From Louis Vuitton and Goyard to Chanel, Prada, Bottega Veneta, and more, the world of designer handbags is vast, but still relatively reserved for the select heritage luxury brands we cover day in and day out. We love to lust over them, dream about the ones we’ll add to our collections next and talk about them in great detail.
Yet there is a universe outside of the world’s most well-known heritage brands, and it’s our duty to give them some love, too! Over the years, we’ve made it our goal to introduce you to brands you might not have heard of.
While some are brand new, others are quite the opposite, steeped in history but still more under the radar. Today, we’re here with one of the latter to give some love to Au Départ Paris, which is largely considered one of the four greatest French trunk-makers, along with Goyard, Louis Vuitton, and Moynat. In good company, but not talked about nearly enough!
A Heritage Brand Worth Knowing
Au Départ was founded in 1834, and like many of the powerhouse luxury bag makers of today, it began as a maker of fine trunks and leather goods. Inspired by a sense of adventure and rail travel, which was booming at the time, Au Départ’s founders opened the first shop directly in front of the then-new Gare du Nord train station in Paris.
Au Départ literally translates to “at departure,” and while the brand eventually expanded after the company was taken over in 1871, selling bags and baskets as well, its roots in travel remained. In the 1920s and 30s, with advancements in materials and craftsmanship, the business further flourished and quickly became a favorite luxury goods luggage manufacturer.
From Trunks to Timeless Luxury
In the 1960s, Au Départ merged with Moynat, operating under one umbrella, before ceasing operations in 1976. The company remained shuttered and both labels defunct until Moynat was purchased by Bernard Arnault and relaunched in 2011, and much later Au Départ in 2019, backed by Asian investors.
Last year, Au Départ returned to Paris with a brick-and-mortar flagship, opening a store at 20 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Like its comrades, Au Départ is known for its heritage coated canvas. Used initially on trunks for train travel and other luggage, coated canvas is known to be incredibly durable, meant to withstand wear and tear.
Au Départ also makes a variety of impeccable leather bags with a distinct yet unique design aesthetic. These bags are meant to sit amongst the highest level of luxury brands (think Hermès, Delvaux, etc.) while still catering to a younger, trendier consumer.
Below, we’re unpacking five must-have styles from Au Départ.
Au Départ Tote No. 55
A classic.
Au Départ Monceau Bag
The sleek shoulder bag.
Au Départ Belleville 24
An elegant top-handle.
Au Départ L’Élysée Bag
It’s giving effortlessly cool.
Au Départ Tuileries 17
The perfect grab-and-go bag.
