Louis Vuitton’s gorgeous trunks, suitcases, and travel bags in classic monogram canvas, leather, or both are the ultimate status symbols for travelers. You know you’ve made it in life once you can purchase LV luggage for your personal collection. These bags don’t come cheap, especially if your dream luggage is rare, antique, and no longer in production. But don’t worry, we have you covered. Get ready for our insider tips on building your LV luggage collection.
A Brief History of Louis Vuitton Luggage
Louis Vuitton (August 4, 1821 – February 27, 1892) was the French fashion designer behind this eponymous brand, which he founded in Paris in 1854. Vuitton launched his career making travel trunks for Empress Eugénie de Montijo, the wife of Napoleon III. He revolutionized flat-top trunks that could stack, which was impossible with the dome-shaped trunks used at the time.
In 1875, Vuitton designed a wardrobe trunk for long-distance travelers. The piece had a vertical armoire divided into two fitted compartments, showcasing Vuitton’s innovation. Advancements in transportation and the expansion of long-distance train travels corresponded with rising demand for his trunks.
In 1888, Vuitton’s son and successor, Georges, designed the LV monogram pattern we all know and love. Further proving that he takes after his father, Georges also invented the theft-proof five tumbler lock mechanism in 1890.
The brand continued to grow in Europe and the world over the years, becoming a symbol of affluence and class.
Today, Louis Vuitton is the second most valuable luxury brand worldwide, offering leather goods, ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, jewelry, fragrances, and decorative pieces. Despite expanding to different fashion and lifestyle items, Louis Vuitton luggage remains core to the brand’s identity. From the classic Monogram canvas to newer styles featuring rich leather and cutting-edge designs, Louis Vuitton continues to produce trunks and luggage that evoke prestige and adventure.
Types of Louis Vuitton Luggage to Collect
An incredible 170 years later, the skill and craftsmanship Louis Vuitton poured into his luggage goods live on. Even though his trunks, in particular, are unfit for modern-day travels, the rich and famous continue to invest, turning them into eye-catching design pieces for walk-in closets and homes.
If you want to start collecting Louis Vuitton luggage, here are examples of what other collectors are looking for:
1. Trunks
Trunks, or malle in French, are the brand’s most in-demand luggage pieces. They are available in different shapes, sizes, colors, materials, and designs. The most desirable pieces are usually the newly released, which goes out of stock almost immediately, or the antique standing wardrobe trunks from the 1860s. Old trunks with travel stickers – which their original owners slapped on to remember the voyages they had taken – are also popular among collectors.
2. Suitcases
Originally intended for the English market and frequent train travelers, Louis Vuitton designed its first suitcase in 1899. The brand aimed to meet the needs of business professionals and tourists in England at the turn of the 20th century. Although still manufactured today, antique and vintage Louis Vuitton suitcases sometimes surface at auction houses around the world. Prices for these timeless pieces vary based on factors such as size, condition, and materials. Soft-sided models may start at a few hundred U.S. dollars, while hard-sided trunks in prime vintage condition can reach price points of up to approximately $2,000 depending on specifications like the exterior leather type and interior compartments.
3. Traveling Bags
While many of Louis Vuitton’s collections have premium price points, the brand also offers more affordable travel bag options made from high-quality, durable leather. Two such bags include the Cruiser and Keepall, both of which have been part of the brand’s core collections for several years.
The Keepall, in particular, has been a popular choice among business and leisure travelers since 1930. Its spacious, structured form accommodates all necessities for quick weekends away or multi-day work assignments. With sturdy handles and removable shoulder straps for versatile carrying, the Keepall satisfies the need for organization and portability. Whether hauling sports gear or holiday clothing, the bag performs superbly in its role.
Where to Buy Authentic Louis Vuitton Luggage
You can get your hands on real Louis Vuitton luggage from various sources, including physical Louis Vuitton boutiques and online platforms like The ReLux.
If you want the full luxury shopping experience, Louis Vuitton has stores in cities throughout the world, including Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. Each store offers a broad selection of new luggage pieces in various styles and sizes.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a trusted destination for preloved luxury items, consider online shopping platforms like The ReLux. This online showroom gives designer goods a new lease on life, offering incredible savings on second-hand pieces. This Phoenix-based online business also opens opportunities to discover rare Louis Vuitton luggage and travel bags, which are unlikely to be available through traditional retail channels.
Also read: A Smart Shopper’s Guide to Buying a Preloved Louis Vuitton Online
How to Authenticate Louis Vuitton Luggage
Did you buy a bag elsewhere, perhaps on eBay or Facebook Marketplace? Authenticating Louis Vuitton luggage requires attention to detail and familiarity with the brand’s hallmarks.
Start by examining the craftsmanship, as Louis Vuitton prides itself on impeccable construction. Genuine pieces have high-quality materials and flawless stitching. Check the zippers, locks, and buckles, which should have weight to them and bear the brand’s logo. Inspect the monogram canvas or leather for consistent patterns and crisp, clear printing, paying special attention to the LV logo’s symmetry and spacing. Anything crooked or uneven can signify a fake Louis Vuitton item. Finally, inspect the interior. Authentic Louis Vuitton luggage often includes a date code or serial number discreetly stamped inside a pocket or along a seam.
If you need help, get professional authentication services from Biltmore Loan and Jewelry. Visit us in Scottsdale, Arizona, to find out if your LV luggage is the real deal. In addition, as Louis Vuitton luggage retains its value over time, should you choose to sell, we are interested in buying. Our commitment to authenticity and competitive pricing provides a hassle-free selling experience for all.