After it was founded in 1854, Louis Vuitton swiftly cemented its place as the last word in luggage. However, it’s with handbags that the Parisian maison has really captivated generations of consumers.

Menswear Creative Director Pharrell Williams (left) carries his own Speedy creation around Paris Fashion Week, while LeBron James slings it cross-body style to the LA Lakers’ opening night in October.

Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton debut was a fashion feast for the eyes; but between all of the fame-filled mayhem on Paris’ Point Neuf Bridge that June evening, many onlookers were focused on one thing: the ...