The Goyard Anjou Tote is the More Structured Alternative to Goyard Saint Louis
Upgrade your luxury tote game with the Goyard Anjou Tote—a more structured and versatile take on the beloved Saint Louis design.
Brief History of Goyard
Goyard’s journey began in 1792 when Pierre-François Martin founded Maison Martin, a business specializing in packing and making boxes and trunks. Louis-Henri Morel succeeded Martin, and in 1845, he hired a young apprentice named François Goyard. After Morel’s sudden death, François Goyard took over the business, renaming it Maison Goyard. Over 32 years, François established the brand’s reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and exclusivity.
In 1885, François’s son, Edmond Goyard, elevated the brand to new heights by introducing factories to ensure unparalleled quality for its elite clientele. Fast forward to 1998, Jean-Michel Signoles acquired Maison Goyard, ushering in a new era of growth while preserving the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and discretion. Signoles expanded the product range, introducing additional colors and styles to meet the demands of a discerning global audience.
Goyard, one of the most exclusive luxury brands in the world, has mastered the art of timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship. While the Goyard Saint Louis tote remains a classic and coveted staple, the Goyard Anjou Tote offers a more structured and versatile alternative. This article delves into the rich history of Goyard, the origins of the Anjou tote, its unique features, and why it’s an exceptional choice for those seeking a blend of functionality and sophistication.
The Goyard Anjou Origins
Since its inception in 1853, Goyard has paid homage to its French heritage, often naming its bags after historical figures. The Goyard Anjou tote, for instance, is named after the Duke of Anjou, the brother of King Louis IX. Often referred to as the “little brother” to the Saint Louis tote, the Anjou offers a city-chic design tailored for everyday use.
At first glance, the Anjou resembles the iconic Saint Louis tote with its signature shape and style. However, the Anjou distinguishes itself with a reversible design: one side is lined with luxurious Chevroches calfskin leather, while the other features the classic Goyardine canvas. This two-in-one functionality provides versatility for various occasions, blending practicality with luxury.
Anjou Variations
The Goyard Anjou Tote comes in three different sizes, each catering to distinct lifestyle needs. The Mini, measuring 20 cm x 10 cm x 20 cm, is the smallest in the collection, making it perfect for carrying small essentials and transitioning seamlessly from day to night. The PM size, at 28 cm x 15 cm x 47 cm, strikes a balance between portability and spaciousness, making it an excellent choice for everyday use. Meanwhile, the GM, the largest variation at 34 cm x 20 cm x 40 cm, is designed for those who require a more capacious bag, ideal for work or travel.
In terms of aesthetics, the Anjou is available in Goyard’s classic Black/Black and Black/Brown colorways, alongside nine special hues: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Sky Blue, Navy Blue, Burgundy, White, and Grey. For collectors and enthusiasts, Goyard also releases limited-edition variations of the Anjou. In 2024, Goyard introduced a striking Turquoise Blue Goyardine canvas, inspired by the waters of the South Seas. This limited-edition model also features intricate embroidered seahorses on both the leather and canvas, further enhancing its exclusivity and appeal.
Newest Addition Anjou Mini
Introduced in 2017, the Goyard Anjou Mini is the latest addition to the Anjou collection. Its compact size and vibrant color options have made it a social media sensation, celebrated for its adorable proportions and practicality. This petite tote is perfect for carrying small personal items, offering a blend of charm and functionality.
For those seeking more space, the PM and GM sizes cater to everyday and travel needs, offering additional durability thanks to their leather linings. As a result, the Anjou Tote is the most premium offering in Goyard’s tote collection, balancing luxury, versatility, and craftsmanship.
The Goyard Anjou Tote stands out as a structured and elevated alternative to the Saint Louis tote, embodying the brand’s commitment to quality and exclusivity. With its reversible design, multiple sizes, and vibrant color options, the Anjou combines functionality and luxury in a way few bags can. Whether you’re drawn to its historical roots, exceptional craftsmanship, or versatile design, the Anjou Tote is a timeless investment for those seeking elegance and practicality in their everyday lives.
Advantages to Buying Goyard Bags on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of Goyard bags from its long established global network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers pristine Goyard bags in the most coveted colors and sizes, as well as Limited Edition Goyard pieces. Our handbag specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable Goyard bags from collectors around the world.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase Goyard bags, including online and in person at our locations in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris, and London. We also provide a concierge service to help source specific Goyard bags not available online.
3. Value
While Goyard bags in pristine condition often command a premium over retail, Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of these bags in a variety of the most sought-after colors and sizes through our marketplace. By shopping with Sotheby’s, you can purchase a store-fresh Goyard bag without the need to visit a physical store. While it’s possible to acquire a Goyard bag directly from one of Goyard’s exclusive boutiques, the brand has a limited number of locations worldwide and restricts the number of purchases each customer can make annually. Many buyers come to Sotheby’s not only for the opportunity to purchase more than four Goyard bags in a year, but also to bypass the lengthy wait and uncertainty of boutique availability. While we always recommend building a relationship with a Goyard Sales Associate, Sotheby’s can save you valuable time and streamline your Goyard acquisition process.
4. Discovery
One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the chance to discover unique, one-of-a-kind Goyard pieces and rare, limited-edition bags no longer available at Goyard boutiques. Our curated selection of Goyard bags is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.
Buy and Sell Goyard Bags at Sotheby's
Sotheby's always has a curated selection of the top Goyard bags available for immediate purchase. Sotheby's also sells Goyard bags at auction in New York, Paris, Zurich and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Saint Louis and Anjou bags in every sale in addition to other popular Goyard bags in pristine condition in the newest colors. Sotheby's handbag sales include rare Goyard bags in limited edition colorways.
Prices for Goyard bags start at $3,000, with the Saint Louis GM Tote Bag representing the entry-level option. Prices for the most sought-after limited-edition Goyard pieces range from $7,000 to $12,000.
- Explore upcoming handbag auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Handbag Specialist about selling an Goyard bag.
Trust our worldwide network of leading handbag specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
