It was 1854 on Rue Neuve des Capucine in Paris, and luggage maker Louis Vuitton opened the doors of his first shop with a sign that read “Securely packs the most fragile objects. Specializing in packing fashions.” A modest description for a shop that would rapidly evolve into one of the world’s most iconic luxury fashion houses, Louis Vuitton is, at its core, about master craftsmanship. Withstanding the test of time, one would be hard pressed to find a line of luxury handbags more devoutly followed than those of Louis Vuitton. As a 21st century woman on the go, finding a luxury bag that seamlessly fuses function with fashion can seem a daunting endeavor. But, versatile, timeless, and expertly crafted, Louis Vuitton’s crossbody styles check all the boxes. Keep reading for a look into some of the most coveted Louis Vuitton crossbody bags, seamlessly fitting into your modern wardrobe.
Félicie Pochette: Small But Shockingly Spacious
A stylish solution to carrying your daily essentials, the Félicie Pochette is Louis Vuitton’s most affordable crossbody silhouette. Despite its modest size, this versatile (and shockingly spacious) pouch still manages to fit two removable pockets, including one with multiple card slots. Thanks to the Félicie’s removable gold-tone chain, it can be carried as a clutch for your night out or a shoulder bag for your busy day on the go. Beloved for its simplicity, the Félicie functions as the perfect canvas for seasonal adornments and limited edition embellishments that enhance LV’s iconic Monogram Canvas. Considering its accessible price point and incredible quality, it comes as no surprise that the Félicie Pochette is often in limited supply, selling out at rapid speed.
Pochette Métis: A Signature Mini-Satchel
When introduced in 2012, the Pochette Métis would be cemented in fashion history as one of Marc Jacobs’s last designs for Louis Vuitton. And, as the ultimate object of fashion desire. Inspired by the classic Louis Vuitton Monceau – a briefcase-style bag launched back in 1986 – the Pochette Métis is a must-have accessory for the modern woman. Set apart by its structured yet sleek design, the Pochette Métis mimics the structure of a mini-satchel, primed for everyday use. At first, it was only released in Louis Vuitton’s classic Monogram Canvas print. By 2016, Louis Vuitton broadened the range of materials and colorways for the Pochette Métis, spanning Monogram Reverse Canvas, Empreinte, and limited edition styles like the Infrarouge. Down to the details, one of the highlight features of the Pochette Métis is its iconic S-lock closure: an ode to Louis Vuitton’s earliest trunks. With a total of three inner compartments, an exterior zipped pocket, and adjustable strap, the versatile and chic Pochette Métis is a Louis Vuitton bestseller for good reason.
Multi Pochette: The Best of Three
In similar fashion to the Pochette Métis, the Multi Pochette Accessoires Bag is a reimagined take on a Louis Vuitton classic. That classic being the longstanding Pochette Accessories bag from the early 1990s. The radical Multi Pochette first hit the market in 2019, and was solidified as a fashion staple within a matter of months. The Multi Pochette Accessories Bag is the sum of three separate parts: the Zip Coin Purse, Pochette Accessories, and Mini Pochette Accessories. While each of these elements are available for individual purchase, the Multi Pochette Bag combines them all via a detachable shoulder strap. As tends to happen with such popular bags, material and size options are expanded beyond the initial offerings, and the Multi Pochette is no exception. First released in monogram canvas with Jacquard straps available in both khaki and rose chiaro, by early 2020 a ‘new wave’ model offered leather in place of the coated canvas. This hybrid cross-body bag is a versatile must-have for any Louis Vuitton lover.
Petite Malle: An Ode to Louis Vuitton's Legacy
It was 2014, and Nicolas Ghesquière had just succeeded Marc Jacobs as creative director of Louis Vuitton. Eager to make a lasting impression with his first collection, Ghesquière embarked on a journey back to the luxury brand’s creative roots. Inspired by Louis Vuitton’s earliest travel trunks, he designed the Petite Malle, or ‘Small Trunk.’ A modern interpretation of Louis Vuitton’s most classic silhouette, the Petite Malle was the standout crossbody accessory of the Fall/Winter 2014 collection. Despite this small, structured bag’s range of pattern and leather options, the Petite Malle has one consistent motif throughout: three floating X’s on the lower, right-hand corner. According to fashion lore, this small detail is an ode to Vuitton’s first custom trunk, as designed for the famous banker Albert Kahn. Three X’s was Kahn’s trademark signature, ensuring that the outside world knew these unique trunks belonged to him. Today, this clever design remains a signature emblem of the Petite Malle bag. Various iterations of the Petite Malle have been released since its inception, including a softer, envelope style pochette, known as the ‘Trunk Clutch.’ Transitioning perfectly from day to night – and worn seamlessly as a clutch or crossbody – sporting the Petite Malle is like wearing a piece of Louis Vuitton’s rich history on your shoulder.
