Louis Vuitton Purses and Handbags

Louis Vuitton, a trunk-maker in Paris, since 1854, became a legend in the art of travel by creating designer luggage, designer handbags and accessories with the LV signature grey Trianon canvas. The Louis Vuitton company went on to become one of the world's most famous makers of luxury goods, particularly known for its designer luggage pattern - the beige-on-chestnut monogram "LV" design logo.

Thanks in part to a bronze medal at the 1867 World's Fair and a gold medal at the 1889 World's Fair in Paris, the Vuitton name brand gained international recognition. After Louis died in 1892, it was his son, Georges, who took the company to new heights when he created the first designer label on a product (the distinctive "LV" monogram).

Today, the Louis Vuitton Company has expanded its luxury product line to include travel books, perfume, spirits, shoes, designer clothing and more. Louis Vuitton handbags became a subsidiary of LVMH group in 1987, a global corporation that deals in luxury products. In 1998, prominent designer Marc Jacobs joined the firm as Artistic Director.

Popular handbags in the Louis Vuitton product line include:

• The legend Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas - with its famous "LV" and flowers (created in 1896).
• The famous beige and burgundy checkered 'Daimer Canvas' (created in 1888).
• The Striped canvas line - the renowned red and beige stripped canvas (created in 1896).
• The Noe bag - the much-photographed black and beige drawstring feedbag with the "LV" monogram, was originally envisioned for champagne vintners in order for them to transport bottles of champagne (created in 1932).
• The Monogram Vernis design - created in 1998, was the inaugural collection of bags designed by Marc Jacobs on patent calfskin with the famous "LV" monogram design.

Louis Vuitton monogram handbags start at approximately $120 and can exceed $800 online.