Louis Vuitton. If you ask a luxury designer enthusiast to name one of their favorite brands, Louis Vuitton is likely to top the list. Renowned for its luxurious and iconic collections, Louis Vuitton captivates fashion lovers worldwide. While today’s Louis Vuitton collections are extensive and diverse, this wasn't always the case. The coveted items we now desire for our bag collections were primarily designed during the brand's 'second phase.

The legacy of Louis Vuitton began in 1828 with the birth of the legendary designer. Tragically, his mother passed away when he was just ten years old, and his father remarried. Louis Vuitton did not get along with his stepmother, prompting him to leave home and embark on a remarkable journey to Paris, a 400-kilometer trek. At the age of 16, Louis Vuitton was taken under the wing of Monsieur Marechal, a renowned case and bag maker of that era. Under Marechal’s guidance, Vuitton mastered the trade, setting the foundation for his future success.

Thanks to Monsieur Marechal, Louis Vuitton learned a lot and built his own customer base. The elite of Paris quickly took notice of Vuitton's exceptional craftsmanship. In 1853, Louis Vuitton was chosen by French Empress Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III, as her official supplier. This prestigious endorsement skyrocketed Louis Vuitton's reputation.

Seventeen years after arriving in Paris, Vuitton opened his first store and soon released his first collection of trunks. Louis Vuitton rapidly became the leading luggage brand in France. His legacy continued through his son, Georges Vuitton, who took over after Louis's death in 1892.

One of Georges Vuitton’s major creations is the iconic Monogram Canvas, featuring diamonds, circles, and flowers. Introduced and trademarked in 1896, this design has become the most well-known and famous print of Louis Vuitton.

The brand is also renowned for its distinctive blocked patterns. The dark brown and brown pattern is recognized as the Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene print, while the grey and white version is known as Louis Vuitton Damier Azur. Classic bags without any print fall under the name Louis Vuitton Epi.

Throughout the 1900s, Louis Vuitton significantly expanded its business by introducing bags and items alongside its famous trunks. One of the first bags designed was the large travel bag, the Louis Vuitton Keepall, introduced in 1930 as a practical alternative to bringing a trunk.

As handbags became fashion items, Louis Vuitton kept pace. In 1932, the brand launched its first-ever handbag, the Louis Vuitton Speedy. The Speedy came in four different sizes: Speedy 25, Speedy 30, Speedy 35, and Speedy 40, with the numbers representing the bag’s dimensions. Additionally, the Louis Vuitton Speedy was available in various prints and materials, offering diverse options for fashion enthusiasts.

Not very much later, the popular bags like the Louis Vuitton Alma, the Louis Vuitton Noé and the Louis Vuitton Papillon followed. Around the 1950’s, the Louis Vuitton brand extended their collection with several categories, making products like small Louis Vuitton purses, Louis Vuitton wallets, and Louis Vuitton accessories.

In 1997, Marc Jacobs became the first ever creative director of the Louis Vuitton brand. That’s when the brand started to look like how we know the it now. Jacob’s began to create an opening for the brand to enter the fashion world. Louis Vuitton clothing and Louis Vuitton jewelry were added to the collection.

Marc Jacobs also caused a lot of amazing collaborations for the brand. In this way the most beautiful bags were designed. Louis Vuitton collaborations that were really controversial were among others: Louis Vuitton X Stephen Sprouse, Louis Vuitton X Supreme, Louis Vuitton X Yayoi Kusuma and Louis Vuitton X Takashi Murakami. Read more about this.

Louis Vuitton is undeniably one of the most popular luxury brands in the world, boasting a rich history of over 165 years. Throughout the decades, a wide array of Louis Vuitton bags and items has graced the market. At L’Étoile Luxury Vintage, we are proud to offer an extensive collection of vintage Louis Vuitton treasures from across the years.

Whether you're searching for a specific Louis Vuitton item or looking for a unique vintage find, we’ve got you covered. If the bag you're dreaming of isn't currently in our collection, we are more than happy to assist you in locating it. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or inquiries. We look forward to helping you find the Louis Vuitton bag of your dreams!