THE UNTOLD STORY OF LOUIS VUITTON
A Louis Vuitton bag is something every woman dreams of owning. The fashion house is synonymous with Parisian sophistication, timeless design, and unbeatable quality. The market for pre-owned Louis Vuitton accessories and vintage Louis Vuitton is one of the biggest niches in the pre-loved luxury industry.
Louis Vuitton has an allure to it that has gained it a loyal following amongst fashion editors, influencers, and celebrities. Louis Vuitton clothing graces the cover of almost every fashion magazine, continuing the Louis Vuitton story.
At Rewind Vintage, we can help you track down your dream vintage Louis Vuitton bag. We’re taking a look at the history of Louis Vuitton and how it became one of the most sought-after luxury brands in the world.
The origins of the Louis Vuitton brand
Louis Vuitton arrived in Paris at 16, becoming an apprentice for a box and trunk maker. After learning his trade for 17 years, Vuitton opened ‘Louis Vuitton Malletier’ in 1854, selling luxury trunks. His workshop received instant success, allowing him to expand across Paris, with his family at the heart of the atelier.
The original Louis Vuitton products were flat-topped trunks designed to be stacked. As other brands began to imitate this look, Vuitton introduced their ‘Damier Ebene’ print with beige and brown stripes. When Louis Vuitton passed away in 1892, his son Georges took over the company.
Georges Vuitton revolutionised the simplistic luggage lock by incorporating an ingenious closing system. This simple change converted travel trunks into a contemporary treasure chest. Vuitton even challenged the famous Harry Houdini to try and break out of one of their trunks with this lock system.
The famous Monogram print was introduced in 1989, with the Champs-Elysees store opening in 1913. From the 1930s onwards, Louis Vuitton turned its attention towards producing handbags and other leather goods, including some of their most iconic designs.
In 1936, Georges Vuitton died, passing on the brand to the third generation of the family with his son Gaston-Louis Vuitton. During the 1950s, Louis Vuitton began to expand its small leather goods range, including introducing the iconic Monogram Canvas in 1959.
Throughout the mid-20th century, Louis Vuitton developed into the brand that we know and love today. This era saw the introduction of several infamous bag designs and the introduction of leather into mainstream designs. In 1987, LVMH was formed when Louis Vuitton merged with Moet et Chandon and Hennessy.
The birth of Louis Vuitton’s most iconic pieces
There are Louis Vuitton pieces that everyone recognises – even if they’re not a fashion aficionado. The infamous ‘Keepall’ travel bag was launched in 1930, with the smaller everyday version debuting later as the ‘Speedy’ bag. These two pieces remain amongst the best-selling Louis Vuitton bags, together with the iconic Pochette Bag.
1932 saw the arrival of the ‘Noe’ bag, famously made to hold champagne bottles. Another of the early Louis Vuitton bags that you can still purchase today is the Alma – a top handle structured bag released in 1934.
Left to right: LV Vintage Speedy 30 ; Stephen Sprouse Pochette Bag ; LV Keepall 55 Bandouliere Bag
The beauty of Louis Vuitton is that you can still purchase bags that are synonymous with its heritage. Whether you’re buying pre-owned Louis Vuitton accessories or new items, you’re purchasing a piece of the Louis Vuitton story.
You can explore our collection of Louis Vuitton bags here. Are you looking for a specific Louis Vuitton bag or would like it customised? We’re here to help!
Drop us a message at contact@rewindvintage.co.uk.
