Designer Bag Directory : Which Louis Vuitton Bag suits you?

Who doesn't adore LV bags? Most celebrities do. Even though the brand was founded in the 1800s, LV still hold strong in setting trends and pushing fashion forward in handbag industry. Hence, making it a stark mandatory for every woman out there to own any of the LV masterpiece.

LV classic lines are known for their incredible durability, making these some of the most sought after vintage pieces around the world. Are you up for their classic vintage options?  Here are some of the most popular designs that are still valued by vintage hunters everywhere. No matter what your desire, Louis Vuitton has a range of classic, modern and vintage bags for you! But hold on, which one is best for you? Let's take a look at some choices...

The Keepall

The iconic Keepall made its debut in 1924. Designed as an overnight stay bag, the Keepall modernized travel luggage and its design features continue to influence weekend bags sold today. Features of the Keepall include a leather ID tag, and the bag is available in 3 sizes – 45, 55, 60 (measure in cm). The Keepall is a unisex bag, and is often used today as a hardy carry on luggage for aeroplanes.

Suitable for: Frequent Fliers.



The Speedy

In 1965 the Speedy 30 was introduced following the success of the Keepall overnight bag. As the name suggests, this was a 30 cm sized version. It was designed due to a special order placed by Audrey Hepburn, who became the unofficial face of Louis Vuitton, after being photographed continuously with the Speedy 25. Today the Speedy is available in 4 sizes – 25, 30, 35, 40cm, and in a wide range of different leathers, and patterns. The Speedy was the first everyday travel handbag created by Louis Vuitton, and was originally called the ‘Express’ due to the era’s passion for new and quicker means of transportation.

Suitable for: Anyone who is a minimalist but still needs a big bag, big enough to carry all those necessary stuff. 



 The Noe

In 1932, the ‘Noe’ design made its debut, due to a request by a producer of champagne for a bag that could carry 5 bottles of champagne!  The Noe bag fits four bottles of champagne upright, and one bottle the middle upside down. Today the drawstring bag is a popular everyday bag, worn by women all over the globe and comes in 2 sizes – the ‘Noe’ & ‘Petite Noe’.

Suitable for: Picnic lovers, of course! But, I don't discount the shopaholics! 



 The Lockit

In 1958, the ‘Lockit’ bag was created as part of a light luggage line. The name refers to the design elements of how the bag closes – a leather patch with a padlock on the side of the bag, allowing you to ‘lock it’. Louis Vuitton’s padlocks were favoured amongst the elite & wealthy due to the ‘non pick lock’ design, helping them protect their goods from thieves.

Suitable for: Anyone living in a big, dangerous city. Or basically just anyone who is conscious about protecting their sentimental-valued stuff from being stolen.



 The Alma

Created in 1934, the Alma bag is one of Louis Vuitton’s most iconic bags, available in a range of different leathers and prints. The Alma was originally called the ‘Squire bag’ but was renamed after ‘Place de L’Alma’ – the pretty tree-lined square in Paris where the Avenue Montaigne meets the Seine. Made with functionality in mind, the Alma is extremely spacious wide opening bag. With double zips, it also features two inside compartments. It’s the perfect work to evening bag, and is one of Louis Vuitton’s most popular design,s second to the Speedy.

Suitable for: Ladylike and "elegant conscious" Chic. 

Designer Bag Directory : Most Popular Louis Vuitton Handbags

Founded in 1854, the house of Louis Vuitton has been making bags and luggage for over 150 years. Worth an estimated $28 billion, LV is the most valuable luxury brand in the world. Their bags are known for flawless craftsmanship and beauty. Nevertheless, out of those many collections, there is a list of most iconic LV’s that have stood the test of time and of course, popularity. Now, let's get to know them. 


The Speedy Bag




On the market for more than 80 years, the Louis Vuitton Speedy stands out as a timeless design. Its simplicity of style makes it appropriate for nearly all occasions, from a weekend shopping excursion to a formal dinner, while its shape flatters women of all sizes. It is available in a wide variety of colors and sizes to suit shoppers' tastes, though the Louis Vuitton monogram canvas remains the most popular.

The Neverfull Tote




Louis Vuitton's Neverfull tote first hit the market in 2007. Since that time, it has become one of the designer's most successful bags. It is available in both leather and canvas styles, including the classic monogram canvas. Sizes range from the small PM size to the large GM and include a mid-range MM between the two at 12.6 inches wide by 11.4 inches high and 6.7 inches deep, depending on the style.

The Tivoli 



A bag for everyday use, the Tivoli by Louis Vuitton features adjustable handles that suit either hand-carrying or shoulder wear. Wearers report that its interior design makes for easy access to contents. Large enough for a wallet, cell phone, keys, and other necessities, it is not so large as to be overwhelming to a woman of average height and build.

The Totally 


Convenient for those who frequently lose things in the crevices of a purse, the Louis Vuitton Totally includes both inside and outside pockets for easy access to belongings. Its inner pockets are ideal for small items, while outer pockets can fit a standard size water bottle. 

The Palermo 



Similar in girth to the Tivoli, the Louis Vuitton Palermo is slightly smaller to suit a wearer with a slimmer build. It features side pockets and a shoulder strap as well as comfortable handles and a large secured opening at the top. Inside, a cell phone pocket and additional flat pocket help to keep bulky and small items separated.

The Noé


First appearing in 1932, the Noé stands out as the second oldest of Louis Vuitton's handbag designs. It originally came about as the result of a request from a champagne manufacturer to create a stylish transport for five bottles. The result is pleated and features a classy drawstring closure and single handle at the top.

The Delightful



Debuting in 2010 as an everyday shoulder bag, the Louis Vuitton Delightful features a casual hobo shape and cowhide edging. Its cowhide handles combine strength with style, while a striped lining evokes the designer's classic trunks. The Delightful features plenty of space on the inside and, for buyers of the GM size, two zipped exterior pockets.

The Lockit


Appearing alongside a large-scale ad campaign starring Michelle Williams, the Lockit by Louis Vuitton features a rounded top and attached side padlock. An adjustable shoulder strap and comfortable handles make it easier to carry, while a zip closure helps to keep belongings secure.

The Alma



The Alma is available in a wide variety of colors both bright and classic. Options range from the classic monogram canvas to the shiny Vernis patent leather. A zipped closure with padlock adds practicality to the bag, as do the interior patch and phone pockets and studs located on the bottom. Structured to hold its shape, it also features a soft lining to protect belongings.

Designer Bag Directory : Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas

George Vuitton

It was George Vuitton, Louis Vuitton’s son, who decided in 1896 to carry on the adventure begun by his father by designing the famous Monogram Canvas. At the time, to foil counterfeiters, he created a canvas bearing bold graphics, a pattern that was instantly recognizable. The unique pattern is composed of flowers, a universal and timeless symbol, and the entwined Louis Vuitton initials. 

The pattern was based on the trend of using Japanese and Oriental designs in the late Victorian era. The Monogram fabric is crafted out of durable vinyl coated canvas. Since it was first designed, the Monogram canvas has been associated with natural, vegetable-tanned vachetta cowhide leather.  Its smooth, natural grain brings out the harmony of the carefully selected hide. The transparency reveals the natural markings, such as veins and wrinkles, proving it has not been treated. This delicate, easily scratched leather is a testament to the bag’s history and develops a unique amber patina, unique to each bag and greater suppleness with time. The leather starts out with a white tone and gradually darkens over time, leaving a rich caramel or amber color.

   
Damier Ebene Canvas

Contrary to popular belief, Damier Canvas was created before Monogram canvas. Influenced by the striped Raye canvas that was still being imitated, Vuitton wanted to take his design even further. In 1888, Louis Vuitton created the Damier Canvas pattern, which bore a logo thatreads "marque L. Vuitton déposée", which translates into "L. Vuitton registered trademark".  1998 saw the one hundred year anniversary of the release of Monogram canvas, which lead to a re-release of the original Damier canvas.  Ready for a fun fact? “Damier” literally translates from French to English to “Checker Board.”  



The current Damier Ebene pattern is printed on black coated canvas in small lines of two shades of brown to create the unique and lovable checked pattern, which is why Damier Ebene fades to black in some areas when it’s been gently used.

Damier Azur

Launched in 2006, this line is a new interpretation of the iconic Damier Canvas, the Damier Azur collection takes us away to the celebrated shores of the French Riviera. At once classic and casual, subtly different, Damier Azur offers a complete collection of products ranging from city bags to luggage.

 

Damier Graphite

The black and grey themed Damier pattern was created in honor of Louis Vuitton’s 120th anniversary of the canvas. Released in 2008, the Damier Graphite collection is a discreet revisit of the classic Damier. Damier Graphite features an understated black and grey tonal pattern with smooth black leather, instead of the iconic brown.  Damier Graphite is only released in Men’s accessories and leather goods.



Multicolore

In 2003, in collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, the Monogram Multicolore line was born.  Takashi Murakami is considered one of the leaders in Japanese neo-pop art. Famous for his colorful, cheerful work, Murakami created the fun and cheerful Monogram canvas which uses 33 colors to create the well known Monogram pattern.
 

   
Mini Lin / Monogram Idylle 

The Monogram Mini Lin Canvas Collection is a newer line that sports a lighter, more supple but resistant canvas. It is made of 58% cotton, 24% linen and 18% polyamide.   In 2010, the Mini Lin collection was reinvented and renamed to the Monogram Idylle Canvas Collection, which sports a lighter, more supple but resistant canvas.



Denim 

This unique and playful take on the Monogram pattern debuted in 2005. Crafted out of stonewashed denim with the Louis Vuitton monogram pattern, the Monogram Denim line comes with blue, green, pink, grey, and black.



Vernis 


The Vernis line was introduced in 1997 by then, newly appointed Artistic Director Marc Jacobs. The Vernis line was inspired by RTW collections and is continually released in a range of unique, sparkling colors that highlight the famous Monogram print.. In French "vernis" means ‘varnish’ which explains the shiny and sparkly effect of the bags. It is a monogram embossed coated leather which is like patent leather and is embossed with the famous Monogram.

Designer Bag Directory : Louis Vuitton History

Everyone knows the famous Louis Vuitton Handbags, but do you know the actual history of the Louis Vuitton company? 

Louis Vuitton

The original Louis Vuitton company was founded by Louis Vuitton in 1854 on Rue Neuve des Capucines in Paris, France. Originally a luggage maker, Louis Vuitton realized that flat trunks could be stacked, as opposed to the rounded trunks that were more popular at the time. In 1858, Vuitton introduced his flat-bottom trunks and France went wild. Everywhere, luggage makers or malletiers, started to imitate Louis Vuitton’s designs.

In 1892, Louis Vuitton died, and the company's management passed to his son, Georges Vuitton. George Vuitton had a vision for the company and wanted to grow it into a worldwide company. Then, in 1896... something huge: Georges Vuitton created the iconic Monogram Canvas.  

Monogram Canvas

By 1913, the Louis Vuitton Building opened on the Champs-Elysees, which was the largest travel-goods store in the world at the time. Soon after, stores were opened in New York, Bombay, Washington, London, Alexandria, and Buenos Aires. In 1936, Georges Vuitton died, and his son, Gaston-Louis Vuitton, assumed control of the company.  Gaston-Louis began to incorporate leather and transform the Monogram canvas into a more pliable material for use on handbags and small leather goods. 1987 saw the creation of LVMH, which was a merging of Louis Vuitton with Moët et Chandon and Hennessy, to create the largest Luxury Conglomerate in the world.

In 1997, Marc Jacobs became the company’s artistic director, introduced first RTW line and introduced the Vernis collection. 

Vernis Collection

Marc Jacobs brought a much needed youthful spirit to LV and spurred collaborations with famous artists.

In 2001, Stephen Sprouse created the Graffiti and Roses lines; in 2003, Takashi Murakami created the Monogram Multicolore and Cherry Blossom lines; in 2008, artist Richard Prince created the Aquarelle, or more commonly known as the Watercolor Speedy. A reinterpretation of the iconic bag, this style features the classic Monogram pattern with a smudged painted fashion. There are 17 paint colors that are used in the smudging of this Speedy. These were released in white and brown. In 2012, Yayoi Kusama created “Infinitely Kusama” collection. Additionally, Marc Jacobs also introduced LV to collaborating with numerous street artists.

Graffiti and Rose Collection

Multicolor Collection

Watercolor Speedy

Handbag Care & Maintenance

When you buy designer bags, you will think that you need to preserve these investment items. It's common that you want to retain their beauty so that the bag will last years to come. Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your gorgeous bags in mint condition.



1. Protect the Material

Want to shield your new bag from spills and dirt? If yes, then, applying leather-protecting products is the answer. The product must be able to repel water and oil from ruining the material. See the instruction on how the routine works best for your bag material. Use the products regularly on heavily used bags. It is advisable to test a small patch on the bag first just to make sure that the protectant product suits the material and doesn’t cause unwanted discoloration.


 

2. Store Them Properly

Always keep your bag in its original dust bag and fill it with stuffing like newspaper, clothing or anything that could maintain its shape. Putting the bag in its dust bag would protect the bag from sunlight exposure, dust and moisture. The silica gel can do the work to control moisture and ensure that the bag doesn’t get damp. Do not “trap” your bag in vacuum packed storage like plastic or vinyl bag, which traps more moisture inside. Let the air breeze in once every 2 weeks to halt the growth of mold. Another trick is that to rotate your bag usage. Daily use will definitely wear your bag out. Do not hang your bag. This will cause unwanted wear and tear on the handles because of bearing weight. Unclip any removable straps for long term storage. Always put your bag upright position on proper shelf to avoid unwanted stretch and distortion. 




3. Remove Stains the Right Way

The first step to do is to know what type of stain you’re dealing with, as that will determine the removal method. Some removal techniques are:

• Food stains: Crush white chalk and let it sit on the stain overnight. Brush off with a clean cloth in the morning.
• Oil stains: Put cornstarch on the stain immediately, rubbing it in to create heat from friction, which will help the oil absorb. Brush the powder off with a clean cloth after you’ve rubbed it in—don’t let it sit on the stain.
• Ink stains: If the stain is fresh, use a white eraser to immediately erase the spot, without applying too much pressure so that the color doesn’t come off. If the ink is already set, you’ll need a professional help. An eraser also works for dirt stains.
• Water stains: Blot water stains, let them dry naturally, and bring your bag to a professional for removal.
• Odor removal: Keep a plastic bag filled with baking soda inside your handbag. Zip the handbag or place it in a larger bag that seals if it doesn’t zip. Keep the baking soda in the bag for one or two days to absorb the odor. Alternatively, place a couple of dryer sheets in the bag for a few days.




If you have the wear and tear that are beyond your skill set,  always opt for professional cleaning services instead for the solutions or other care recommendations. And, for daily routine, practice giving your bag a brisk sweep with a soft dry cloth or brush to revive your bag. You may also use leather moisturizer regularly for supple leather material. 



4. Protect the Lining
Use pouches to store cosmetics and liquids, which will protect the handbag lining from spills and keep you organized to boot. Avoid click pens at all cost, opting for pens with caps instead. Better yet, put those in your pouch too, in case of dreaded ink leaks.



5. Keep Metal Hardware Shiny

Avoid putting inside your bag any steel based items like jewelry, zippers, coins or safety pins that could scratch your bag’s metal hardware. If tarnished, get a cleaning products that could rejuvenate the tarnished and grimy hardware. 

Handbag Materials

Every woman needs a reliable and worthy handbag that is both durable and stylish. Handbags come in many shapes and sizes, as well as many different materials. Popular materials for handbags include leather, fabric, or vinyl. The material helps determine how long the handbag will last. Women who plan to keep their handbags for a long time and want to use use them daily may need to choose a handbag which is durable, while others who only seldom use their handbags, may not need to worry as much about durability. 

There are various kinds of handbag materials, including: leathers, canvas, denim and other fabrics.

Leather 

Many women choose leather handbags because of their durability and style. Leather is extremely reliable and is the industry's best material. When looking for durability, investing in leather products is by far the top decision for a buyer to make, if the bucks are available. Leather is a renewable source that comes from beef, which is naturally water resistant and tough. From tan to black, leather comes in a variety of different colours. Leather is a natural material whose fiber have grown together rather than having been woven. Leather comes from primary sources of python, alligator, ostrich, calfskin, puma, and pony, to name a few. Leather lasts for many, many years, mostly more than 5 years.There are many types of leather used in handbags and some are lower quality than others. It is important that you know the difference in types of leather before you purchase a handbag so you can get worth and value of your investment.




Types of Leather

Cowhide Leather

Cowhide leather is a type of leather which originates from cow skin (hide). There are many different products that include cowhide leather, such as furniture, car seats, and luxury fashion items. Cowhide leather is considered to be the highest quality type of leather and it is the best choice of leather when buying a purse or handbag. This type of leather is very durable and gives off a very luxurious appeal. The texture of the leather should be noticeable and you should be able to feel the roughness of it pretty easily. Luxury fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Gucci all use top quality cowhide leather for their products.

Faux Leather

Faux leather is not really a type of leather but many items that are marked as leather are actually made out of faux leather. This is artificial leather which can often provide a luxurious appeal that makes it seem to be just as high quality as cowhide leather. If you are experienced with leather goods then you can easily tell the difference. If the leather has no creases then it is a good indicator that the item is made of faux leather. There are benefits to faux leather products as well though, some are very durable, can look better than the cowhide leather alternative, and they are more affordable. Also, if you are against animal use for goods then you do not have to worry about the animal’s skin being used for your handbags.

Lambskin Leather

Lambskin leather is a type of leather which originates from sheep. This particular type of leather is appealing due to the soft texture that it features. The major downfall with this type of leather is that it is not very durable and it can easily be torn or deformed. Lambskin leather is definitely not a good choice of material to be used for handbags.

Patch Leather


Patch leather can be made of cowhide or lambskin leather. This type of leather is created with multiple smaller pieces of leather patched together as one piece. It is much more affordable than other types of leather. This type of leather can also be as high in quality as opposed to other cowhide leather. However, this type of leather is not a very common choice of material to make handbags.

Patent leather 

Unlike standard leather, patent leather has a high glossy finish and comes in a wider variety of colors. A key advantage of this grade is that the cleaning requirement is minimal. The typical patent leather accessory is solid black. Patent leather is also virtually waterproof, while still retaining a flexible texture. Modern patent leather usually has a plastic coating, to boost endurance, since the glossy finish usually fades after prolonged use. 


Leather that has not been sanded or split in any way is known as full-grain leather. Full grain and top grain leather are the two highest quality choices. Full-grain leather is usually manufactured from the best hides. As a result, it is the most expensive as well as the most durable of leathers. Corrected grain, buckskin, patent, and split leather are some other options that are relatively common but they are not as high quality.


Suede

Suede is a kind of leather with a smooth, velvety, surface. When manufacturers seek to produce more material out of a single hide, the leather can be separated into two or more layers, or "splits." Generally, suede is created from splits. Because it comes from a thinner piece of hide, suede is less durable than full-grain leather. The texture of the material is prone to damage from water and stains. Suede that is manufactured from full-grain leather however is known as "Nubuck" which is more durable and expensive.

Canvas 

Canvas is extremely durable plain-woven fabric (cotton), waterproof and less expensive than leather, and can be used with everyday casual outfit. Canvas is the perfect type of handbag that carries almost anything as it withstands any wear and tear unlike other conventional handbag materials out there. Most canvas totes are generously sized so that easy to carry almost anything you have in mind. Like Louis Vuitton "Canvas", LV canvas is a ‘woven material’ and made from ‘cotton’. This woven material will go through some heavy treatments to make it durable and water resistant. In the process it will finish as a texture that has the looks and feel like leather. Undoubtedly, this material is the trendiest and top choice of handbag type in the market.

Nylon 

Nylon is a polyester blend and is suitable to make handbags for both men and women. Nylon bags are very convenient to use and can be dyed numerous colors. Nylon bags are easy to wash. Even not as strong as leather, Nylon bags are still durable in its own definition. And, the best part is, the cleaning maintenance is also minimal. 



Denim and other fabrics 

Other fabrics like denim come in various colors and floral prints, and will last for years. These handbag materials are easy care and washable. The best handbag makers use 100% cotton threads, which are more authentic and versatile.

Emerging Bag Brands

We are very much familiar with household designer bag brands like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and such. But, how about the 'New Kids on the Block' ? Many emerging bag brands have mushroomed and showcased their refreshing ideas in their design statements.  And, they are the designers to be reckoned with. Now, let's take a look some of the emerging bag brands that might have been already in your radar and demand to be watched out for in the future.

1. BOYY

Designers Jesse Dorsey and Wannasiri Kongman joined forces in 2004 to create BOYY. The brand has only three boutiques in Bangkok, Thailand. With limited stores, this doesn't stop BOYY Bags from being well known and carried around globally. The brand exudes modern and sleek designs. Super stylish and practical, making BOYY Bags suitable for urban fashionista. Don't be surprised if you see the brand's bags more often in the long run.

2. LANCEL

Lancel brand is not really the 'New Kid on the Block'. This french brand was originally founded by Angèle Lancel in Paris in 1876. It's touted to be among the popular brands for luxury handbags in France. Today Lancel is a luxury home that offers four product lines: the leather goods (especially handbags ), small leather goods, bags of trip and accessories. For each product, the brand offers two versions: a luxurious first and second dedicated to a younger clientele. 

3. PAULA CADEMARTORI


Brazilian-born designer Paula Cademartori launched her vibrant namesake in 2010 after studying industrial design and a stint at Versace's atelier. After spending a year working as a design consultant, Cademartori pooled her savings with some financial support from her parents and launched her eponymous brand, creating a line of handbags, made by Italian artisans, instantly recognisable by their vibrant coloured leather, cut into patterns and parts of clashing hues, and signature pi-shaped buckles. Spotted on style stars Anna Dello Russo and Olivia Palermo, the whimsical colors and playful patterns instantly added fresh air of bright colors to their ensembles. 

4. PB 0110



Brand PB 0110 has been around since 2012 and it was founded by Germany's Phillip Bree,the son of BREE founders Renate and Wolf-Peter Bree.  The designs are timeless styles and are hugely characterized by minimalist,linear design and excellent workmanship.  PB 0110's linear designs in richly tanned leathers are meant to grow old with you. Bree's philosophy of eventual wear and tear is profoundly appealing. It is a fun fact to know that every one of his designs is classic and goes with almost everything.