MOYNAT-Landmark

General information

Moynat est un des plus anciens malletiers français. Son premier atelier a été fondé en 1849 par les artisans layetier-emballeurs Octavie et François Coulembier, qui se sont associés avec la jeune Pauline Moynat pour ouvrir la première boutique de l'avenue de l'Opéra. La maison a été un des principaux noms de la maroquinerie de luxe de son époque. Connue pour son savoir-faire traditionnel dans la réalisation des articles de voyage, le malletier est devenu célèbre notamment grâce à ses créations destinées au monde automobile, ainsi que ses innovations qui ont rendu les malles plus légères et imperméables, et ses participations remarquées aux Expositions Universelles.

1849
Founding of the house of Moynat during the great era of rail travel and the creation of the French railway network. The first workshop set up at 13, rue Capron in Paris.

1854
First patent for a sturdy waterproof canvas coated with Gutta Percha, a tropical sap, which guaranteed that trunks were completely watertight.

1869
Opening of the first boutique facing the Comédie Française, at 5, place du Théâtre Français. With the inauguration of the avenue de l’Opéra nine months later, the Moynat store would occupy the corner at Number 1.

1873
Invention of the light-weight Moynat wicker trunk, named Malle Anglaise (English trunk). This trunk was subsequently improved and a new patent filed in 1889.

1878
The first range of ladies’ handbags and “sacs mignons” – with chamois linings – created by Pauline Moynat.

1902
Invention of the limousine trunk for automobiles, with a concave bottom that closely follows the rounded roof of the car. Five patents registered.

1904
Invention of the trunk with glides, for automobiles. These glides raise the trunk, preventing damage to the carriage roof and ensuring a circulation of air that avoids build up of moisture between the roof and the luggage.

1905
First participation in the Paris Automobile Show.

1905
Start of the collaboration with artist Henri Rapin. Creation of the luggage sticker with a train motif.

1907
Construction of the model factory at 15, rue Coysevox, Paris, built on 5 floors, where 250 artisans worked from 1909 onwards.

1910
Invention of the extra-light, unbreakable trunk.

1912
Moynat exhibits in London a chest designed as a footrest and containing a mobile buffet table. Having participated in the Universal Exhibition since 1867, Moynat was a member of the jury in Turin in 1911 and received two First Prizes in Gand in 1913.

1919
Introduction of the “Initial” canvas designed by Henri Rapin, a pattern of repeating M’s, which was to become the discreet and elegant signature of the house.

1925
The red, morocco 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 13 medals at the exhibition.

1927
Invention of the “New Moynat Automobile Trunk” with innovations such as side-loading cases, which gave a new shape to the rear silhouette of automobiles.