Louis Vuitton Bags: A Guide Before You Buy

Louis Vuitton bags

by Lucy Morris |
Updated on

Since 1854 Louis Vuitton bags have been the definition of luxury. First established as a luggage business in Paris by the namesake designer when he was a mere 16 years old, it was Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife Empress Eugénie de Montijo that became his designer’s first celebrity client. Ever since Louis Vuitton’s bags have collected famous fans like Hollywood’s Walk of Fame has collected stars – think Selena Gomez, Rihanna, Sarah Jessica Parker and Naomi Campbell and many, many more.

Rihanna attending Louis Vuitton SS19 show in Paris
Rihanna attending Louis Vuitton SS19 show in Paris ©Getty Images
Kendall Jenner with Louis Vuitton Speedy
Kendall Jenner with Louis Vuitton Speedy ©Getty Images

Dior may have its ‘New Look’ and Chanel its cardigan, but Louis Vuitton is not without its calling card either. It’s impossible to think of the letters ‘L’ and ‘V’ without summoning up the interlocking logo of the French fashion house that’s recently appointed Kanye-collaborated Virgil Abloh as menswear artistic director. First created in 1896 by the Vuitton’s son, Georges, it’s now one of the most recognizable logos in the world. This in part is to do with the Louis Vuitton’s archive designs being reimagined in the iconic LV logo, as well as the proliferation of Louis Vuitton fakes that have flooded the black market.

Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton's creative director
Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton's creative director ©Getty Images

Though the price of a Louis Vuitton replica may be just pennies, an authentic design comes not just with design credibility but artisanal craftsmanship. The company employs over 4000 specialists to help with the hand assembly of their designs. Before you decide which of their illustrious designs to buy, here’s our guide

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Iconic Louis Vuitton Bags - Grazia

New Wave Chain Bag, 1560, Louis Vuitton1 of 9

New Wave Chain Bag, 1560, Louis Vuitton

Under creative director Virgil Abloh's, the 80's inspired Wave bag was launched, creating a certified insta-hit. The rainbow motif handle mimic's the houses menswear SS19 collection, with its nod to pride.

Twist, 2560, Louis Vuitton2 of 9

Twist, 2560, Louis Vuitton

Inspired by the Pochette Trapeze clutch, the Twist has earned it's place as one of the brands new classic's since its launch in 2015. Available in the iconic house monogram or seasonal upgrades.

Nu00e9oNou00e9 bucket bag, £1100, Louis Vuitton3 of 9

NéoNoé bucket bag, £1100, Louis Vuitton

Labelled a house icon, the NéoNoé bucket bag was originally created to transport Champagne bottles in 1932.

Louis Vuitton Alba Bag4 of 9
CREDIT: Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Alba Bag

The Louis Vuitton Alba was created by Gaston Vuitton, who named the structured tote after the Alma Bridge, which connects two fashionable Paris neighborhoods together. Chic, right?

Louis Vuitton Nou00e9 Bag5 of 9
CREDIT: Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Noé Bag

The history behind this bag is undeniably cool. Vack in 1932, Gaston-Louis Vuitton was asked by a Champagne producer to make a sturdy (but stylish) bag to transport five bottles at a time. He made the Louis Vuitton Noé Bag.

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CREDIT: Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Capucines Bag

The Capucines bag takes its name from the rue des Capucines in Paris, where Louis Vuitton opened his first store in 1854.

louis vuitton neverfull bag7 of 9
CREDIT: Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Neverfull Bag

Featuring dainty straps and a bold red interior, this structured, checkered LV bag is a cult classic. This capacious tote has became ubiquitous in the early 2000s but has found a fanbase once again with the resurgance of designer monograms.

Louis Vuitton Speedy bag8 of 9
CREDIT: Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag

In the 1960s when the Louis Vuitton was just branching out into read-to-wear, the Speedy came along as an option for the modern woman on the go.

Louis Vuitton Mini Pochette Bag9 of 9
CREDIT: Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Petit Malle

When Nicolas Ghesquière took the reigns at the fashion house he set his sights on revitalizing Louis Vuitton's Petit Malle, which was inspired by the trunks created in the 1800s.

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