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 Idylle Blossom 18K White Gold Diamond Bracelet
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Louis Vuitton Idylle Blossom‑collection bracelet crafted in 18‑K white‑gold and set with diamonds. It features an updated‑design clasp. Overall le...
Louis Vuitton Empreinte Pave Diamonds Bangle 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet Size 17
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Aventura, FL
The iconic Empreinte jewelry collection is an ode to travel and adventure, inspired by the House’s luggage-making heritage. Expertly crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and paved with di...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Louis Vuitton Two-Toned Leather Monogram Bracelet With Gold Hardware
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Louis Vuitton Two-Toned Leather Monogram Bracelet with Gold Hardware is a sophisticated accessory that effortlessly transitions from day to night. Crafted from classic brown Loui...
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
Louis Vuitton LV Charm Bracelet Fleur Heart Gold Red Pink Logo Chain Link
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Miami, FL
- Gold, pink, red exterior - Comes with box Condition: The bracelet is in overall great condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( Approximately In Inches ) 7 ...
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
Louis Vuitton Tiger Wood and Gold Bangle with Monogram Motifs, Modern
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your accessory game with the exquisite Louis Vuitton Black Bangle, a stunning piece that seamlessly blends luxury and artistry. Crafted from premium tiger wood, this bangle s...
Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Half Diamond SM Love Bracelet Size 16 B6047216
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Half Diamond SM Bracelet from the Love collection. This slimmer version of the classic Love bracelet features Cartier's iconic screw motif design alternatin...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Half Diamond SM Love Bracelet Size 16 B6047216
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Half Diamond SM Bracelet, from the Love collection. This slimmer version of the classic Love bracelet features Cartier's iconic screw motif design alternati...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.
