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 18K Yellow Gold 8 Charm Link Bracelet
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
A rare and captivating Louis Vuitton charm bracelet crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, designed with eight detailed signature charms inspired by the house’s legendary world of travel ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
Louis Vuitton Charm Bracelet in 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Diamond Rubies
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Chicago, IL
An impressive and highly distinctive Louis Vuitton charm bracelet, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and designed as a bold link chain adorned with iconic symbolic charms. The bracele...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Louis Vuitton 18K Yellow Gold Lock Bracelet LV24-061926
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Southampton, PA
This Louis Vuitton bracelet showcases one of the brands most iconic motifs. Suspended from a 6.5 chain, a monogrammed padlock and set of dainty keys provide this piece with plenty of...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Louis Vuitton Padlock & Key Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
A fashionable bracelet by Louis Vuitton, featuring chains made of solid 18K yellow gold. Accented by a padlock marked with the classic Louis Vuitton logo and accompanied with a key. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Gold Chain Vintage 31 Rue Cambon Paris Charm Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Stunning vintage Chanel rue cambon gold charm bracelet 100% authentic From the Late 1970's - Early 1980's Collection Made in France Gold plated Very good condition overall aside fro...
Gold
Louis Vuitton Padlock & Keys+ Two Bags Charm Yellow Gold Bracelet 125.7 Gm 18 KG
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
Louis Vuitton Padlock & Keys+ Two Bags Charm Yellow Gold Bracelet 125.7 Gm 18 KG Unisex Comprised of square shaped cable link chain with suspending lock and key charms Lock is funct...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Louis Vuitton Diamond Amethyst 18K Yellow Gold Charm Bracelet
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Louis Vuitton 18K Gold 6 Charms Bracelet is a dazzling testament to the brand's signature blend of luxury and creativity. Crafted from the finest 18K gold, this exquisite bracelet features an array of charming motifs that add a whimsical touch to any ensemble. At the heart of the bracelet dangle six enchanting charms, each meticulously crafted to perfection. The Love Birds charm captures the essence of romance with its intricate design, depicting two birds perched together in harmony, symbolizing love and companionship. Next, the Shoe charm adds a touch of sophistication with its elegant silhouette, paying homage to the timeless allure of fashion and style. Dangling Hearts charm infuses the bracelet with a sense of playful romance, featuring cascading hearts that dance with every movement, reflecting the light with a captivating sparkle. The Key charm symbolizes the promise of unlocking new adventures and opportunities, while the Louis Vuitton logo charm serves as a hallmark of luxury and craftsmanship, showcasing the brand's iconic monogram in all its glory. Finally, the Flower charm steals the spotlight with its delicate beauty, adorned with shimmering diamond and amethyst petals that glisten with every turn of the wrist, adding a touch of opulence and refinement to the bracelet. This Louis Vuitton 18K Gold Charms...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Gold Chain Vintage 31 Rue Cambon Paris Charm Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Hallmark: CHANEL Made in France Gold Plated The bracelet is in good condition showing minimal wear Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage pi...
Gold
Loewe Golden Metal Bracelet with Charms
By Loewe
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Loewe -Golden metal bracelet with charms. Jewel from the 1990s Additional information: Dimensions: 19 L cm Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: BRA121
Gilt Metal
Chanel Vintage Gold Plated Lucky Charm Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Hallmark: CHANEL Made in France Gold Plated The bracelet is in good condition showing minimal wear Measurements approx.: 7.5 inches Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: T...
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.
