Louis Vuitton established the fashion house that bears his name in 1854.
Vuitton opened his first workshop in Paris after building a reputation as a trunk maker. His early luggage was designed for the new age of rail travel and steamships, when travelers needed durable, stackable cases. The business became known for practical construction and refined finishing rather than clothing alone.
The company later expanded into handbags, accessories, shoes, clothing, watches, and jewelry. Its best-known early canvas patterns helped distinguish its products, while the interlocking LV monogram was introduced in 1896 by Vuitton’s son, Georges.
A common mix-up is confusing the founding date with the introduction of the monogram or with the creation of the modern Louis Vuitton fashion label. The house began as a luggage and trunk business decades before it became a global luxury conglomerate brand.