The history of Louis Vuitton

Who was Louis Vuitton?

Louis Vuitton was born in 1821 in the mountain town of Anchay, in eastern France. At the age of 14, he set off on foot to Paris — a journey of around 300 miles which took him over two years.

After arriving in Paris, Vuitton became an apprentice to a manufacturer of packing boxes, quickly distinguishing himself through his meticulous skill. In 1853, he was hired as the personal box-maker and packer to Eugénie, Empress of France. This royal endorsement positioned Vuitton as one of France’s most sought-after manufacturers of travel goods.

When was the house founded?

The house of Louis Vuitton was founded in 1854, when Vuitton opened his first workshop at 4 Rue Neuve-des-Capucines near the Place Vendôme. At the time, the expansion of railways and steamships was revolutionising travel, and Vuitton set about designing more easily transportable luggage to meet this new demand.

Soon outgrowing his workshop, Louis purchased land in Asnières-sur-Seine in 1859 to build an atelier, where the house’s products are still made today.

The brand’s radical approach to luggage

At a time when most trunks featured curved lids, Vuitton introduced a bold alternative: flat-topped trunks. This seemingly simple innovation proved transformative, with the flat surface enabling the trunks to be stacked efficiently — ideal for modern modes of transportation.

Equally revolutionary was the house’s use of canvas in place of traditional leather. This material was not only more durable, but also waterproof, addressing a persistent challenge for travellers.

In 1886, Vuitton and his son Georges Vuitton unveiled a further innovation — an ‘unpickable’ pioneering lock system, which is still used by the house today.

Louis Vuitton’s rise to a global maison

Following Vuitton’s death in 1892, his son Georges took over the helm. He grew the business globally, showcasing Louis Vuitton products at international exhibitions.

In 1885, the brand opened its first London store on Oxford Street before expanding into Nice, Lille, New York and Philadelphia, cementing Louis Vuitton’s reputation as a cornerstone of luxury travel goods.

The introduction of the LV monogram

As the house gained popularity, imitation became an inevitable challenge. In response, Georges Vuitton introduced the now-iconic LV monogram in 1896. The design featured the interlocking initials of the brand alongside a floral and star motif.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the monogram served as a practical solution to counterfeiting, as the visual identity was difficult to replicate. The Louis Vuitton monogram has since become one of the most recognisable symbols in luxury.

When did Louis Vuitton transition into handbags and fashion?

While Louis Vuitton’s heritage is rooted in luggage, the latter half of the 20th century marked a significant turning point. As travel habits evolved, the introduction of smaller leather goods and handbags allowed the brand to reach a broader audience. The house debuted some of its most iconic bags in the early 1930s, including the Keepall (1930), the Speedy (1930), the Noé bucket bag (1932) and the Alma (1934).

These designs reimagined luggage for a new era — the Keepall had a lightweight yet sturdy construction, while the Speedy’s compact form suited everyday use. The house also expanded into other areas, including launching its first fragrance, Heures d’Absence, named after the Vuitton family’s country home.

A defining moment came in 1997, when Marc Jacobs was appointed as Louis Vuitton’s first Creative Director. Under his leadership, the house launched its inaugural ready-to-wear collection. Louis Vuitton continued to expand in subsequent years, making its mark on world of haute horology when it introduced the Tambour wristwatch in 2002.

The brand’s artistic handbag collaborations

One of the most distinctive aspects of Louis Vuitton’s modern identity is its commitment to artistic collaboration.

Such partnerships began with Stephen Sprouse’s Graffiti bag in 2001. Other contemporary artists including Takashi Murakami, Jeff Koons and Yayoi Kusama later brought their own bold perspectives to the house’s signature designs. These collaborations blur the boundaries between fashion and art, transforming handbags into collectible objects.

A highly coveted crossover between Louis Vuitton and Supreme debuted in 2017, merging street culture with high luxury. The collection featured clothing, footwear and bags, with Christie’s selling a limited-edition Red & White Monogram Malle Courrier 90 Trunk with silver hardware by Supreme for HK$1.4 million in 2019.

Louis Vuitton’s enduring status as a leading luxury house

Marc Jacobs led the house until 2013, transforming the luggage company into the major fashion house it is today. Subsequent creative directors continued to shape the brand’s cultural impact, with Nicolas Ghesquière and Virgil Abloh expanding the house’s visual language through innovative and collaborative approaches.

Today, Louis Vuitton stands as one of the most influential luxury brands in the world — Christie’s auctioned the largest single-owner collection of Louis Vuitton trunks ever offered at auction in 2024–2025, totalling €3.5 million.

The house’s success lies in its ability to balance tradition with innovation. Louis Vuitton preserves the quality that underpinned the origins of the house, while continually evolving to meet the needs of the modern customer.

Browse related stories: How to sell your Louis Vuitton handbag; A collector’s guide to Louis Vuitton trunks