Delvaux
Richemont · Belgium
Delvaux is a Belgian luxury leather goods house founded in Brussels in 1829 by Charles Delvaux, often cited as the oldest fine leather goods house still operating. It has been owned by Richemont since 2021, after a decade under the Fung Group's investment arm. Its best known design is the Brillant handbag of 1958.
| Founded | 1829 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Charles Delvaux |
| Owner | Richemont (since 2021) |
| Headquarters | Brussels, Belgium |
| Signature bag | Brillant (1958) |
| Segment | Luxury leather goods |
| Website | delvaux.com |
What is Delvaux?
Delvaux designs and produces luxury handbags, small leather goods and accessories in Belgium. It is known for structured bags, playful seasonal designs and a strong association with Brussels, where the company has its headquarters and workshops.
History
Charles Delvaux opened a travel goods workshop and store in Brussels in 1829. The company filed its first handbag patents in 1908. In 1933 the agricultural engineer Franz Schwennicke took over from Edmond Delvaux, the last of the founding family, and after his death in 1970 his wife Solange Schwennicke led the house, introducing modern designs such as Le Pin. The Brillant, designed by Paule Goethals in 1958, became the house's signature bag and is still made today.
In 2011 First Heritage Brands, the investment arm of the Hong Kong based Fung Group, took a majority stake. In 2021 the Swiss luxury group Richemont acquired Delvaux. Richemont lists the house among its Fashion and Accessories Maisons and has announced the appointment of Yanina Novitskaya as chief executive.
Products and positioning
Delvaux is a luxury brand positioned alongside the leather goods specialists of Paris and Milan. Its range includes:
- The Brillant and Tempête handbag families
- Seasonal and artistic limited editions
- Small leather goods and straps
- Travel and men's bags
Business model and distribution
According to Wikipedia, Delvaux operates around 40 stores worldwide, including flagships in Brussels, Paris, London, Milan, Tokyo and New York, and also sells through specialty and department stores in about 18 countries and regions. As a Richemont Maison it can draw on group resources in retail, logistics and digital.
Why it matters
Delvaux gives Richemont a historic leather goods house in a category where the group has been smaller than its main rivals. Its development under group ownership is a test of whether a heritage brand with limited international awareness can be scaled in luxury handbags.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Delvaux?
Delvaux has been owned by the Swiss luxury group Richemont since 2021. Before that, First Heritage Brands, the investment arm of the Fung Group, held a majority stake from 2011.
Where is Delvaux from?
Delvaux is from Belgium. It was founded in Brussels in 1829 by Charles Delvaux and still has its headquarters and workshops in the Belgian capital.