80
late nineteenth century
due to their roominess and
durability, but as practical
as the carpet bag was, it
was not elegant and did
nothing to differentiate the
wealthy from the lower
classes.
A French gentleman
named Louis Vuitton
seized this opportunity. In
1854 he designed a trunk
made from iron and a
waterproofed canvas. This
luxurious travel case was
elegant, sturdy, stackable
and able to withstand the
rigors of travel. It was
instantly a hit with the
wealthy as it served to
distinguish them as elite.
In 1896 the Louis Vuitton
monogram canvas was
introduced and is the
brand’s most recognized
symbol to this day.
Joy feelings magazine
As upper class women
became more mobile and
found themselves away
from home for longer
periods of time, they
needed a better way to
carry the necessities. A
shopping trip to the newly
created department stores
or to meet friends for tea
required more than a
dainty bag could hold.
These new bags first came
in the form of small