For those who appreciate the craftsmanship, quality, and style of vintage fashion, there is no better choice than Louis Vuitton.
As one of the most iconic French fashion houses, Louis Vuitton handbags boast a unique combination of traditional styling and modern taste while boasting many high-quality materials.
If you’re looking for vintage Louis Vuitton handbags that you can use on special occasions or simply carry around whenever you please; it pays to look out for a few classic pieces that stand the test of time.
Here is our selection of the ten best vintage Louis Vuitton handbags you should consider adding to your collection, as well as an overview of all things Louis.
Compact and perfect for city life, this classic Louis Vuitton handbag is a timeless piece that has been around in some form since 1930 when it was intended as a smaller version of the larger Keepall bag and was commonly referred to as the “Express” – a nod to the travel revolution of the period.
1959 saw the iconic Audrey Hepburn request a smaller version of the Speedy, allowing her to use it daily, and the Speedy 25 was born.
This cute compact features a signature monogram canvas with leather trim and gold-tone hardware, making it an ideal choice for those who want to add a touch of sophistication to their look, and is spacious enough to carry your essentials, without worrying about being weighed down by bulk.
This vintage Louis Vuitton bag is a perfect throwback to the past and was one of the first creations that Louis Vuitton made in his transition from hat boxes to holdalls, emerging as a response to the demand for soft-sided luggage as an alternative to hard cases.
Classic and spacious, it is perfect for travelers who need to carry a lot of items with them, and the 45 model is the perfect size for your plane hand luggage, allowing you to keep your essentials to hand while still enjoying the ultimate convenience.
This iconic bag is one of the oldest Louis Vuitton designs and was originally designed by Gaston-Louis Vuitton, grandson of the iconic designer, as a bag for men, intended to transport champagne bottles safely and stylishly – to this day, you can fit five champagne bottles inside without too much stress.
The first bucket bag, the Noé was an instant hit among trendsetters and has a unique quirk when it comes to the name.
According to experts, Noé is a nod to the biblical Noah, who is said to have become a winemaker following his experience on the Ark – a trait that Gaston upgraded to champagne to fit the luxury vibe!
The Noé remains a popular choice to this day, and the distinctive bucket style and monogram can be found across two sizes, and in a range of colors and designs, allowing you to find your perfect match.
One of the most iconic creations from the designer, the Alma is steeped in style and sophistication, having originally been commissioned by none other than Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel as a luxurious one-off design for her personal use.
The design remained a one-off piece until 1934 when Chanel granted permission to Louis Vuitton to replicate the style, and the bag officially went into circulation as the “Squire”.
This was renamed the “Champs-Elysee” in 1955 and later updated to the “Alma” in 1992.
With a compact, boxy design, the Alma is an instantly recognizable model, derived from the Queen of Fashion herself, Coco Chanel.
In its history, it has been produced in materials from the Damier canvas to Monogram and featured in a wide range of styles and materials.
Now, it is a popular city bag for the girl on the go, and the perfect way to stay organized without compromising on style.
Literally translated to “mini trunk”, the Petite Malle is a stunning nod to the origins of Louis Vuitton and his first forays into the world of fashion.
The design is based on a popular trunk crafted by Louis himself, who started his journey as a professional packer.
According to history, one of his first jobs was as a packer in Paris, folding the clothes of Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III.
The Empress is said to have used compact, custom travel cases that sparked the flame of inspiration in Louis, and the rest, as they say, is history.
When Nicholas Ghesquière took over the fashion house in 2013, he was inspired by the story and transformed the traveling trunks of history into a modern cross-body design.
This is a design packed with history, and a great way to pay homage to the man who made it all happen.
The Sac Plat Tote is a classic design from the house of Louis Vuitton, and one that was first launched in 1968 and started life as a carry-on, designed to be used alongside the Keepall.
The idea was to carefully fold the tote inside the Keepall holdall, ensuring that you had the perfect bag to hand upon arriving at your destination, offering ultimate convenience combined with achingly stylish designs.
Today, the Sac Plat Tote is still a popular choice and comes in a range of sizes, colors, and materials.
The design has been updated a number of times to include the iconic monogram canvas, as well as other materials such as Damier Ebene and Epi leather.
It’s the perfect way to add a touch of classic style to any outfit.
A staple of the 80s and early 90s, and, this is a vintage Louis Vuitton bag perfect for those looking for a sleek, chic mini bag that embodies that sense of fun and freedom associated with these eras.
All designs in the range are flexible and versatile, and the removable chain makes it easy to take the Pochette Accessoires from clutch to mini handbag in no time.
This is an ideal pick for those who love to keep their look fresh and modern, and the range of colors available means you can find the perfect match for any outfit.
For a truly unique Louis Vuitton investment, the Ellipse is a coveted bag for hardcore collections. This bag was first released in the late 90s and is still a popular choice today.
It features an iconic shape, with two curved sides that come together to form an ellipse.
The design is simple yet elegant, and the range of colors available means you can find something to suit any style while channeling your inner 90s queen.
The model was discontinued in 2003, so getting your hands on an Ellipse is a great way to add a rare and sought-after piece to your collection.
Despite being relatively new to the scene, the Neverfull has quickly become one of the most iconic Louis Vuitton designs since its inception in 2007.
This classic tote bag is perfect for everyday use, and is ideal whether you are traveling, studying, or working – this is the ultimate Mary Poppins bag.
The Neverfull is available in a range of sizes and materials, including the iconic monogram canvas, Damier Ebene, and Epi leather.
Choosing The Perfect Vintage Bag
When it comes to choosing the perfect vintage Louis Vuitton bag, there are a few things to consider, and these include:
Use
The first thing to consider is what you need the bag for – if you’re looking for something to carry everyday items, then opt for a larger design such as the Neverfull or Sac Plat Tote.
If you’re after something more compact and stylish, then go for a mini bag such as the Pochette Accessoires or the Ellipse.
Materials
Secondly, consider the materials – if you’re after a classic look, then opt for the iconic monogram canvas, or for something more modern and unique, choose one of the other materials such as Damier Ebene or Epi leather.
Colors
Finally, think about the colors – there are plenty of options available to suit any style, and this can vary depending on the model that you opt for.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to vintage Louis Vuitton handbags, there is something for everyone. From the iconic monogram canvas to the modern and unique designs, these bags are timeless and will never go out of style.
Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or something more subtle, there is sure to be a perfect bag for you.
Have you ever thought that you were born in the wrong generation? That you would have suited the 80s better? The 70s, 50s, or even the 30s?
Then welcome to my website, where you’ll fit right in. Hi, my name is Willa Price and I am a self-confessed fashion lover.
I specialize in vintage fashion at a designer label, and it is my dream job. I spend my days reinventing old pieces and reworking them into modern fashion trends.
Please, enjoy my website as you take a step back in time to relive the fashion evolution that we are still moving through now.
