Louis Vuitton was founded in 1854.
Louis Vuitton began when its namesake opened a trunk-making workshop in Paris. Vuitton had arrived in the city from the Jura region as a teenager and became known for making practical, elegant luggage for wealthy travellers. The company’s early success came from flat-topped trunks, which were easier to stack than the rounded trunks then commonly used.
The brand became famous for distinctive luggage patterns and dependable construction. Its products later expanded from trunks into handbags, wallets, shoes, clothing, and accessories. Louis Vuitton is now the best-known fashion label within the luxury group LVMH.
A common mix-up is confusing the founding date of Louis Vuitton with the date of the modern company’s incorporation or later expansion. The brand’s historical origin is 1854, while many famous monogram handbag designs appeared much later. The company’s iconic LV monogram canvas was introduced in the late nineteenth century, decades after the Paris workshop opened.