitted with a wooden central post, originally intended to secure a hat form or wig in place during travel. The exterior is finished with brass feet and a center zip closure with push tab, keeping contents protected while maintaining its classic travel aesthetic. Accompanied by its original triangular Louis Vuitton / French Co monogram luggage tag (no keys included), this is a standout archival piece, ideal for the Louis Vuitton collector, luxury travel enthusiast, or as a striking interior design accent. Note that image 2 shows an AI model for styling purposes. Measurements (approx.): Height: 14 in Diameter (top): 14.5 in Condition: Preowned/vintage with visible signs of age and use consistent with its era. Notable for scuffs, surface digs, and darkening to the coated leather trim. The front leather patch is heat-stamped with a previous owner’s initials. Interior remains clean and well-preserved. Additional Notes: Final image shown with two Louis Vuitton boîte chapeau hat boxes (50cm Damier and 45cm Monogram) for scale; sold separately. Authenticated by Entrupy; a copy of the certificate of authenticity will be included with purchase. A rare opportunity to acquire a 1970s Louis Vuitton French Co...
Gucci Duffle Bag GG Monogram Canvas Brown Leather Trim Folding Carry On 80s XL
By Gucci
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic vintage Gucci folding duffle bag, crafted in Italy and dating to the 1980s. This classic travel piece is made from Gucci’s signature brown GG monogram canvas, accented with rich brown leather trim and finished with the House’s iconic red and green webbed handles. Designed with both form and function in mind, the bag features an exterior zippered pocket for easy access essentials, while the interior is fully lined in beige fabric and secured with a substantial zipper closure. A standout feature of this design is its fold-flat construction, allowing the duffle to collapse neatly for storage inside another bag or suitcase—an especially practical detail for travel. Lightweight, spacious, and effortlessly stylish, this vintage Gucci duffle...
Bonnie Cashin for Coach Portfolio Bag Vintage 1960s Business Briefcase Rare HTF
By Bonnie Cashin, Bonnie Cashin for Coach Leatherware
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Preowned and genuinely rare 1960s Bonnie Cashin for Coach portfolio bag, crafted in black grained leather with a classic push-lock fastener. This early Coach design features its orig...
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