MAISON MOYNAT
Established as a trunk-maker in 1849, Moynat is a Parisian Maison with a storied heritage of unique imagination and savoir faire inherited from the 19th century. Intertwined within the revolution of the automobile and the independence of Belle Époque Paris, the luxury leather goods Maison has cultivated a history of freedom and wonder in exceptional bags, accessories, and objets d'art that are a celebration of artisanal craftsmanship and personalisation.
1830
The first railway line for passengers opened in Continental Europe, running from Saint-Etienne to Lyon.
1837 - 1849
Monument railway stations built in Paris.
1842
Expansion of french railway system gets underway.
1837
Gare Saint-Lazare
1840
Gare Montparnasse
1843
Gare d’Austerlitz
1846
Gare du Nord
1849
Gare de Lyon
1850
Gare de l’Est
1849
Octavia & François Coulembier, respected Parisian trunkmakers, set up the Moynat manufacture on rue Capron.
1854
Moynat develops waterproof canvas coated with gutta-percha sap for its patented, waterproof trunks.
1861
Architect Charles Garnier wins competition to build the Opera Garnier.
1867
First participation to the Universal Exibition in Paris.
1869
Pauline Moynat opens her prestigious Maison de vente on 1 avenue de l'Opéra.
1873
Moynat invents the Malle Anglaise, a lightweight wicker frame covered with waterproof canvas. The "English Trunk" was an instant success as it met the strict baggage limits of railway companies.
1878
Pauline Moynat creates the first range of ladies handbags and "sac mignons" with chamois linings.
1879
Beginning of the Belle Epoque. First success of the Belle Actress Rejane.
1895
First order of a trunk for the theatre français. This crocodile creation was displayed on the stage of the "Viveurs" play at the Theatre Vaudeville in 1895.
1898
First auto show held in Paris and enjoying an international success.
1899
First Moynat overnight bag for automobiles.
1900
Moynat advertisement published in “Le Theatre” illustrated posters.
1902
Creation of the limousine trunk for automobiles, with a concave bottom that closely follows the rounded roof of the car, five patents registered.
1904
Invention fo the trunk with glides, for automobiles. These glides raise the trunk, preventing damage to the carriage roof and ensuring a circulation of air avoiding moisture between the roof and the luggage.
1905
Réjane creates her own eponym theatre.
1906
First collaboration with artist Henri Rapin. Creation of the luggage label with a train illustration. Patent registered for the box trunk for automobiles.
1907
Construction of the model factory at "15 rue Coysevox" built on the 5 floors in Paris. In 1909, about 250 artisans were working at this address.
1910
Invention of the extra-light and unbreakable trunk.
1912
Moynat exhibits a chest in London, designed as a footrest and containing a mobile buffet table.
1913
Moynat received its two first prizes in Universal Exhibition in Gand (Belgium).
1914
Moynat trunks, individually shaped to fit the rear of the automobiles. All Moynat trunks are provided with a cover and hood.
1920
Introduction of the Moynat initials canvas designed by Henri Rapin. The pattern of repeating "M" letters, is about to become the discreet and elegant signature of the Maison.
1925
The Red Maroquin leather trunk designed by Henri Rapin, with a frieze of studs encircling palm leaves in blue leather, earns the certificate of honour at the international Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris in 1925. This trunk was awarded with 13 medals at the exhibition.
1927
Invention of the "New Moynat Automobile Trunk" with innovations such as side-loading cases, which gives a new shape to the rear silhouette of automobiles.
1930
Image of the collection published in the "Illustration"magazine.
1935
After the success of the "Ile de France" in 1927, the French Line "Compagnie Générale Transatlantique" inaugurates the sumptuous and luxurious "Normandie".
2011
Moynat re-opens its doors at 348 rue Saint-Honoré, 500 meters away from its historic boutique.
Today, Moynat Paris operates in 35 boutiques worldwide.