Top 5 Oldest Fashion Brands in France
You know how some things just never go out of style?
Like croissants, cozy cafés in Paris, and those French fashion brands that have been around forever.
We're talking way before Instagram, the internet… even before electricity in some cases!
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In this article, we're taking a little trip through time to look at five of the oldest fashion brands that started in France and are still doing their thing today.
These aren't just labels—they're legit pieces of history, and each one has a cool story behind it.
From classic trunks to luxury fashion statements, let's peek into how they started and what makes them so iconic.
Table of Contents
1. Goyard
So, here's something wild: Goyard dates all the way back to 1792.
That's… three centuries ago!
It originally wasn't even called Goyard—it was Maison Martin back then.
They started off in the trunk-making business, which, believe it or not, was the thing back in the day.
Think fancy, handcrafted travel trunks for the elite who weren't messing around with packing light.
What makes Goyard extra cool is how mysterious its.
They've kept such a low profile over the years—no flashy ads, no runway shows, just word-of-mouth and loyal fans.
That quiet vibe actually makes it feel even more exclusive.
Over time, the brand evolved, got renamed Goyard in the 1800s, and built a rep for top-tier craftsmanship.
Their signature pattern?
Super recognizable.
People who know, know.
It's subtle luxury, and honestly, its aged like fine wine.
Today, owning a Goyard piece is like carrying around a little piece of fashion history.
And if you spot one in the wild?
Total respect.
2. Hermès
Okay, so Hermès wasn't always about Birkin bags and silk scarves.
Back in 1837, it was a tiny workshop in Paris making harnesses for horses.
Yep—before it became one of the biggest luxury names in the world, Hermès was all about horses.
Makes sense, right?
Horses were the main way to get around back then.
What's interesting is how the brand managed to transition from equestrian gear to luxury fashion without losing that sense of heritage.
They didn't just randomly switch things up—they slowly expanded.
First came saddlery, then leather bags, then clothes and accessories.
That dedication to craft stayed the same the whole time.
Hermès is all about quality over quantity.
Even now, their bags are handmade and can take weeks to finish.
They're pricey, sure—but you're not just buying a bag.
You're buying into a legacy.
Oh, and fun fact?
There's actually a waiting list for some of their bags.
Like, you can't just walk in and get a Birkin.
You gotta be patient—or very lucky.
3. Moynat
Moynat's got a bit of a Cinderella story going on.
Founded in 1849 by Pauline Moynat—super rare for a woman to lead a brand back then—it was one of the big names in luxury trunks and leather travel gear.
If you were someone important back in the 1800s, chances are you had a Moynat case with your initials on it.
They were known for innovation too.
Moynat made lighter trunks that curved to fit car roofs when automobiles became a thing.
Pretty clever, huh?
Travel was changing, and they adapted.
But over time, Moynat kinda disappeared from the spotlight.
The fashion world moved fast, and Moynat became one of those "whatever happened to them?" brands.
Then boom—in the 2010s, it came back with a whole new look, backed by the big luxury group LVMH.
Now its back on the map, looking stylish as ever but keeping that vintage soul.
Here's a quick look at their journey:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1849 | Founded by Pauline Moynat |
| 1900s | Popular for custom car trunks |
| 1970s | Brand fades from popularity |
| 2011 | Relaunched under LVMH |
It's kinda poetic.
A brand from the past, brought back with modern style but the same timeless vibe.
4. Louis Vuitton
Ah yes, Louis Vuitton—arguably the most recognizable French fashion brand out there.
But back in 1854?
It was just one guy making travel trunks in Paris.
Louis Vuitton (the person, not the label) was obsessed with making strong, flat-top trunks that were way easier to stack than the old-school round ones.
Simple idea, huge impact.
People loved them, especially world travelers and, let's be honest, rich folks who liked to show off a bit.
Fast forward to today, and LV is everywhere—from Paris runways to Instagram feeds.
But they've stayed true to their roots.
Their bags still rock that famous monogram and are built like tanks.
Fashion tanks, but still.
What's kind of fun is how their pieces are both luxury and super functional.
You can actually use them, not just show them off.
And thats part of the appeal.
Some of their top hits:
Speedy Bag - small, chic, timeless
Keepall Duffel - weekend getaway essential
Neverfull Tote - big enough to carry your whole life
LV didn't just survive the years—they dominated them.
5. Lanvin
Let's talk about Lanvin.
Founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin, it started as a hat shop.
Yep, hats!
But Jeanne wasn't just a milliner—she had a real eye for style, and once she started making clothes for her daughter, people took notice.
A lot of notice.
Pretty soon, Lanvin was making full women's collections.
And not just clothes, but perfume, menswear, even home decor.
Jeanne built a whole lifestyle brand before that was even a thing.
Lanvin's vibe was always about elegance, femininity, and detail.
She cared about fabric and fit like nobody else.
Even now, the brand leans into that Parisian grace—less edgy, more timeless beauty.
Unlike other brands that reinvent themselves every season, Lanvin is more about continuity.
If you like classic, romantic styles with a touch of old-world charm, Lanvin is for you.
It's not the loudest label, but its definitely one of the most graceful.
So there youve it—five fashion brands from France that have stood the test of time, each with its own wild ride through history.
From mysterious Goyard to elegant Lanvin, these labels prove that when you mix craftsmanship, smart evolution, and a little French flair, you can last centuries.
And who knows—maybe your next bag, coat, or suitcase will be part of this long, stylish legacy.
If nothing else, at least now you've got some fun fashion trivia in your back pocket.
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Sources and References
Images Sources and Attributions
All images used within this page have been sourced from Wikimedia Commons. They are used here strictly for informational and illustrative purposes.
