An Introduction of Maison Goyard: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Elegance
The rich history of Maison Goyard dates back to 1792 when it was founded as the House of Martin and Morel – an esteemed French maker and packer of boxes and trunks. François Goyard joined the company in 1845 as an apprentice under the guidance of Morel. With over three decades of expertise, François Goyard took over the company upon Morel's passing. He renamed it Maison Goyard, a title that would soon be synonymous with luxury and exclusivity. In 1885, François handed over the company to his son, Edmond Goyard, and the brand entered a new era. Edmond Goyard elevated Maison Goyard by establishing factories where he could ensure the highest quality craftsmanship for its products, surpassing the expectations of Maison Goyard's elite clientele.
In 1998, Maison Goyard was bought by Jean-Michel Signoles. Under Signoles' guidance, Maison Goyard has maintained its commitment to craftsmanship while expanding its retail presence and adding additional colors and styles to its core assortment.
Goyard's distinctive craftsmanship lies in its use of Goyardine, a material that combines hemp, linen, and cotton, making it water and stain resistant. This durable fabric sets Goyard bags apart; its chevron pattern has become synonymous with the brand, instantly recognizable as a symbol of exclusivity. Maison Goyard has cultivated its reputation on exclusivity and discretion, setting itself apart from traditional marketing practices. Instead of relying on e-commerce, celebrity endorsements, or advertising campaigns, Goyard employs a low-profile approach to maintain exclusivity and desirability. A Goyard bag and other products are only available to purchase in person in one of its 35 locations around the world.
1 | Goyard Saint Louis Tote
Named after King Louis IX of France, more commonly known as Saint Louis, this Goyard bag remains the most iconic and instantly recognizable tote. The Saint Louis tote was released in the 1930s and is crafted from Goyard's signature Goyardine material. It is both lightweight and durable and has become a favorite tote for work and weekend. The Saint Louis tote was initially designed as a beach bag and remains perfect for storing wet items due to the water-resistant Goyardine material. This Goyard bag features two leather handles for comfortable carrying and a convenient removable inside pocket attached to one of the handles, allowing for convenient access to all your essentials. However, the Goyard tote's allure lies in its reversibility. Whether you wear it displaying the iconic Goyard chevron print or inside-out to show the solid color linen and cotton mix, the bag is versatile and easily styled. The Saint Louis tote is available in various colors and comes in two sizes: PM (petit modèle) and GM (grand modèle). Being the most popular Goyard bag, the Saint Louis tote is a classic choice. Its demand is at an all-time high with secondary market prices above retail for a new condition tote.
2 | Goyard Saint Louis Claire-Voie Tote
The limited edition Goyard Saint Louis Claire-Voie tote is a stunning reinterpretation of the well-known Saint Louis design featuring Goyardine Claire-Voie Greg canvas. The Saint Louis Claire-Voie interior canvas and the outer triangles of the distinctive chevron pattern are the same color, creating the illusion that you can see through the bag. This design takes inspiration from the 17th-century French phrase claire-voie, which translates to "openwork." A claire-voie is commonly an opening or window that looks into a garden from the outside. Just like the classic Saint Louis, this Goyard bag is lightweight and reversible. You can enjoy the elegant chevron pattern or turn it inside out, creating a vibrant summer-colored bag. The Goyard Saint Louis Claire-Voie tote is available in three colors: Khaki, Turquoise, and Powder Pink. The Goyard bag has two leather handles and an inside pocket that matches the design and color of the exterior canvas. The bag comes in the sizes PM and GM. This limited edition release is a modern twist on the cherished Goyard chevron pattern. The Claire-Voie edition is a more deluxe product than the Saint Louis tote and is highly coveted, selling at a significant premium on the secondary market.
3 | Goyard Artois Tote
Named after the Count of Artois, Saint Louis's brother, Goyard created the Artois bag as the symbolic little brother to the Saint Louis bag. The Artois tote is a practical Goyard bag that sets itself apart from the Saint Louis tote in a few key ways. While the Saint Louis tote features an open-top design, the Artois offers a zipper, providing added security for your belongings. Unlike some Goyard bags, the Artois is not reversible. Instead, it has a more constructed structure, including a reinforced bottom with four leather corners to help maintain this Goyard bag's shape even when empty. The Artois is available in three sizes: PM (petit modèle), MM (moyen modèle), and GM (grand modèle). The Goyard bag includes an inside pocket attached to a leather handle to organize all your belongings. The Artois tote is durable and functional, making it a practical choice for everyday use or as a travel companion. Like all Goyard bags, the Artois sells at a premium on the secondary market in pristine condition.
4 | Goyard Anjou Tote
In the historical Goyard theme, the Anjou is named after the Duke of Anjou, another brother of Saint Louis. Like the Saint Louis tote, Anjou features the classic Goyardine canvas, a detachable mini pouch, and an open-top design, providing easy access to all your belongings. One of the standout features of the Anjou is its versatility. The bag is lined with supple leather, allowing you to choose between a more casual Goyardine canvas side or a dressier leather side to elevate the look, making it the perfect Goyard bag for any occasion or outfit. The Goyard Anjou Mini is the most sought-after size, with its miniature scale making it perfect for an evening out or as a day bag. However, the Anjou also comes in size GM. Due to its compact yet stylish design, the Anjou Mini sells quickly on the secondhand market. Whether you’re looking for an everyday or a more sophisticated Goyard bag, the Anjou tote delivers style and functionality.
5 | Goyard Saigon Bag
In the 1930s, a custom order was made for a French Goyard customer who was living in Indochina at the time. Goyard created the Saigon bag to celebrate the customers' love for travel, elegance, and the allure of the Indochina countries. This Goyard bag was reissued in the early 2000s. The Goyard Saigon bag has a unique trapezoidal shape. Its distinctive silhouette adds a touch of modernity and sophistication to any look. This Goyard bag features a flap that tucks in, providing security for your belongings. One of the standout features of the Saigon bag is its hand-carved beechwood handle. The bag is a playful nod to Goyard's signature trunk details, incorporating wooden accents, leather-reinforced corners, and rivets. The Saigon bag is available in two variations: the structured version and the souple version. The more popular structured version offers a polished and refined look. The souple version is perfect for those seeking a more casual style. The Goyard Saigon bag is a statement piece that combines fashion and functionality. This Goyard bag comes in Mini, PM, and MM with special edition Nano and Mini Trunk sizes.
