Moynat
A historic Parisian luxury leather-goods and trunkmaking house known for travel luggage, handcrafted bags and innovative materials.
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Overview
Moynat is a French luxury leather-goods and travel-luggage house whose origins reach back to Paris in 1849. The business emerged from the collaboration of the Coulembier family, manufacturers based in the northern Parisian suburbs, and Pauline Moynat, a specialist retailer of travel goods in the Opéra district. The company’s first workshop opened in 1849, while the Moynat boutique was established in 1869 on the Place du Théâtre Français, now the Place André Malraux, opposite the Comédie-Française. Its prominent location placed the house within the transformed commercial and cultural center of Haussmann-era Paris. From its earliest decades, Moynat positioned itself around the practical and aesthetic demands of modern travel. The house patented packaging and travel-goods innovations in the 1850s and became associated with the use of hardened gutta-percha as a waterproofing material for trunks and packing cases. In 1870 it introduced a wicker trunk, often referred to as the English trunk or Moynat trunk. Lightweight construction, protective mechanisms and specialized automobile luggage later became important elements of its technical reputation. Jules Coulembier developed a lightweight trunk system in 1889 and an extra-light model in 1910, reflecting the house’s effort to reduce the burden of travel without sacrificing durability. Moynat also built a strong relationship with design and exhibition culture. Beginning with the 1867 Paris World's Fair, it participated in international and universal exhibitions in cities including Paris, Brussels, Turin and Ghent. Henri Rapin joined the house’s creative development in 1905 and contributed logos, monograms, catalogues and exhibition models. His work helped give Moynat a recognizable visual language during the Belle Époque and Art Deco periods. The house received a range of awards, including distinctions for automobile trunks at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. The original business declined during the twentieth century and eventually became dormant as an independent luxury label. In 1989, Orcofi, a holding company associated with the Vuitton family and led by former Louis Vuitton president Henry Racamier, acquired Malles et Voyages and considered reviving Moynat as a competitor in the high-end luggage market. Orcofi was later sold to AXA in 1996. In the late 2000s, Luvanis SA acquired rights connected with the Moynat name, developed a revival plan and assigned the brand to Groupe Arnault. Groupe Arnault acquired Moynat in 2010, providing the capital and ownership structure for a modern relaunch. The revived house reopened a Paris boutique at 348 Rue Saint-Honoré in December 2011. Its international retail expansion subsequently included London, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo, New York, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore and Dubai. The contemporary brand continues to draw on historic trunks, the Réjane handbag and the Toile 1920 M canvas while developing made-to-order luggage, handbags, small leather goods and travel accessories. Its positioning emphasizes French heritage, discreet luxury, artisanal production, personalization and a close connection between archival design and contemporary creative direction. Nicholas Knightly became creative director in 2022, and the house also collaborated with Pharrell Williams on a bag launched in December of that year. In 2023, Moynat used a traveling pop-up format, the Moynat World Tour, to present its heritage and products in different markets.
History
Moynat originated in Paris in 1849 through the meeting of Pauline Moynat, a travel-goods specialist, and the Coulembier family, manufacturers from the city’s northern suburbs. The first workshop opened that year. In 1869, the partners opened a Moynat shop on the Place du Théâtre Français, opposite the Comédie-Française. The address later became part of Place André Malraux, near the Avenue de l’Opéra and the commercial center created by Haussmann’s redevelopment of Paris. Technical innovation was central to the early house. Moynat patented packaging-related inventions in 1854 and became an early user of hardened gutta-percha waterproofing for trunks and packing cases. In 1870, it introduced a wicker travel trunk known as the English trunk or Moynat trunk. Jules Coulembier developed a lightweight trunk system in 1889 and an extra-light model in 1910. The company also created security mechanisms and luggage intended for the developing automobile market. The house participated in international exhibitions from the 1867 Paris World's Fair onward. It exhibited in Paris in 1900, Brussels in 1910 and Ghent in 1913, and was represented as a jury member at the 1911 Turin exhibition. In 1925, its automobile trunks received a Diplôme d’Honneur and additional medals at the Paris exhibition devoted to decorative and industrial arts. Henri Rapin’s collaboration with Moynat, beginning in 1905, added an important artistic dimension. He worked on the house monogram, logos, catalogues and exhibition models, helping establish a coherent visual identity. The Coulembier family also developed a model factory at 15 Rue Coysevox in Montmartre from 1907. Over time, however, the original enterprise declined and ceased to operate as a prominent independent luxury house. Orcofi, a holding company linked to the Vuitton family, acquired Malles et Voyages in 1989. Henry Racamier, formerly president of Louis Vuitton, considered using the business to revive Moynat as a rival in luxury luggage. Orcofi was sold to AXA in 1996, and that plan did not immediately produce a lasting relaunch. Luvanis SA acquired rights connected with Moynat in the late 2000s and developed a revival strategy. Groupe Arnault acquired the brand in 2010. The relaunch was managed by Guillaume Davin, with Ramesh Nair serving as artistic director. A new Paris store opened on Rue Saint-Honoré in December 2011. The house then expanded its boutique network to London in 2014, Hong Kong and Beijing in 2015, Tokyo, New York, Seoul and Taipei in 2016, Singapore in 2017 and Dubai in 2018. The modern Moynat combines archival trunkmaking with handbags, small leather goods, travel accessories and made-to-order luggage. Its heritage references include the Réjane handbag, Limousine luggage and the Toile 1920 M canvas. Nicholas Knightly became creative director in November 2022. In December of the same year, Moynat collaborated with Pharrell Williams on a bag. In 2023, the Moynat World Tour used a traveling pop-up format, beginning at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche in Paris, to showcase the house internationally and highlight the heritage of its canvas and luggage design.
- 2023
Moynat World Tour begins
[1]The house launches a traveling pop-up initiative in Paris, linked to the heritage of the Toile 1920 M canvas.
- 2022
Nicholas Knightly becomes creative director
[1]Nicholas Knightly is appointed to lead the house’s creative direction.
- 2011
Paris relaunch
[1]Moynat reopens at 348 Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris.
- 2010
Groupe Arnault acquires Moynat
[1]Groupe Arnault acquires the brand and advances a new international relaunch.
- 1996
Orcofi is sold to AXA
[1]The holding company involved in the earlier revival effort is sold to AXA.
- 1989
Orcofi acquires Malles et Voyages
[1]Orcofi, associated with the Vuitton family, acquires Malles et Voyages and considers a Moynat revival.
- 1925
Automobile trunks honored in Paris
[1]Moynat’s automobile trunks receive a Diplôme d’Honneur and additional medals at the Paris decorative and industrial arts exhibition.
- 1913
Recognition at the Ghent exhibition
[1]Moynat receives two gold medals and two special prizes at the Ghent exhibition.
- 1910
Extra-light trunk introduced
[1]The house develops an extra-light trunk model as travel becomes more mobile and technically demanding.
- 1905
Henri Rapin collaboration begins
[1]Henri Rapin begins a long collaboration involving Moynat’s visual identity, catalogues and exhibition designs.
Products and positioning
High-end French luxury centered on heritage trunkmaking, handcrafted leather goods, travel expertise, discreet design and personalization.
Travel luggage · 1849
Moynat trunks
The trunk is the foundation of Moynat’s identity. Historic models emphasized protective construction, waterproofing, security mechanisms and reduced weight. Contemporary trunks continue the house’s focus on travel, craftsmanship and customization, including made-to-order formats and archival references.
Travel luggage · 1870
Wicker trunk
Introduced in 1870, Moynat’s wicker trunk was designed as a comparatively light travel case. It became one of the house’s best-known historic forms and is associated with the brand’s early experimentation with materials and construction.
Travel luggage
Limousine
The Limousine is a signature Moynat luggage offering associated with the house’s historic expertise in travel cases and automobile-oriented luggage. It represents the brand’s intersection of elegant form, practical transport and French trunkmaking.
Handbag
Réjane
Réjane is one of Moynat’s principal handbag lines. It translates the house’s luggage heritage into a more compact everyday format while retaining structured construction, refined leatherwork and references to the brand’s Parisian archival design language.
Canvas and luggage material · 1920
Toile 1920 M
Toile 1920 M is a historic Moynat canvas associated with the house’s luggage and made-to-order work. Its heritage was highlighted during the 2023 Moynat World Tour, which marked its continued role in the brand’s visual and product identity.
Leather goods
Small leather goods and accessories
Moynat’s broader assortment includes small leather goods, travel accessories and related leather items. These products extend the house’s trunkmaking codes into smaller formats and support its luxury positioning beyond large luggage.
Marketing campaigns
- 2023Moynat World Tour
France · International
Moynat created a traveling pop-up format that began at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche in Paris on February 18, 2023. The initiative presented the brand’s products and heritage while highlighting the Toile 1920 M canvas.
Outcome. A roving retail and heritage presentation was launched.
- 2022Moynat x Pharrell Williams
International
Moynat partnered with Pharrell Williams on a collaborative bag launched in December 2022, connecting the heritage house with a contemporary cultural figure.
Outcome. Product collaboration launched.
Brand decisions
2022
Appointment of Nicholas KnightlyOtherBackground
Moynat sought new creative leadership for its modern interpretation of historic trunkmaking and leather goods.
Action taken
Nicholas Knightly was hired as creative director in November 2022.
Aftermath
Knightly became responsible for the house’s subsequent creative direction.
2011
Reopening of the Rue Saint-Honoré flagshipStrategyBackground
The revived brand needed a physical flagship through which to reintroduce its heritage and products to the luxury market.
Action taken
Moynat reopened at 348 Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris in December 2011.
Aftermath
The Paris reopening became the base for subsequent international retail expansion.
2010
Groupe Arnault acquisition and revival decisionM&ABackground
After a period of dormancy and earlier ownership changes, the Moynat name and associated rights were positioned for a new luxury-market revival.
Action taken
Groupe Arnault acquired Moynat and initiated a relaunch led by Guillaume Davin and artistic director Ramesh Nair.
Aftermath
The house reopened in Paris in 2011 and expanded into a series of international markets during the following years.
Recent events
- 2023
Moynat World Tour launches in Paris[1]
Campaign · Product generation
The house began a traveling pop-up tour at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche in Paris, combining retail presentation with the history of its Toile 1920 M canvas.
- 2022
Nicholas Knightly appointed creative director[1]
Leadership change
Moynat appointed Nicholas Knightly as its new creative director.
- 2022
Moynat and Pharrell Williams launch a collaborative bag[1]
Product launch · Campaign
Pharrell Williams partnered with Moynat on the launch of a collaborative bag.
- 2011
Moynat reopens its Paris flagship[1]
Product launch
The revived house reopened at 348 Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris.
- 2010
Groupe Arnault acquires Moynat and prepares a relaunch[1]
M&A
Groupe Arnault acquired Moynat after the brand rights had been developed for revival by Luvanis SA.
Sources2 sources
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