When you think of Louis Vuitton, what comes to mind?
If you answered Monogram Canvas or perhaps one of the brand’s popular Monogram bags like the Speedy or the Neverfull, you’re not alone. For most luxury consumers, Louis Vuitton is known first for its cornerstone Monogram Canvas bags.
You know the ones, the ubiquitous shapes that have been around for decades and are an integral part of fashion history, worn by some of the greatest fashion icons of our time. While purchasing one of these styles comes with the security that your bag will always remain in style, Louis Vuitton’s offerings span well beyond.
In the last decade since Nicolas Ghesquière joined the Maison, a new cohort of classics has emerged. Standing alongside the Masion’s most timeless silhouettes, these classics have already proven to stand the test of time, and today, we’re diving into the 4 new cornerstone bags every Louis Vuitton lover needs to know.
Louis Vuitton Capucines
The only bag on this list that pre-dates the Ghesquière-era is the ever-popular Louis Vuitton Capucines bag. First introduced in late 2013, the Capucines is one of the most, if not the most popular, leather bags from the Maison.
The bag’s release came during a time of change for the heritage trunk-maker. It was launched as the brand shifted its collections to include a greater selection of cleaner, minimally branded designs versus the monogram and logo-focused bags it is most known for.
The Capucines’s debut elicited sticker shock to some, as the bags boasted some of the highest price points the brand’s bags had ever seen. Today, the Capucines, which takes its name from rue Neuve-des-Capucines, a homage to Louis Vuitton’s first store, which opened in 1854, remains an integral part of the Maison.
Over ten years since making its debut, the bag has been reinvented season after season, appearing in new sizes, colors, exotics, and more. It is the epitome of timeless elegance.
Louis Vuitton Petite Malle
Louis Vuitton’s Petite Malle, or little trunk, as it translates to, will forever be synonymous with Nicolas Ghesquière. The bag debuted in the Fall of 2014, marking the designer’s first collection for Louis Vuitton.
This little trunk marked a big step for Louis Vuitton, and in a way, it would foreshadow Ghesquière’s Vuitton, which is archival and classic. Like many of his bags, the Petite Malle pays tribute to Louis Vuitton’s heritage in trunk making and its attention to quality and craft.
The Petite Malle can require up to 200 different steps depending on the bag’s specifics. One of the major complexities lies in the fact that the Petite Malle is an identical miniature version of the classic. Though the bag is tiny, each one is given the utmost attention and care—exactly how the brand’s historic trunks were crafted back in its early days.
Louis Vuitton Dauphine
For the Cruise 2019 season, Louis Vuitton debuted the Dauphine bag, which was one of Ghesquière’s big Monogram pushes. A Monogram shoulder bag with dark leather trim offers the appeal of a vintage piece, said to be inspired by a 1976 model from the Maison.
The Dauphine modernized Monogram, giving it new life while still lending a timeless appeal. Monogram for the cool girls, if you will. Quickly, it became a staple for the Maison, a quintessential representation of Ghesquière’s ability to embrace heritage codes in a contemporary way.
The Dauphine continually sees reinvention, most recently popping up on the runway in a soft, relaxed version perfect for every day but still offering the elegance of the original.
Louis Vuitton Twist
For Cruise 2015, a brand new leather bag hit the scene, defined by its unique (and totally functional) bold LV Twist lock. Seamlessly combining clean lines and a classic silhouette, the bag remains a versatile choice thanks to its interchangeable chain strap and modern updates.
The original design was created by creative director Nicolas Ghesquière, who reinterpreted a clutch from the house’s archives, the Epi Trapeze, renewing interest in the durable, classic material at the same time.
The shape has quickly become one of Louis Vuitton’s most emblematic designs, remaining an integral part of the House’s leather line-up. Each season, the Twist sees the addition of fun details and novelty add-ons, as well as stylistic updates that modernize the shape.
I think the Capucines is one of the most beautiful bags ever. It’s simple but with a nice edge to it. I prefer it to most Chanel bags and it amazes me how badly it keeps its value. However, when I’ve looked at some of the used bags on sale, they don’t seem to keep their shape very well so maybe that is why? A structured bag with leather that is too soft? I’m not sure, but it is very beautiful – and the mini does seem to hold up better. I’d love one in an exotic.
I’m a handbag lover and collector. Bought my first Capucines last year in Paris, in the BB size and Ostrich leather. Since then I’ve become obsessed with this bag. Love the silhouette and the different ways to carry it. I also love the different iterations that come along. Bags are not investments. Buy what you love and can afford. As for me, I’m cancelling a few other bags on my wishlist in lieu of purchasing another 1 or 2 more Capucines. Re the slouching, I learnt that Capucines’ Taurillon leather is similar to Hermes’ Clemence leather, which is a heavy leather, hence the slouching, just as you would see on Hermes bags made of Clemence (e.g. Picotin), and it tends to show more on the larger sizes because of the added weight.
I’ve read that a frame was later put into the Capucines bags to help them keep their shape. I’d love to hear from people that purchased in the last year or two how the bag is holding up for them. I don’t know if the misshapen ones on the resale market are from before this frame or if the frame has not actually solved the issue of the slouching.
That’s interesting. I’ve been tempted on some resale sites but didn’t know about the slouching. May have to investigate further 🙂
Although I haven’t used any of my LV bags in a long time, the Capucines is appealing despite some of the negatives (difficult in and out/cumbersome flap, doesn’t retain shape, doesn’t hold value). The current price however is ridiculous. I’ve purchased luxury bags over five decades and have a large collection, but with age comes wisdom and they’re just not worth it to me anymore. Put the money toward a low cost index fund mirroring the S&P500 and hold on to it. Your older self will gresatly thank you.
I bought a capucine last December and I have no problems with the shape. It’s beautiful and I know it will last me a lifetime. Well made
I love the dauphine, always have. The dressed up canvas is really appealing. It’s cost prohibitive for me, so I admire from a distance
Love the color of the exotic capucine bag featured; I prefer the look of the BB size with thin straps. The bigger sized capucine featured here looks pretty good too. Kind of like how a K25 or a K32 Hermes have each their own appeal.
The Louis Vuitton Twist is awesome. I have the LV bowling ball with matching wallet that I very seldom carry. I’m a handbag lover as well. I would carry the LV Twist
I love the bags. I wish that they would design a newNeverful bag.