Louis Vuitton is a French fashion house that was founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton. Vuitton made a name for himself with his flat-bottom trunks. Made from Trianon canvas, the trunks were not only airtight but lightweight. Before Vuitton’s flat-bottom trunks, luggage was typically round topped so that water could be drained off, but they couldn’t stack.

Due to his genius innovation, the trunk was quickly imitated, so Vuitton introduced his popular Damier Canvas pattern in 1888. After Vuitton died in 1892, the reigns passed on to his son, Georges Vuitton. Under Georges’ direction, Louis Vuitton introduced its signature Monogram Canvas and patented it. The monogram was inspired by the widespread use of Japanese Mon designs during the Victorian era.

Building its legacy on leather goods and accessories, it wasn’t until 1997 that Louis Vuitton introduced its ready-to-wear line. Under the creative direction of Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton made its debut with menswear and womenswear. Since then, the French fashion house has become known for its signature monogrammed products and chic Parisian style.