Louis Vuitton is a name that is not a stranger in the fashion industry; in fact it is not a stranger to most people. The name Louis Vuitton is now a synonym for high quality fashion, mostly known for the designer handbags, although they also manufacture shoes and other items.

Louis Vuitton first started in Paris, in the year of 1854, and the company he started went on to become one of the world’s most famous makers of luxury goods, known especially for its designer luggage pattern: a beige-on-chestnut monogram, “LV.” and of course we all know since the start this company has become one of the world’s most famous makers of high quality luxury goods. When Louis Vuitton first started, he made mostly luggage, and large trunks, he also made handbags mostly made out of leather.

Louis Vuitton luggage was a huge hit in the start of his career, and gave him enough business for the need to relocate, and he did so to the town of Asnieres in 1860. As the years went by the Vuitton line gained international recognition, thanks in part to a bronze medal at the 1867 World’s Fair and a gold medal at the 1889 World’s Fair, both held in Paris. In the year of 1885, Louis Vuitton expanded once again and opened up his first store in London. Louis Vuitton continued advancing his line and in 1888 he came out with the now signature Damier Pattern, which is a checkerboard of light and dark brown boxes, making a very classic and luxurious look. After Louis died in 1892, his son, Georges, took the company to new heights, developing what is recognized as the first “designer label” on a product. (Widespread copying of Vuitton patterns pushed Georges to design the distinctive “LV” monogram.) Vuitton’s luggage company has since become a world leader in luxury consumer goods, with products that include travel books, perfume, distilled spirits and designer clothing. As the 19th Century gave way to the 20th, Louis Vuitton made history again and again. And just before the dawn of the new millennium, in 1896, Louis Vuitton introduced the enduring Monogram Canvas.

Any history is not a thing of the past and Louis Vuitton’s is no exception. Theirs is a living, breathing, ongoing phenomenon spanning more than three centuries.