Goyard Trunks and Luggage

Time and secrecy have enhanced the allure of Goyard, one of the world’s oldest luxury leather goods and trunk makers. Originating in 1792 as the House of Martin with a focus on making trunks and other travel goods, the business served the packing needs of French travelers. It was renamed in 1853, after the business passed to François Goyard, who began as an apprentice in 1845.

The company’s renown grew under François’s son, Edmond, who took over in 1885. In branding Goyard, Edmond was inspired by his family connection to the Compagnons de Rivières (“Companions of the River”), an association of transporters whose members floated firewood to Paris on inland waterways. The Goyard Chevron, launched in 1892, features an understated pattern of Ys that were created with a series of dots, which represent the logs his ancestors shepherded down the river.

For trunks and other wares, Edmond applied the interlocking pattern to a waterproof cotton and linen weave. His innovations garnered awards, including gold medals at the World Exposition of Milan (1906) and the Franco-British Exposition of London (1908), and an honorary degree at the International Exhibition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Art of Paris (1925), the show that brought the Art Deco style to worldwide attention. The trunks became highly desirable objects of luxury travel, and the brand developed its cachet.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle had a trunk-turned-writer’s-desk. Hugh Grosvenor, the 2nd Duke of Westminster, ordered a trunk for Coco Chanel. Chef Alain Ducasse ordered a custom Goyard trunk to carry his cutlery.

Monograms can tell us about the history and evolution of a brand, and at Goyard, in-house artisans still hand paint the marquage — the monograms, stripes and other motifs that personalize Goyard bags, case pieces and steamer trunks, which today can be used in any interior as nightstands, coffee tables or robust storage cabinets. But if you want to add a crown symbol to your trunk, you’ll have to provide proof of royal lineage.

Find a variety of authentic vintage Goyard trunks and luggage for sale on 1stDibs.