Louis Vuitton: The History Behind the Purse

The Louis Vuitton logo, a Japanese-inspired flower motif, has been synonymous with luxury since it was first introduced in 1896. The famous monogram logo was created as a way to prevent counterfeiting of the Parisian company's designer luggage. This marks the appearance of the very first ‘designer label' as we have come to understand it in the contemporary marketplace. Ironically, Louis Vuitton has since become the most heavily counterfeited brand in fashion history, with only 1% of all Louis Vuitton-branded items in circulation considered authentic.

Louis Vuitton history has its roots in the excitement of the mid-Nineteenth Century, the extraordinary time when interest in travel was spreading throughout the world. New technologies made longer distances within reach of those who could afford them, and paintings and photographs of far-away cities and exotic places were in vogue around the world. The world wanted to travel, and Louis Vuitton began to etch its place in history as one of the first luggage companies designed to meet the needs of explorers, voyagers, and vacationers everywhere.

In today's world, Louis Vuitton conjures thoughts of the posh, extravagant lifestyle of the celebrities and socialites who, with cult-like zeal, carry purses and bags emblazoned with the Vuitton logo. It also conjures up thoughts of street vendors selling counterfeit merchandise to the consumers who covet the image the brand represents. Behind it all is the history of a company built by a single man who had a vision of blending timeless elegance with innovative functionality.

The Beginning (1854-1892)