The Malle Bernard

Trunkmaker since 1846

Jules Bernard

The trunk-maker La Malle Bernard was born in 1900, in the heart of Paris. Indeed, a certain Jules Bernard, layetier-emballeur for the Grands Magasin du Louvre, decided to set up his own business with his companion Caroline Simon, a cardboard worker in the same store.

Les Grands Magasins

Originally established in the Grand Hotel du Louvre in 1855, the Grands Magasin du Louvre quickly became a reference for all women in Paris in 1900. Like Le Bon Marché, or the Galerie Lafayette, you could find there household linen, fashion accessories or even camping items! This is where the trunks were presented, cheap and high quality luggage to ensure a smooth trip.

The two trunk makers, Jules Bernard and Caroline Simon got married in 1905. A year later, they decided to establish themselves on rue d'Aboukir and bought together the business of a layetier-emballeur dating from 1846. Thanks to this purchase, they became well known from the beginning.

In the 1930s, the four children of the two craftsmen all worked in the company. Two new workshops appear in the Val de Marne and near Paris.

The trunks of sales representativese

Since the 1910's, the particularity of this trunk maker was its specialization in salesman's trunks. Generally covered with a black coating, these trunks were designed to transport and display goods of all shapes. These representatives travelled all over France to present their products, a solid and correctly fitted trunk was therefore essential for the smooth running of the commercial journey. The Lavolaille company was Jules Bernard's main competitor in this sector.

The car trunks

In the 1930s, the manufacturer specialized in car trunks, with roof and trunk models. From then on, Jules Bernard registered the brand name La Malle Bernard and the company was very successful with these car trunks.

These trunks were made to measure, with a canvas of the same color as the bodywork. The interior was usually fitted with two suitcases. This configuration allowed travelers to leave the trunk firmly attached to the back of the car, and simply take the two protected suitcases to the hotel.

After the 2nd War

In 1944, the two craftsmen retired and donated the company to their two sons Adrien and Charles. Two years later, the company is still located on rue d'Aboukir. Charles exploited the brand and Adrien bought the company Ets Quesnel specialized in the manufacture of suitcases in vulcanized fibers.

In the 1950's the company employed a dozen craftsmen specialized in the manufacture of trunks and travel goods. With a specialization for the suitcases and cases marmotte out of vulcanized vibrates (or vulcanite). Adrien also wants to broaden his offer, by proposing sheathing for the high-tech devices of the time such as transistors and radio-television. Three new stores will soon open in the Paris area.

Tday

Today, La Malle Bernard is one of the oldest trunk makers still in business. Relaunched in 2020 by Daniel Bizet, this company is more than ever attached to the traditions of the packer's trade, offering hand-made trunks and luggage, reinforced transport cases and custom-made boxes.

The manufacturer's store is now located at 27 rue de l'exposition in Paris and the workshop is (like ours) in Normandy. Discover more about La Malle Bernard on the website www.lamallebernard.fr ou sur instagram.