Your Guide to 8 of the Most Popular Louis Vuitton Bags

Brief History of Louis Vuitton Bags

Louis Vuitton was founded in 1854 as a luxury travel trunk maker, but over time, it has evolved into one of the most prestigious international fashion brands, renowned for its handbags and accessories. The brand’s growth and enduring popularity can be attributed to its innovative creative directors and unique collaborations that have successfully balanced tradition with modern appeal.

Louis Vuitton’s first patterned design was the Damier check, introduced in 1888, which included a logo stating "marque L. Vuitton déposée"—French for "L. Vuitton registered trademark." However, it was the debut of the iconic Monogram canvas in 1896 that truly cemented the brand's identity. The 1930s saw the release of several hallmark bags, including the LV Keepall, LV Noé, and LV Speedy, all of which remain highly sought-after today.

In 1997, Marc Jacobs was appointed as the creative director, ushering in an era of artist collaborations and exclusive limited-edition handbags. Partnerships with renowned artists such as Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami, and Yayoi Kusama produced some of the most collectible Louis Vuitton purses, many of which have increased significantly in value on the secondary market. Following Jacobs, Nicolas Ghesquière took over as creative director in 2013, continuing the brand’s tradition of innovation. In 2017, a partnership with Supreme caused a frenzy, with products selling out globally within days. The brand’s commitment to blending luxury with contemporary culture was further solidified in 2018 when Virgil Abloh became the men’s artistic director, redefining luxury streetwear. Today, Louis Vuitton bags remain some of the most coveted items in the resale market, symbolizing timeless style and craftsmanship.

Louis Vuitton Keepall Virgil Abloh Mirror — Louis Vuitton Virgil Abloh Silver Glitter Damier Leather Keepall

1 | Louis Vuitton Keepall

Introduced in 1930 by Gaston Vuitton, the Louis Vuitton Keepall was designed as a modern, lightweight weekend bag. Originally made from cotton canvas and later adapted to the brand's signature Monogram canvas in the 1960s, the Keepall was affectionately known as the "globe-trotter" or "tient-tout" ("hold all"). Intended to be folded into a suitcase, its spacious single-compartment design made it both practical and stylish.

The Keepall is available in multiple sizes—45, 50, 55, and 60 cm—and comes in two versions: with or without a strap (Bandoulière). The bag includes a luggage tag, padlock, and keys. In addition to classic coated canvas patterns like Monogram, Damier Ebene, and Damier Graphite, Louis Vuitton releases limited-edition versions annually. Notable limited-edition designs include the Graffiti Keepall, Monogramouflage Keepall, Supreme Keepall, and the metallic Miroir Keepall from 2006. The Keepall remains one of the most popular Louis Vuitton men’s bags, especially in the Monogram Eclipse and Damier Graphite patterns introduced in 2008 and 2016, respectively.

2 | Louis Vuitton Speedy

First introduced in the 1930s, the Louis Vuitton Speedy remains one of the brand’s most recognizable and beloved handbags. Designed in response to the growing demand for compact yet spacious bags due to advancements in public transportation, the Speedy is essentially a smaller version of the Keepall. Its popularity soared in the 1960s when Audrey Hepburn was spotted carrying one.

The Speedy is available in classic sizes (25, 30, 35, and 40 cm) and has expanded to include the BB, Mini Sac HL, Nano, and Neo editions. Initially released without a strap, the Speedy Bandoulière was introduced in 2011 with a removable, adjustable shoulder strap. Classic patterns include Monogram, Damier Ebene, and Damier Azur, with annual limited-edition versions often commanding premium prices in the resale market. Iconic limited-edition Speedy bags include the Graffiti Speedy and Multicolore Speedy.

Louis Vuitton Noe — Louis Vuitton Ebene Monogram Coated Canvas Petit Noé Gold Hardware

3 | Louis Vuitton Noé

Designed in 1932 to carry five bottles of champagne without breaking them, the Louis Vuitton Noé is the second-oldest handbag in the brand’s collection. The original Noé was large enough to hold four bottles upright and one upside down in the center. The bucket bag style of the Noé, which has since become a staple in designer handbags, was named after the biblical Noah, who became a winemaker after the Great Flood.

Initially available in two sizes—original and Petit—the Noé lineup expanded in 2013 with the introduction of the BB size and, in 2015, the even smaller Nano Noé, which can be worn as a crossbody bag.

4 | Louis Vuitton Alma

Launched in 1934, the Louis Vuitton Alma was the second handbag introduced after the Speedy. Inspired by the Art Deco movement, the Alma is instantly recognizable for its structured and architectural design. Originally custom-made for Gabrielle Chanel in 1925, Chanel later permitted Louis Vuitton to produce it for the public.

Over time, the Alma has undergone multiple name changes, from the Squire to the Champs-Élysées before settling on Alma—named after the tree-lined "Place de l'Alma" in Paris. The Alma is available in various materials and limited-edition patterns. Common sizes include PM, MM, and GM, with the more recent Alma BB and Nano versions featuring a shoulder strap for crossbody wear.

5 | Louis Vuitton Sac Plat

Debuting in 1968, the Louis Vuitton Sac Plat was designed to resemble a shopping bag. Like the Keepall, it was intended to be folded into luggage and used upon arrival at a travel destination. In recent years, Louis Vuitton has embraced the trend of mini versions of classic bags, leading to the release of the Petit Sac Plat in 2020, which remains highly sought after. The Sac Plat can be carried by its handles or worn as a crossbody bag.

6 | Louis Vuitton Neverfull

Introduced in 2007, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull is one of the brand’s most successful handbag designs since the Keepall and Speedy. This versatile tote comes in three sizes—PM, MM, and GM—with the largest capable of carrying up to 200 pounds (90 kg). Designed to be reversible, the Neverfull received an update in 2014 with the addition of a removable matching pochette that can be used as a clutch or wristlet. Classic patterns include Monogram, Damier Ebene, and Damier Azur, with annual limited-edition releases available for one season only. The Neverfull is also offered in Epi leather.

7 | Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis

The Pochette Métis, launched in 2013, was the last handbag introduced under Marc Jacobs' creative direction. Inspired by the Monceau briefcase, this structured yet elegant handbag features two interior compartments and an exterior zip pocket for organization. The bag comes with a detachable, adjustable strap, allowing it to be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag. It is available in Monogram canvas and a variety of limited-edition patterns.

8 | Louis Vuitton Multi Pochette Accessoires

Launched in late 2019, the Multi Pochette Accessoires quickly became a must-have item, with the classic Monogram version often out of stock. This versatile bag consists of three pouches and two straps, allowing it to be worn in multiple ways, including as a crossbody or shoulder bag. Its popularity is fueled by the rising trend of mini and micro bags. Available in Empreinte leather, personalized World Tour editions, and limited-edition patterns, the Multi Pochette is poised to become as iconic as the Speedy or Neverfull.

Louis Vuitton’s legacy in the world of luxury handbags is built on a foundation of innovation, timeless design, and impeccable craftsmanship. Whether it’s the historic Speedy, the practical Neverfull, or the trendy Multi Pochette Accessoires, each bag tells a story of heritage and modernity. As trends evolve, Louis Vuitton continues to set the standard for luxury, ensuring that its handbags remain coveted by collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Buy and Sell Louis Vuitton Bags at Sotheby's

Sotheby's always has a curated selection of the top Louis Vuitton bags available for immediate purchase. Expect to find rare and collectible Neverfull and Speedy bags in addition to other popular Louis Vuitton bags in pristine condition. Sotheby's handbag sales include rare Louis Vuitton bags in limited edition prints. Sotheby's sometimes sells Louis Vuitton at auction with most items sold at No Reserve.

Prices for Louis Vuitton bags start at $1,000, with the Brown Monogram Pochette representing the entry-level option. Prices for the most sought-after limited-edition Louis Vuitton pieces range from $7,000 to $45,000.

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