The First Luxury Brand in History: A Journey to the Origins of Luxury

Luxury has been deeply intertwined with the evolution of civilization. From the golden jewelry of the Egyptian pharaohs to today’s sophisticated fashion houses, luxury has always symbolized status, exclusivity, and craftsmanship. But which was the first luxury brand in history?

The Concept of Luxury Throughout History

Luxury has existed since ancient times, but in its earliest forms, it was not associated with brands or businesses. Instead, it was linked to exclusive products made for royalty and the nobility. In Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, luxury manifested in the form of exquisite fabrics, fine jewelry, and perfumes crafted from rare ingredients.

With the rise of organized trade in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, luxury houses began to establish themselves as exclusive providers of high-end goods.

The First Luxury Brand: Trudon (1643)

While many iconic luxury brands emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries, Trudon, founded in 1643 in France, is recognized as the oldest luxury brand still in operation.

Trudon started as a manufacturer of high-quality candles, which quickly became the favorites of the French royalty, including Louis XIV and Napoleon Bonaparte. The brand supplied candles to the court of Versailles, monasteries, and churches, solidifying its reputation as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity.

Today, Trudon continues to operate, producing handcrafted candles using traditional techniques and maintaining its legacy as one of the first luxury brands in history.

The First Modern Luxury Brands

Although Trudon was among the first brands to offer exclusive products to the elite, the modern concept of a “luxury brand” as we know it began to take shape in the 18th and 19th centuries.

• Vacheron Constantin (1755): The world’s oldest watchmaker in continuous operation, with timepieces worn by figures like Napoleon and Queen Elizabeth II.
• Hennessy (1765): One of the most prestigious cognac houses.
• Breguet (1775): A luxury watchmaking house founded by Abraham-Louis Breguet, inventor of the tourbillon.
• Hermès (1837): Originally specialized in leather goods for horses, it evolved into one of the most exclusive fashion and luxury houses.
• Cartier (1847): Known as “the jeweler of kings,” Cartier has created some of the most iconic high jewelry pieces in history.
• Louis Vuitton (1854): Famous for its luxury trunks and luggage, it marked the beginning of a new era in fashion and leather goods design.

The Legacy of Luxury Today

Luxury brands have evolved over time, adapting to new technologies and trends while maintaining their core values of exclusivity and craftsmanship. Today, the luxury sector encompasses everything from fashion to technology, with brands such as Chanel, Rolex, Ferrari, and Loro Piana setting the standard for quality and sophistication.

Although the luxury market has changed, its fundamental principle remains the same: to offer unique, high-quality products to a select clientele.

While defining the “first luxury brand” can be challenging, Trudon (1643) stands out as the oldest still in operation, while brands like Hermès, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton laid the foundations of modern luxury.

Luxury has always been an expression of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation. Though it continues to evolve, its essence—exclusivity and distinction—remains unchanged.