The archival revival trend shows absolutely no signs of slowing down, with brands continuing to dip into their archives for inspiration. Sometimes a revival is given a slight update to modernize the silhouette, and other times a re-issue is truly like taking a step back in time. Louis Vuitton is one of many brands that continues to explore its vast archives to revive some of its most popular silhouettes of the past.
What’s old continues to become new again, and Nicolas Ghesquière is well aware of the power of a good classic. Today, we’re taking a look at the latest design from the Maison that’s making an epic comeback, and handbag lovers of the 90s and early 2000s are about to unearth some major nostalgia.
A Blast from the Past
The Louis Vuitton Ellipse bag was released in 1997, and it was produced for an entire decade before being discontinued in the late 2000s. Given the name Ellipse for its oval shape, the silhouette is defined by its rounded body, flat base, and Vachetta piping. The original design came in various sizes and was also released in Damier Ebene.
The Monogram version was the most highly sought-after, and Louis Vuitton aficionados should not be surprised by this revival, as last year, it inspired the Tenis-inspired Ellipse BB from Pre-Fall 2022. But for 2023, the original is back. We’re talking about the Louis Vuitton Ellipse PM in Monogram canvas.
Described as a rare archive model, the new Ellipse PM is modernized with the addition of a zippered front pocket and a removable/adjustable strap for crossbody wear. Its size is perfect for everyday use, offering dimensions of 11″ x 8.3″ x 3.1″. The perfect combination of vintage meets contemporary, the revived Ellipse PM will delight Louis Vuitton fans both new and old. Purchase via Louis Vuitton for $2,510, or head on over to the resale market to snag the original.
So excited to see such a great classic return to the line up!!
Complicated work done on that bag. Someone has to have time to enjoy to style of the bag. It’s not for work , it’s for pretty!
I got this bag in 2003. I carried it a lot then. I was so proud of it! It’s so well made. I never saw anyone else carry it, so I figured it wasn’t popular. I still occasionally bust it out. Other than the patina on the handles, it looks exactly the same 20 years later.
Same, I had the pm also, but it got badly damaged one morning after I carelessly left it too close to the stove, while making coffee & melted one whole side of my poor bag. Devastated, I replaced it a year later with the Elipse backpack.
I bought the biggest damn one they made. Around 98-99, don’t recall exactly. Still use it, patina aged just a beautiful even on all parts caramel color. Just used it this past week. LV handbags wear like iron if well taken care of!
I wish I loved the monogram more because every LV piece I’ve seen on people (and the 1 I inherited but never wear) just holds up SO well to time. LV definitely has longevity figured out from what I can tell.
How about they create something new for once…. Rehashing old designs isn’t worth my time of money 😒
They release new models all the time… not sure you’re paying attention.
Both comments are correct!
Many new designs but lots of boring and lackluster models. The classics are still the best! I own the original Elypse and always found it very different from anything else offered out there.
Just went to LV at Crystals in Las Vegas to purchase bag for birthday. I buy one every year on my day. The current LV designers are terrible. The bag designs are just being rehashed or look like a 5 year old painted on them.🤣 I was paying attention I left without purchasing anything.
I still love some classics but I have to agree, I’ve never been a fan of the painted canvas bags, the new design with coloured dots looks so tacky, obviously their target market is 20 year olds.
This may just be me, but I think this bag looks really dated though I remember loving it back in the day.
Totally agree. I’d never spend $2,500 on that model for the exact same reason you mention.
I agree! I remember seeing the knockoff version of this bag on blankets all around Canal street in the early ‘aughts. I wanted a real one too, but felt all the fakes devalued the original. I do like the added zipper on the front of the new version.
It needs to stay in the past.
I remember lusting after this bag.
I like it but at that price I would go pre-owned for about $500 or so. The extra pocket in the front does not make it worth that much more.