One element that wowed us when Louis Vuitton presented its Pre-Fall 2023 bags: Epi Leather triumphantly returned to the runway. Like many of you, I was thrilled to see Epi Leather Almas and Speedys toted by models sent down the runway in Seoul. Finally, Epi Leather was getting more love!
Epi’s Origins
Epi Leather is a micro-textured cowhide leather dating all the way back to the 1920s when it was used on Louis Vuitton luggage. It is created by printing dyed leather with a unique, three-dimensional pattern known to us as Epi. At the end of the process, a matching topcoat is painted onto the leather, locking in the leather’s hue. This process not only ensures an eye-catching style but also creates an incredibly durable finish, allowing an Epi Leather bag to withstand water and everyday use.
In Praise of Epi Leather
While Louis Vuitton’s Canvas and storied LV Monogram are ubiquitous, with Epi Leather comes an understated elegance and an under-the-radar feel. Timeless, iconic, and durable, they are true investment pieces that will remain in your closet for years (and generations) to come. I can personally attest to the amazing quality of Epi Leather, and my Vintage Louis Vuitton Epi Pont Neuf PM in Toledo has become one of my most cherished and special pieces! Dating back to 1998, it arrived looking almost new and has remained that way with use.
With Epi Leather’s big return, there’s no better time to invest in Vintage Epi Leather! There are many great styles to be found and at great deals too. We found 12 bags that are worth a look. Check them out below and let us know if you’re an Epi Leather lover too!
Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Soufflot
Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Speedy
Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Jasmin
Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Alma
Great to see the Epi back. Wish I had picked one up before it “returned”!
Nice write-up but it needs proofreading, too many grammatical errors.
I only spotted one grammatical error.
The epi leather bags are right in the quiet luxury Trend, and it’s Great that way. There is tons for sale in the Japanese resell market for Great prices.
True but often I see a fake one too( from Yahoo auction )so please be careful. Some fake Louis Vuitton bags are so well made and you can’t pick. 😱
Great news! So happy I kept my red Epi Noe! It’s in perfect condition!
I have a black epic trunk clutch and adore it. And it’s durable and stands up to wear. I am a epi leather fan. The colours with epi are nice and saturated too.
This takes me back! One of my first designer bags was the Soufflot in red Epi leather and I loved it so much. When I finally sold it, it looked barely worn.
Great seeing Epi back. LV Dhanura is one of the Epi bags I’m fond of as it’s whimsical and comes with a yoga mat.
the thing about epi, perfect back in the day when it had two dimensions like color over color even on the logo its very noticeable in the yellow and the blue later it became very flat one color., so ……….. here’s hoping we can all get original episodes back
Holy run-on sentence, Batman!
I’m a bit confused. While Almas have been scarce for awhile,I’ve been collecting Epi Twist bags since Nick’s first collection in 2014. They are on shelves all the time. Most Twists are either Epi or exotic.
Would love to see Vernis return.
Vernis was discontinued because of long-term quality issues with discoloration (normal for light-colored patent leather) and peeling.
I bought an Epi Soufflot in red on my honeymoon in NYC in 2005, I will have to give it some time out in the open!
I have a whole collection of epi bags that I bought in the last three years in vintage at very low prices because epi leather wasn’t more trendy, but I’ve always loved it, it’s so chic. So I have a Lockit in plum leather, a nocturne in Lilac speaks, an verseau in vanilla leather, a woc in Lilac leather A wallet in fuchsia and black.
Wow! I am jealous. Love the Lilac Epi!
Love Épi leather! Please proofread before publishing.