Louis Vuitton's Golden Age in the 1930s | Vintage Trunks & Bags

The Rise of Louis Vuitton in The 1930s

In the 1930s, Louis Vuitton cemented itself as one of the premier luxury leather goods brands in the world. Under the leadership of Gaston-Louis Vuitton, the grandson of founder Louis Vuitton, the French company expanded its offerings while maintaining its high-quality craftsmanship and style.

Continuing a Legacy of Luxury Luggage

Louis Vuitton had made a name for itself in the 19th century by creating luxurious and resilient luggage and trunks outfitted for the rigors of travel. Pieces like the Wardrobe trunk became iconic for their innovative design and usefulness. By the 1930s, Louis Vuitton's luggage remained in high demand with the savvy and stylish traveler. New trunks introduced included the outrageous 1930s Cabin trunk covered in the Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas and trimmed with aluminum edges and corner guards to protect its contents.

Expansion Into New Categories

Under Gaston-Louis Vuitton's leadership in the early 30s, the brand expanded into new categories like handbags and small leather goods. Notable introductions included the elegant Noé bag in 1932, a chic and slouchy unisex design still popular today. This was followed by the stylish Steamer Bag, inspired by luggage but designed as an everyday bag for women. Like the luggage pieces, these newly introduced handbags and accessories were crafted from the Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas, Trianon canvas, and Epi leather in colors like black, brown, and red.

The Golden Age of Travel

The 1930s was a golden era of travel, when steamships and scenic trains crisscrossed the continents. Wealthy travelers relied on Louis Vuitton's wardrobe trunks, steamer trunks, and suitcases to organize extensive outfits for extended voyages. Flat vintage trunks like the Cabin and the 1930s Bedford trunk in rigid leather and canvas were well-suited for packing suits, gowns, and essentials.

Classic Monogram Canvas Introduced

Louis Vuitton's classic Monogram canvas pattern, one of the most recognized in the world, was first introduced in 1896. By the 1930s it was ubiquitous on luggage and travel goods as well as newer handbag shapes. The canvas features an iconic "LV" interlocking pattern along with 4-point flowers and quatrefoils, printed in dark brown on a tan background. This classic Monogram canvas conveyed luxury and heritage and continues to be featured on many Louis Vuitton goods today.

Iconic 1930s Louis Vuitton Pieces

Timeless Handbags

Some of Louis Vuitton's most iconic, coveted handbags emerged in the 1930s. These continue to influence modern Louis Vuitton bag designs today. They included:

• The Noé Bag - Created originally to carry 5 bottles of champagne! Features vintage details like a kisslock closure and special silhouette that echoes vintage luggage.
• The Plecac Clutch/Bag - An early shoulder bag design with an adjustable strap and structured shape.
• The Alma Bag - Named for Paris' iconic Pont Alexandre III bridge. A sleek, elegant shape with distinctive curved lines.

Vintage Trunks & Luggage

During the 1930s, Louis Vuitton continued to produce high-quality vintage luggage along with introducing new flat trunk designs:

• Wardrobe Trunk - Considered the first modern piece of luggage, outfitted with drawers, compartments and hangers.
• 1930s Cabin Trunk - A petition trunk covered in the classic Monogram canvas and trimmed in leather with brass hardware.
• Bedford Trunk - All leather luggage featuring the iconic Monogram canvas inside the lid.

The Louis Vuitton Legacy

The 1930s represented a turning point for Louis Vuitton. Under Gaston-Louis Vuitton's innovative leadership, the brand expanded into new product categories while continuing to produce exquisitely crafted luggage. Iconic pieces introduced like the Noé bag in iconic Monogram canvas cemented Louis Vuitton's reputation for creating cult classics. Vintage trunks and luggage continued to reflect the heritage and resilience of travel that defined the brand.

Today Louis Vuitton remains one of the most recognizable and coveted luxury brands in the world. Many vintage styles from steamer trunks to the classic Monogram bags fetch top dollar prices from collectors and vintage connoisseurs. Louis Vuitton's heritage of quality craftsmanship and innovation continues to influence modern designs. The 1930s marked both the golden era of travel and the rise of Louis Vuitton as a heritage maker of luxury leather goods.

FAQs

What materials were vintage Louis Vuitton trunks made of?

Vintage Louis Vuitton trunks from the 1930s were made from rigid leather and cotton canvas trimmed in leather, brass or aluminum. The canvas featured the iconic Monogram print or sometimes solid Trianon canvas in grey or brown.

Why were Louis Vuitton trunks so popular in the 1930s?

During an era of elegant travel via steamships and trains, Louis Vuitton's luggage was revered for its resilience, innovations, and luxurious styling that reflected the tastes of elite travelers. The company patented trunk designs that organized clothes and belongings.

What was Louis Vuitton's most iconic handbag of the 1930s?

The Noé bag, created originally to carry champagne bottles in 1932, became one of Louis Vuitton's most iconic handbag designs. Its slouchy bucket shape with cinchable drawstring echoed the company's luggage roots.