It’s taken me months to adjust to our new norm, which I am sure goes for many of you as well, and now I want to focus on posts that you and I both love (which also allows me to shop my own closet). Though many think the Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis is only a couple years old, it was first released in 2013. However, in 2018 it quickly became the must have bag from the brand. It was really hard to track down, so hard that at one point I got oddly desperate and wrote a poem professing my love for it. But the stars aligned and only a couple days after I wrote that poem, my local Louis Vuitton store, where I was on the waitlist, called and said a bag came in for me.
I was so excited, like so excited. And then I got the bag, and I was, dare I say, underwhelmed. I opened it up and though I loved how it looked, it was smaller than I anticipated which made it less usable for me. I’ve not carried the bag as much as I thought I would since I bought it, and there are a variety of reasons why, but I’ve worn it enough to break it down in a longer review. Grab a cup of whatever and sit down, because it’s going to be a long one!
If you are interested in purchasing an LV Pochette Metis, you can now find them in stock pre-loved at Fashionphile in a variety of finishes.
Aesthetics
The immediate reason I fell in love with this bag is because of its looks, for me it’s a great looking bag! I was one of the people that absolutely adored the Proenza Schouler PS1 (man, those were the times!) and the Pochette Metis mixes that schoolbag cool look with classic LV monogram canvas and gold hardware. LV monogram canvas was becoming very popular again when this bag shot back up into must-have status (as were all logo prints), which made the style the ideal combination of what I loved.
As for more specifics on the aesthetics, the standout aspect is the top flap closure which is secured by gold toned hardware with two release tabs that latch the closure, along with a vachetta tab pull. There’s also a vachetta top handle that looks really pretty on this bag, offering a touch of elegance and structure. An optional shoulder strap (which I never take off, I find it makes the bag turn into an odd sized briefcase otherwise), offers 5 holes to make it both removable and adjustable. The back of the bag’s zip pocket is large enough to actually be usable (more on that below).
The smaller size makes the bag seem a little petite, which rings odd for me on a messenger work-style bag. When I think of a messenger or briefcase style, I imagine a bag to be large enough to hold more items and look a bit substantial when being carried. Again, this comes down to personal preference (more in the next category), but because of it, I took a point off the bag as I find this style bag should be a bit larger to match the bag’s shape.
Usability + Functionality
So here is where this bag takes a major hit for me, and majority of this is my own fault. If you ask Vlad he will tell you, I am terrible at reading dimensions and then actually visualizing dimensions. Even when I write it down or measure ahead of time, somehow the item always turns into something different than what I thought. And this is my fault, totally my fault. You can call me spatially unaware in this category. But with that being said, I imagined this bag was larger, and when I opened it, it was fairly compact, even on the small side. Vaughn already wears a 3T-4T diaper (he’s a big boy) and the diaper is the length of this bag. That means carrying a couple of his essentials, since he’s still in diapers and has baby needs, doesn’t work well for me.
I wanted a more substantial look from this bag and since the bag was always sold out in stores, I resorted to looking at photos of people with it online. Size comparisons only work if you know someone’s actual height and measurements, and with majority of people editing their photos and stretching them, you’re mostly seeing distorted views (so frustrating when you’re trying to make an informed purchase!). I am 5’11” and don’t have a petite frame, and more than ever in my life need to carry a lot of items, and this bag simply doesn’t cut it. It’s why I don’t use it much, because even if I keep my bag really organized, I simply can’t hold the everyday essentials for this time in my life. So while this makes the bag take a hit in my ratings, for you personally, it could be just the right size. Maybe you don’t have 2 kids and countless items you have to hold, or you aren’t as tall as I am or my size, and that would make this bag both look larger and work better for you. Dimensions are 9.84″W x 7.48″L x 2.76″D. I am just shy of 5″11 and wear a size 8 if that gives you a better idea of the size of the bag.
On the positive side, the Pochette Metis is set up in a way to allow for optimal organization, which for me is always one of the first things I look for in a new bag. The interior layout is quite functional as it’s split into 3 areas. The back is the slimmest compartment, so I don’t really use it much other than for smaller items I don’t reach for often, but the other two areas will hold the bulk of your items. However, if you fill the front compartment with too many items and overstuff the bag, it makes the entire bag look lumpy, which I despise. You need to be particular about what you carry in this bag to make it work, and while I have plenty of bags that are more compact that I don’t carry a ton of items with, I had mentally planned for this bag to be a great daily bag, and it doesn’t work like that for me.
One of the biggest perks is the zip pocket on the back of the bag is easily accessible and it fits an iPhone X very well. The back pocket zipper opens and closes pretty easily, but I usually leave it just a tad unzipped so I can quickly grab my phone if I need it. As everything is a bit more compact, the zipper teeth can rub against my hand a bit when I’m reaching in.
As I said above, there is an optional, adjustable shoulder strap. I never take it off of the bag (and think the bag looks too dainty as a briefcase bag without the strap). The strap is the right width to hold the bag up nicely and fit over the shoulder well.
Another area that gets a negative mark for me is actually opening and closing the top flap. While aesthetically pleasing, I find the mechanism used to open and close the bag to be tricky at times. When I first purchased the bag, I found myself having to give a slight pull to that top flap for it to fully be released. With more usage, it became easier to open, but getting the latch in place to close the bag isn’t always the easiest when the bag is over my shoulder. If I have it on my lap, I can open and close it fairly seamlessly, but when it’s being worn, I find myself having to look down and focus for a minute on the bag. I can open the tab but then need to open the flap and hold it out of the way. This is what happens with any top flap bag, it comes with the style, but I’ve become much more accustomed to (and a fan of) a bag that is easy to access.
Quality + Construction
After I purchased my Pochette Metis and started reading up on it on our forums, I realized a lot of people had major issues with their earlier versions of the bag. There was cracking under the top flap, glazing coming apart, crooked front hardware, and the monogram print lining up awkwardly on the bag. These issues forced many to return their bags and try a newer version to see if it would hold up better, while also forcing Louis Vuitton to make some changes to the famed bag.
I am lucky to report that my bag hasn’t had any issues so far. I don’t have any problems with any areas, each has held up well. My glazing is all in place and there’s no cracking on the leather or misalignment either. I do think every bag you purchase should come close to perfect (though I expect slight imperfections), but the issues I read about were ones that would make anyone feel disappointed and want to return the bag. Also, my bag was made in the USA if anyone is wondering.
I’ve always loved Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas because it’s both sturdy and easy to clean, and especially at a time like this, I find this canvas great for daily use. The bag is completely up to my standards with everything looking like what I’d expect from a Louis Vuitton bag. The interior features dark brown microfiber lining which feels really nice and doesn’t show dirt or wear easily.
Price + Value
Price and value is always hard to judge for me, as I find majority of bags to be fairly expensive in the scheme of things and that makes it hard for me to assign a value. In this case, I do think this bag should be $400 less. A few years ago, the bag was $1,830, so there has been a couple price increases that impacted this design. The bag retails for $1,980 right now and I think it’s better suited around or below the $1,500 range for the materials used as well as the size of the bag. Keep in mind this isn’t a leather bag, it’s canvas, and though it’s well-known Louis Vuitton canvas, it doesn’t change the fact of what it is. The good news is you can use this bag for a long time, and many use it daily. Though I think canvas should cost less, on the flip side you could argue that it will hold up really well because of the material.
While this bag is typically hard to come by, since the pandemic Louis Vuitton has released more stock online and the bag is currently available to place in your cart. Purchase the Pochette Metis for $1,980 now.
Staying Power
Despite the flaws I find with this bag, it is an incredibly popular bag beloved by many. Keep in mind, any review I share will always be based on aspects that are important to me, which may not be the same for you. Plus, you can put an asterisk next to all of this because I clearly thought this bag was much larger and that was totally my own user problem. While I can tell you things I find wrong with it, it’s a bag that I didn’t for a second think of returning. All of that aside, I totally understand why this is such a popular bag. The style pairs classic with casual so well while delivering all of the iconic Louis Vuitton nods we love.
This bag will forever be a very popular design, maybe not making it into the most classic of all LV bags, but a very recognizable and wearable option from the House. Monogram canvas is easy to wipe down (also a big plus in this pandemic time we find ourselves in) and the bag while modern, offers a timeless appeal.
Overall Rating
This bag is typically not readily available online, but right now I’ve seen it able to be added to cart off and on for the last few months. Prices on bags only continue to rise, so if you love this bag and have some money set aside for a bag purchase, you could nab one now at LouisVuitton.com or pre-loved from Fashionphile.
to test out this bag, I got a Coach Cassie in white leather – and I’m in love! Makes me want the LV one too for fall. It’s a good under $400 alternative, or a way to test drive it – although the Coach turnlock is a much easier closure!
While I think the Pochette Metis is super cute and a classic shape (love the various colorways too), it lands in the awkward “medium sized bag” category, at least for my needs. I either want a very small crossbody for my phone, card wallet, and keys, or I want a bottomless tote for my laptop, lunch, gym clothes, and the kitchen sink. Anything in between never gets used in my day-to-day, which is why I never took the plunge on one of these bags.
That’s exactly where I find this size lies as well, in between wanting to be spacious and compact and it makes it hard for me to find the right way to use it for my life. I typically go small or large enough to truly hold my daily essentials.
I’m the odd one for whom this bag was a fail…twice! I gave it a second chance because I love me a satchel-type bag.
My issue was that durn fiddly locking mechanism. Drove me bonkers.
That being said, I have a Brooklyn made Floto satchel with a fiddly locking mechanism that wants to drive me bananas, but at a cost of $149, I’ll wrestle with that lock.
I don’t think that this bag was marketed as a messenger or briefcase style bag. A Pouchette by its French definition means “small bag”. From what I understand, the bag gets its shape from the front pocket of the Métis Hobo. I’m not sure if this is a fair assessment of the bag. It’s not functional as a mommy bag, but the hobo would have been a better fit for your needs as it’s a bigger bag.
I find it very functional for my life (I don’t own one), but I’m not trying to shove diapers, wipes, sippy cups, and snacks in my bag. During that stage of my life, I carried something bigger to accommodate those things. My kids are A LOT older than yours so I don’t care those big bags any longer. They have been given away, sold off, or retired.
The style of the bag is very briefcase-esque in its design, plus it has the long shoulder strap that allows for some to carry it as a messenger.
Every review is personal, hence you have to read it and see if that review fits with what you’re looking for. I personally don’t find a lot of use for the size of this bag in my closet, but I know plenty of people that LOVE this bag and use it non-stop daily. We all have different needs and likes, which would make any of us reviewing a bag very different from what the next person’s view is!
I did say many times that the size being smaller than I want it to be is a personal thing for me. I actually really like the design and aesthetic of this bag, it is what makes me love it and want to keep it!
Saw a simple and nice user review for the Neverfull at YouTube, https://youtu.be/JbmX50tJgiE while searching today…
I don’t own a Métis however I do own the Cluny BB I love how it has the magnetic opening on the flap. Definitely no cracking. Mine is about a year old I use it almost everyday unless I do a random switch out. It has one main compartment (I have a 5 year old it holds wipes and my stuff perfectly) also a crossbody with a top handle like the Métis. It has small inserts for credit cards so I only need a small change purse for my cash instead of carrying a full wallet. It also has a large zipper area that’s great for any kind of need to separate…. scissors, hair clips, make up etc….. Sounds to me you may prefer the Cluny over the Métis. They have a larger version then mine which I’m kinda wishing I went with. However mine is definitely doable for everyday. ??
Magnetic opening is so helpful when you are on the move and want to be able to get in and out of your bag quickly!
And I do like the Cluny! I really loved the idea and shape of the PM, which is why I purchased it, but I do think I could have found a bag that better suited my wants and needs.
I love the shape, size and functionality of this bag. It holds everything that I need. I’ve even put a few diapers in when I take my grandson out, despite that’s not really the purpose of this bag. I love to travel with it, or I guess that is past tense. I’m 5’10” and find the size appropriate for my frame since smaller bags look ridiculous on me.
Glad to hear from another tall friend! In photos on me it doesn’t look as small as I imagine it looks. And it can fit a diaper for sure, but I guess I just wanted more from it. I would love it so much if there were a larger size, just add a couple inches all around and I’d be sold!
The timing of this article is perfect. Just bought one last week in reverse monogram and waiting to see if I should return it. Nothing objective, just that I didn’t get that loving feeling where I blush. I also haven’t even thought of this bag or researched it before I bought it, just found out in passing it was available when I called LV.
What do you think about reverse? Do you feel it’s considered neutral enough for Spring summer cutesy outfits?
I think the reverse is beautiful and can be worn very neutrally. It really comes down to if you love it and if it makes sense for you!
I guess that’s where I fell with the bag too. I expected to LOVE it. And I do like it in theory, there’s so many aspects I like, but I’m not in LOVE with it like I am other bags. It surprised me that I wasn’t!
I love Pochette Métis- it’s my all time favourite crossbody. Not too big, not too small, and the interior organization is a bonus. On days that I need to carry more things (for work or travel) my Métis fits perfectly inside my Longchamp tote (so no need to switch bags as often).
Yes, it’s definitely compact to fit into your larger tote and then be taken out! So glad you love this bag, I can see why so many do!
I loved this detailed review. FWIW it looks super hawt on you Megs! But having young kids myself I can see how at this point in life it’s a bit tight for what you need.
I’ve found as my kids got older (4 and 7) that I’m favouring my more compact purses and throwing them in a tote for adventure outings, like CC. In a couple years when the kids are older and you can potentially downsize purse contents this might be that perfect size for that time in life.
Enjoy this beauty in good health (even if it’s just admiring it for the time being ;)).
Thank you for the kind words, glad you liked the review!
Ya, if I just had Millie (3.5) it’s a different story! But I have an 18 month old and I don’t always want to carry a diaper bag but I also need enough space for all of my items as well.
I typically have a bag in the car with backup essentials, and then I can always get back to the car if I really need something!
The Pochette Metis has never really appealed (nor have some of the other profiled bags) but I really appreciate these articles anyway, along with the (non-snarky) comments from TPFers. Much more informative and useful than the bog standard, gushy-because-it’s-free SoMe influencer posts. And if I am considering a bag, these help me better define what I really want and like from both an aesthetic and practical perspective.
Two PB article requests: the future of Moynat with the new designer coming on board and a look at some of the prestigious Asian brands not well known in the rest of the world — like Kwanpen or Neil Felipp San Pedro (example: the gorgeous minaudiere bag carried by Astrid at the big wedding in Crazy Rich Asians; his evening bags are stunning and not that expensive: https://neilfelipp.com/collections/minauderies)
So glad you enjoyed the review, even if the bag is not for you! I want these reviews to be really in depth and as I said, it’s obviously from my perspective not anyone else’s, but I think we can all then make informed decisions based on how many details are shared by someone else!
Yes, will look into covering both! I need to research these Asian brands, I don’t know much about them either!
Kwanpen used to be criticized (with some justification) for making too many bags that were obvious attempts to mimic Hermes. They got rid of those and now have more of their own voice. The Raffles 1819 bag is a lovely frame bag that is not trying to be mistaken for a Kelly. If we go to Singapore next year (covid permitting), I want to come home with one of those! I had never heard of Neil Felipp until I saw the bag in Crazy Rich Asians…but if someone is looking for a standout evening bag for under $1000, his are definitely worth considering.
https://www.kwanpen.com/
I personally love my PM! I got the black leather version when I was in Paris in October – with the conversion rate and VAT refund, it came out to around $1,600. For me, it’s a great running around bag. I love the organization, and the size is great because I find many crossbody bags that seem similar in size don’t actually hold as much. That being said, I don’t have kids (yet) and I doubt I could use it to hold their essentials and mine.
$1600 is a great price for this bag – really it’s where I think it should be priced!
I think a lot of people absolutely get a ton of use out of this bag! It just falls into an in between for me – it’s not big enough to carry my everyday essentials but it’s not small enough to fall into the compact category either!
For me, I’m so used to giant bags for work that this feels compact! I’m 5’1 and it doesn’t look too big or too small. I absolutely would not have bought it at full US retail price, though – the $1,600 price point, while a lot of money, felt more reasonable to me for a leather luxury bag of this size. Though, I should mention, on the same trip I bought a Polene bag for only $350!
I never liked the PM and wasn’t a big LV girl but then I kept seeing it over and over again. Then I bought one last year and when I received it I think angels started singing as I took it out if the box. It is ny holy grail bag that I think is perfect in shape and size for my larger frame (I get that it may be too big for those with a smaller frame). I thought my first LV would be a speedy but it is so boxy and saggy. The PM definitely fits all of my essentials including charging cables and purell without looking too boxy and is structured. I love it and would consider getting another in empreinte.
Yes!!!! I felt the same way as you. I wasn’t a fan of it when I first saw it, but then it really grew on me. I ended up getting the Empreinte version because I love leather and the mono was impossible to get. Its now one of my favourite bags and I wear it all the time. I love its smaller size and that it’s not any bigger because otherwise it would look like a messenger bag, and I don’t think I would love it as much. The Empreinte leather is beautiful on the PM, and it makes it such an understated bag.
Hi! Like many others, I never liked the monogram canvas, but somehow always liked the PM… but then I’ve seen it everywhere, and that stopped me from pulling the trigger on one ?… One of these days I was checking the LV site and a pretty similar style caught my eye, the Vaugirard… Does anyone have it? Did anyone see it in person? I’d appreciate any opinions on it! Thanks! ?
I had the canvas PM (a used one) for sometime. I did not get much use out of it. I consigned it and finally ended up getting a brand new emperiente leather in taupe. Looks wise, It really stands out and it was down to a battle between Montaigne 30 and this. Considering how low the resale values for Dior bags are, I ended up choosing PM. IMO, it is a timeless design.
I bought this bag 4 times and the glazing was terrible. It was literally on top of the canvas. I mean all four of them have alignment and glazing issue. Returned all and I’m going back to H.
I had the same experience with this bag, but hopefully the second one I ordered will have no issues!
Just received my 2nd bag and it has the same quality control issues as the first. Strike 2 and they are out, I’m not trying for a 3rd.
I literally just ordered my second and third bags because the first one was a dud. The lock would not open. Hopefully my second and third attempts are successful. If not, three strikes and the PM is out.
Have heard this so many times over – cracks in the canvas, glazing catastrofies and also a crooked front pocket. It’s a shame LV has such a great design and then all else fails. I really like the design and I’m stalking a copycat bag, Coach Cassie. As soon as they make it with SHW in a darker color, I’m going to be all over it.
Love this review and so funny, I’m also a fan of the PS1 and have it in black suede – didn’t even see the likeness of these two bags before. And I was also underwhelmed when I first saw it, had a good think for over two weeks before I started using it.
As a mom of two little ones as well, I actually grew to love my PM, but because I don’t mind dragging along a tote for a diaperbag in addition. I just keep my own stuff in the PM and it keeps my essential items safe on my body at the playground, whilst I can set down the diaperbag and leave it unattended to play with my toddler.
For me the PM works as a perfect daily bag which fits all I need and a bit more. As a comparison my medium Chanel Boy doesn’t fit my wallet, sunglasses, phone, chapstick, hygienic gel, tissues etc. without being cramped and stuffed – the PM is a lot more roomy due to it’s more square shape.
I used to travel overseas a great deal and I bought one of these bags in Paris in navy empriente (with red). My bag buddy got it in the monogram print and uses it frequently. The bag holds my wallet, glasses and phone and iPad mini and the back zippered pocket is perfect for a passport. It is a good anti-pickpocketing bag. On my flights, I used to carry it in my travel tote — I miss those days. I can see how the size is sort of in between but it worked well for me for my purposes. And the best part, being that I am 6 feet tall: the extra long strap actually lets it work as a crossbody bag for me. My OCD tendencies are having a fit at seeing the bag on the ground in one of the photos.
Megs, you look fantastic in the pics. I am digging the kicks.
I bought this bag purely because I jumped on the hype. Funny how when something is SOLD out everywhere , it makes one want it all the more.
As much as I thought I loved it, I now actually can’t stand it. It’s too small for me. I find myself rearranging and cramming my items in there..
Esthetically , I’m tired of looking at it.
I fell in love with the PM the first time I saw it. Unfortunately with four children it was not going to be my daily bag. I needed a large tote on a day to day basis. Fast forward and my youngest is now in high school. I just purchased the bag last night. Super excited to start carrying it. I still carry quite a few things, but really just mine. Nothing for my children anymore. Megs, I do hope you are able to carry yours now that your children are a bit older.