When Louis Vuitton released the Monogram Giant Collection, I was instantly smitten. I’m a Louis gal through and through, and this collection has been checking all of the logo-mania boxes. I became particularly obsessed with the Onthego tote bag, and quite frankly haven’t been able to get the dang bag off my mind ever since. The Onthogo is quite large, measuring L 16.1 x H 13.4 x W 7.5 inches. You can easily fit a laptop, book, scarf, wallet, sunglasses, and any other belongings you like to carry around with you in a bag of that size. Worried about it being super heavy if you load it up with your belongings? Fear not, because the Onthego is made of coated canvas, so it won’t get as weighed down as a leather handbag of the same size would. That is one of my favorite things about Louis Vuitton, the canvas is so lightweight and low maintenance.
There are a lot of details about the Onthego that I love. Most obviously, the giant logo being the main one. Another detail that makes a huge statement is the contrast of the mini monogram on the handles. Such a small monogram packs a big punch, particularly up against the giant oversized mono on the bag! Speaking of handles, this handbag has two sets of them. You can carry it by hand with the mini mono rolled handles, or throw it over your shoulder with the longer straps for hands-free carrying. Each panel of the handbag is a different color, so depending on the way you carry it, it looks like a different bag. I am wildly obsessed with the khaki green/white/beige/crème combo, but would happily take a reverse monogram (which isn’t even appearing on the US Louis Vuitton site at this time). Any time I go to add the khaki color (it also comes in rouge and vert) to my cart, I receive the dreaded “Call for Availability” message on the site every single time. I’ve been told it will become available sporadically, but I have not been lucky enough to purchase offline yet.
When I was in Paris earlier this month, I went to Louis Vuitton every single day of my trip to try to stalk this bag. I went to multiple locations, in hopes that I would get lucky while I was there. A tip if you’re in Paris and in the market for a new LV, I found the St-Germain location to be the least crowded and have the friendliest sales associates (and I stopped in a few times!). Despite multiple attempts, I was told each time that the Onthego was completely sold out in France. I ended up purchasing another LV on my last day of the trip, but instead of satiating my desire for a new LV, my fixation on owning an Onthego has only intensified.
Since finding an Onthego in a boutique or on the LV site has been such a challenge, I decided to look into the resale market, which is a place I shop often. I’ve been able to score premier designs for a fraction of their retail cost in the past, but it’s always been a few years after the height of the bag’s popularity. Because the Onthego is limited edition and one of the hottest bags of Summer 2019, resale sites are capitalizing on that. To purchase from a reputable resale website, the price of an Onthego is averaging $4,000. For reference, if you were to purchase an Onthego directly from Louis Vuitton, it will set you back $2,440 (the price was raised in June from its original price of $2,340). As much as I want this bag, $4,000 is a pill that I just cannot swallow.
I can’t bring myself to buy an Onthego for nearly double the price, but I can’t seem to shake my need for this bag. What’s a girl to do? Give up on my dream of owning this bag or continue stalking the LV site? Are there any bags that you can’t let go of?
This will probably be an unpopular opinion but I find this bag too flashy/gaudy with the giant monogram print. I don’t understand why anyone would want to look like a walking billboard. It screams “nouveau riche.”
PS: It’s “St. Germain” not “St. Germaine.”
I totally agree with you on the “walking billboard”. I do like it in all cream color though.
Agree completely. The Giant MC is best left at the boutique. It’s so showy and tacky that you might as well be walking around with a sign around your neck that says, “LOOK AT ME!!!”.
i agree – and i am knee-jerk very anti-logo, but there’s something about the design of this print i enjoy. i feel like i’d love it as a lining.
I think that it would be lovely as a lining, indeed.
HA! Great reply!
Agreed. So I’m going to pay you so that I can advertise your brand. No thanks.
Of all the logo bags, this one is pretty great. I don’t usually like logos, or LV for that matter, but if I was to get one, I would just go for it and get this one.
I totally agree. I actually like it on SLG or even on the birkin style shoes, but on bags it is too much!
I agree with you completely.
Yep, I agree also–not a cool look. But if you must have it, wait for it; $4000 is nuts for this.
complete agree with both of you
Hmm, funny you can’t find one. They must have gotten very popular in the summer. I was at the LV store in Aventura, Florida in the spring and they had several of the Monogram Giant bags on display and available for sale. Try calling that store to see if they still have any.
The Khaki/Crème version was only a seasonal release and it seems that you missed your chance. However, the reverse monogram OnTheGo (M44576) is currently available in the following US stores:
LOUIS VUITTON BEVERLY HILLS SAKS
LOUIS VUITTON BOCA RATON SAKS
LOUIS VUITTON TOPANGA
LOUIS VUITTON COSTA MESA SOUTH COAST PLAZA
LOUIS VUITTON DALLAS NEIMAN MARCUS NORTHPARK
LOUIS VUITTON MINNEAPOLIS EDINA GALLERIA
LOUIS VUITTON CLEARFORK
LOUIS VUITTON GLENDALE BLOOMINGDALE’S
LOUIS VUITTON HOUSTON SAKS
LOUIS VUITTON JACKSONVILLE
LOUIS VUITTON MCLEAN NEIMAN MARCUS TYSONS CORNER
LOUIS VUITTON NEW YORK 5TH AVENUE
LOUIS VUITTON BROOKFIELD PLACE
LOUIS VUITTON NEW YORK SAKS FIFTH AVE
LOUIS VUITTON NEW YORK BLOOMINGDALE’S
LOUIS VUITTON NEWPORT BEACH FASHION ISLAND NEIMAN MARCUS
LOUIS VUITTON CHICAGO OAKBROOK CENTER
LOUIS VUITTON PALM BEACH GARDENS
LOUIS VUITTON PARAMUS GARDEN STATE PLAZA
LOUIS VUITTON PLANO NEIMAN MARCUS
LOUIS VUITTON SAN DIEGO NEIMAN MARCUS
LOUIS VUITTON SAN DIEGO FASHION VALLEY
LOUIS VUITTON SHORT HILLS NEIMAN MARCUS
How were you able to track down this information so quickly?
You can do it from the LV site.
You can do it from the LV site? Well, thank you, appreciate it!
I’m smart. 😉
And awesome LOL
There’s one on FP (beige/black) on “sale” for $3355. Still crazy but a bit less expensive.
I can understand the appeal since the bag is cute and the large logo doesn’t bother me, but $4K is a BIG pillow to swallow.
When im searching for a particular bag i stalk ebay…there are many sellers selling new and will accept offers…but what i have learned with the last 3 bags that i have purchase is if it is really for you it will eventually be yours at the right time.
Love this bag too. Love the pink and red combination and the violet one too.
Don’t overpay. Be patient. You could but another bag with the difference!
Don’t overpay. Be patient. You could buy another bag with the difference!
I have found that LV has a much smaller selection in Paris than they do here (maybe they sell out daily). I was there last October with my Mom and she loves LV, so we went to every boutique. They were out of everything. Came back here, called my SA, and they had the bags she wanted in abundance.
I’d never pay $2k for a non-leather bag… not mention to double the price. although I understand the burning desire when you want the bag so much.
It’s your money to spend as you please, but gawd, that enormous logo is ugly and TACKY!
I got sick of this bag the second I saw it
Please don’t.
The Onthego Cream one is currently on FP for $3,250. Not cheap, but still less than $4K.
I just bought my ONTHEGO last weekend from LV in Beverly Hills. After stalking it for about a week with no success, a very helpful sales associate told me the trick. You have to search their inventory online early in the morning before the stores open, and if you see one in stock you have to be there when the store opens to get it. I did this and got one on the very first time I tried that technique. Regarding the fact that the brown/original monogram color is no long on the US Website, you are correct. But it is on the European website and you can still search US store availability from the European website that’s how I got mine!
how do we search store inventory? I’ve been looking for a Palms Springs Mini for ages and, unfortunately, was unable to find one while visiting Paris (too bad, because the savings would’ve been major).
So, it’s not an option for every product. But for many items there will be an option to “check availability in store.” If that option doesn’t appear, you can still call customer service and they will tell you where the nearest one is.
Thanks. I figured that’s what you meant. I’d have to hunt for a PSM via calling (or stalking the site every 15 mins, lol).
Well, I like the big logo regardless of anyone’s opinion, but that’s fine. Also, I did exactly what you did and the S,A. said they literally just got it in. However, it was a store in Seattle and they are shipping it. I wish other coveted bags were this easy to obtain.
Lucy, there’s one available right now at Neiman Marcus in McLean/Tysons Corner which is about 14 miles outside of D.C.
Thank you so much! Great sleuthing! And congrats on your Onthego!! So exciting you got it.
Do you know if you might purchase it? I bought the reverse monogram despite never having seen it in person. I took a risk and had it shipped, but was cautious due to all of these negative comments. When I received it I fell in love. It is so sturdy, well made and really, really pretty! It was perfect for my needs and hope it is for you, too!
Buy it if you like so much and don’t care about someone’s opinion. It’s your money right?
Besides you should know if it’s worth it or not as you are not like 6-10 years old little girl.
The LV WEBSITE SHOWED THE ONTHEGOtote was sold out. I Remembered someone mentioned that the tax rate in Hawaii was much cheaper, and it true! I called the Maui store and am getting it in 5 days. Why pay the high resale price when you can get an original!!!
I am with you on this post! Flying back from Paris and went to three LV stores. Feeling super defeated, I went to browse the airport location at CDG and got immediate help, asked about the onthego bag and voila – they had it! Another customer fell in love, but they couldn’t find it anywhere for her. It was a true “meant to be” moment and I hope you get yours too. Happy shopping!
i was able to get one at the Boston Saks location last week (however the LV Copley did not have and could not order) – Saks said they receive the monogram onthego weekly.. Try them?