Malletier

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A Malletier is, in French, literally a Trunk-Maker, or manufacturer of luggage and suitcases. [1].

[edit] Trunkmaking

French philosopher Denis Diderot and Jean d'Alembert made mention of a Malletier and his techniques in their Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des métiers et des arts (1713-1784) [2]: [3]

From Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des métiers et des arts 1713-1784

[edit] Notable Malletiers

Cited as the oldest famous Malletier, La Maison Goyard, (Malletier de luxe) opened its boutique in 1853 on 233 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 PARIS. Edmé Goyard worked as a Malletier (Trunk Maker) then known as Maison Morel (founded in 1792), which his son, François bought out in 1853. At that time, the company was formally renamed Goyard. Today, Goyard becomes the favorite Malletier of the International High Society, the Aristocratic families, the Grand Duke of Russia, the Maharajah de Kapurthala, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor all traveled with Goyard luggage and special orders have always been the heart and soul of Goyard’s reputation. [4]

One year later in 1854 Louis Vuitton (Malletier à Paris or "Trunk-Maker in Paris") was the first to manufacture a flat-topped trunk, "gray Trianon canvas flat trunk" that was lightweight and airtight. All trunks before this had rounded tops for water to run off, and thus could not be stacked. It remains as the world's most popular luggage maker today. [5]

French Malletier, La Malle Bernard, Malletier since 1846, was the first mark and French Company to have developed a complete line of luggage and remains as the "oldest trunk maker in existence." [6]

Today, there are few French Malletiers today including Ephtée [7] (Malletier à Bordeaux) and Norline [8], (Malletier haut de gamme)

Outside of Europe, Malletiers include Haskell Brothers, MM Secor, Clinton, Hartmann, Oshkosh, Molloy, Truesdale, and Taylor.