Louis Vuitton Epi leather is one of the most underrated materials in the brand’s line-up. However, that’s changing with the classic material having a renaissance nearly 40 years after the iconic material was introduced into the brand’s rotation, becoming the first permanent leather line for the Maison.
Though the line launched in 1985, Epi leather’s roots date back to the 1920s when it was used on luggage during the mid-20th century. Known formally as Epi leather, the material is dyed leather that is then printed with the unique three-dimensional Epi pattern, creating micro-textured leather.
The Top 5 Epi Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
Epi leather is finished with a topcoat matching the leather’s color, locking in whatever hue is used. The process is detailed and meticulous, ensuring unmatched quality and craft; the textured leather offers an ideal mix of timelessness and durability.
Louis Vuitton offers some of its best bags in Epi leather, and while they have a classic appeal, they are also chic and of the moment. Epi leather is an excellent option for everyday use thanks to its ability to withstand wear and tear. Still, it also oozes a certain understated elegance, two things that don’t always go hand in hand.
Classic yet modern, an Epi leather bag will never go out of style, remaining relevant for generations to come. If you’re looking to start your Epi leather collection, Louis Vuitton offers many current and vintage styles that have staying power. Below, we’re looking at 5 of the most classic Louis Vuitton Epi leather bags.
Louis Vuitton Speedy
Arguably one of the most classic bags in modern handbag history, the Speedy was first introduced in 1930. Inspired by the ever-changing travel industry, it debuted as the Express bag, meant to suit the evolving needs of high-society city dwellers.
The Speedy was initially introduced in the 30cm size, and the line later expanded thanks to its popularity. The Speedy 25 was notoriously created for Ms. Audrey Hepburn herself, whose petite frame was better suited to a smaller version of the bag. It was a hit, and soon, it wasn’t just a Hepburn exclusive but an integral part of the Maison’s line-up.
While the range of sizes expanded, the materials it’s offered in have grown over the years. It debuted in Epi leather over 50 years after its original release. The classic bag remains a staple at the Maison, though the Epi leather Speedy was discontinued in 2012.
Louis Vuitton Alma
While the Speedy is arguably one of the most, if not THE most, popular bags from the Maison, the classic Alma is a close second.
The story goes something like this: Gabrielle Chanel commissioned a smaller version of the brand’s popular travel Steamer bag.
The bag eventually became mass-produced in 1934, with Coco’s blessing (rumor has it). It debuted as the Squire bag and later was renamed the Alma after “Place de l’Alma,” a tree-lined square in Paris where the famed Avenue Montaigne meets the Seine River.
Defined by its classic art-deco-inspired shape, the Alma is rooted in House history. The iconic silhouette has seen both reinvention and expansion over the years. In fact, its original shape was later revised to include a slightly more curved body, metal feet, and the classic Louis Vuitton clochette.
The Alama in Epi leather remains in production today, and its vintage versions remain highly sought after on the secondary market.
Louis Vuitton Noé
While most of Louis Vuitton’s classic bags are rooted in history, the Noé’s story is undoubtedly the most fun. In 1932, Louis Vuitton’s grandson Gaston-Louis Vuitton designed the Noé bag specifically for transporting champagne from place to place without breaking.
The French name for Noah, the bag, was coined Noé because of Noah’s (yes, that Noah of Noah’s arc) propensity to consume copious amounts of wine. The original model, a classic bucket bag shape with a reinforced bottom, was said to house up to 5 champagne bottles.
Now a staple for the Maison, the classic Noé has been reimagined over the years in new sizes, materials, and colors. The once discontinued Noé in Epi leather made its grand return as part of the nautical collection this summer, reworked as an ode to the original and further cementing the importance of this classic bag.
Louis Vuitton Sac Plat
Debuting in the late 1960s, the timeless Sac Plat is Louis Vuitton’s take on the iconic shopper. Designed to be incredibly malleable, the idea behind the Sac Plat is that it can easily be folded and stored inside a suitcase to use once you’ve reached your final destination.
Considering Louis Vuitton’s unmistakable roots in travel, its easy-to-store silhouette makes a lot of sense. Its classic top handles make the Sac Plat one of the brand’s chicest bags—simple but sleek and functional.
While the Sac Plat’s origins lie in form and function, like many of its bags, Louis Vuitton now offers shrunken-down versions of the classic shape, fitted with a crossbody strap for additional carrying options.
Louis Vuitton Saint Jacques
One of Epi leather’s more underrated styles, the Saint Jacques, embodies chic French style. It’s also the only bag on this list that hasn’t ever come in a Monogram version. A favorite from the 90s, the Saint Jacques features a roomy interior, and depending on the size (PM, MM, or GM), there are longer and shorter strap options.
The original Saint Jacques was discontinued in 2007, though Louis Vuitton later revived the bag in 2015. The revival’s shape was slightly different, featuring an open top instead of a zipper. Like all of the Epi leather bags on this list, the original is incredibly popular on the secondary market.
I have a Noe in red epi leather from 1995 that I purchased last year. It’s in pristine condition, and I get compliments every time I carry it!
I also have a red epi Noe! I purchased from Saks Fifth Avenue when, I worked there. I paid, about $600 with my employee discount, around 1993! My Noe has been kept in the original dust cover and absolutely looks brand new! It’s the one LV bag I didn’t sell!
The quality of Epi is truly unmatched! I purchased my Pont Neuf (1998) via Fashionphile and it came looking brand new – I was amazed. I would love to add another piece or two to my collection. Prices are also pretty good on eBay or FP if you do some digging.
Epi is the most beautiful, and practical underrated leather. It takes color extremely well and is very durable. I have it in Alma and St Jacques. The shape of the St Jacques makes it one of the most graceful handbag designs ever made.
My favorite LV bag will always be my black Alma MM in Electric Epi. Such a classic shape and perfect for when I don’t feel like bringing a tote to the office.
Epi electric was the best version of Epi!!!
I have the soft magenta alma in the top pic, the red speedy 25 and a black one too. Love epi so much. Glad to see it being appreciated once more.
Epi is one of my favorite leathers just because of the look and colors that it comes in, my ONLY issue with it is that EVERY Epi leather bag I have seen from second hand sellers in Japan have ALWAYS been cracked, scuffs exposing the under color, and the epi looks so worn and unattractive after years of use. I’ve always wanted to update my Keepall 45 to an Epi leather one but am just so turned off when I check the preloved market. Maybe I will be proven wrong someday.
There is a red mini keepall with vertical epi coming up and it is to die for!
Shame that the Jacques is no longer made with a zipper? The epi slgs seem nice too, as I have a medium size wallet that had been discontinued awhile back, and wish they would bring back that wallet style that opens like a storybook.
I agree that they should have kept the zipper in the St Jacques. Without, it just becomes another tote, which I suppose, is their aim.
I purchased a Trunk Clutch in black epi. It’s my favourite bag and is so hard wearing. Doesn’t need babying and till looks brand new. It feels classic. I think it will easily outlive me
😌 a forever bag, for sure ❤️
LV is the pink and white nails of handbags.
You spend too much energy looking down on other people.
I didn’t understand CShell’s comment, because I’d never heard that before, but now I realize it wasn’t meant as a compliment. Thx for clarifying.
The photo of the blue bag mentioned under the Alma is actually a LockIt.
Edit: Oops. It is indeed an Alma. The shadow on the side of the bag made it look different.
Looking for some advice, please. Can you clean the epi leather? I’m considering a preloved LV but it needs some tlc! Wondering if leather cleaner can bring the gal back to life. Thank you.
I just purchased the Alma GM in the pigment color (like the one in the picture) and it is gorgeous! It’s from 2012 and it looks brand new. I cannot believe I waited this long to purchase an Epi piece.
I had the green Epi Lussac Borneo that I absolutely loved, but just sold back to Fashionphile because it was too large for me. But if you are over there, go find it- it seriously is perfect if you are looking for a larger bag. The green color is gorgeous. I’ll probably replace it with a smaller Epi, I have found the leather to be much more durable and stain and scuff resistant, compared to LV’s monogram fabric.