Your Guide to the Top 5 Goyard Bags

An Introduction of Maison Goyard: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Elegance

Maison Goyard’s storied history began in 1792 when it was established as the House of Martin and Morel, a respected French maker and packer of boxes and trunks. In 1845, François Goyard joined the company as an apprentice under Louis-Henri Morel’s mentorship. After more than three decades of dedication and expertise, François took over the business following Morel’s passing and renamed it Maison Goyard—a name that would soon become synonymous with luxury and exclusivity. In 1885, François entrusted the company to his son, Edmond Goyard, who ushered in a new chapter for the brand. Edmond elevated Maison Goyard by establishing factories to ensure impeccable craftsmanship, exceeding the expectations of the brand’s elite clientele.

In 1998, Maison Goyard was acquired by Jean-Michel Signoles. Under his leadership, the brand preserved its commitment to traditional craftsmanship while expanding its global presence and introducing new colors and styles to its timeless collections.

The hallmark of Goyard’s craftsmanship lies in its signature material, Goyardine—a durable blend of hemp, linen, and cotton that is both water- and stain-resistant. The fabric’s iconic chevron pattern has become a symbol of luxury, instantly recognizable and tied to the brand’s exclusivity.

Maison Goyard has built its reputation on discretion and exclusivity, setting itself apart from other luxury brands. It avoids traditional marketing, including e-commerce, advertising, and celebrity endorsements, instead relying on its heritage and craftsmanship to maintain its allure. Goyard bags are available only in-person at one of its 35 boutiques worldwide, reinforcing its commitment to exclusivity and timeless elegance.

Explore the top 5 Goyard bags that have captured the hearts of luxury enthusiasts around the globe. From timeless totes to elegant statement pieces, these bags exemplify Goyard’s commitment to craftsmanship, style, and functionality. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or looking to make your first Goyard purchase, this guide will provide all the insights you need to find the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Read on to discover the world of Goyard and uncover the must-have bags that define this prestigious brand.

1. Goyard Saint Louis Tote

Named after King Louis IX of France, more commonly known as Saint Louis, this Goyard bag remains the most iconic and instantly recognizable tote. The Goyard Saint Louis tote was released in the 1930s and is crafted from Goyard's signature Goyardine material. It is both lightweight and durable and has become a favorite tote for work and weekend. The Saint Louis tote was initially designed as a beach bag and remains perfect for storing wet items due to the water-resistant Goyardine material. This Goyard bag features two leather handles for comfortable carrying and a convenient removable inside pocket attached to one of the handles, allowing for convenient access to all your essentials. However, the Goyard tote's allure lies in its reversibility. Whether you wear it displaying the iconic Goyard chevron print or inside-out to show the solid color linen and cotton mix, the bag is versatile and easily styled. The Saint Louis tote is available in various colors and comes in two sizes: PM (petit modèle) and GM (grand modèle). Being the most popular Goyard bag, the Saint Louis tote is a classic choice. Its demand is at an all-time high with secondary market prices above retail for a new condition tote.

2. Goyard Artois Tote

Named after the Count of Artois, Saint Louis's brother, Goyard created the Artois bag as the symbolic little brother to the Saint Louis bag. The Artois tote is a practical Goyard bag that sets itself apart from the Saint Louis tote in a few key ways. While the Saint Louis tote features an open-top design, the Artois offers a zipper, providing added security for your belongings. Unlike some Goyard bags, the Artois is not reversible. Instead, it has a more constructed structure, including a reinforced bottom with four leather corners to help maintain this Goyard bag's shape even when empty. The Artois is available in three sizes: PM (petit modèle), MM (moyen modèle), and GM (grand modèle). The Goyard bag includes an inside pocket attached to a leather handle to organize all your belongings. The Artois tote is durable and functional, making it a practical choice for everyday use or as a travel companion. Like all Goyard bags, the Artois sells at a premium on the secondary market in pristine condition.

3. Goyard Anjou Tote

In the historical Goyard theme, the Anjou is named after the Duke of Anjou, another brother of Saint Louis. Like the Saint Louis tote, the Goyard Anjou features the classic Goyardine canvas, a detachable mini pouch, and an open-top design, providing easy access to all your belongings. One of the standout features of the Anjou is its versatility. The bag is lined with supple leather, allowing you to choose between a more casual Goyardine canvas side or a dressier leather side to elevate the look, making it the perfect Goyard bag for any occasion or outfit. The Goyard Anjou Mini is the most sought-after size, with its miniature scale making it perfect for an evening out or as a day bag. However, the Anjou also comes in size GM. Due to its compact yet stylish design, the Anjou Mini sells quickly on the secondhand market. Whether you’re looking for an everyday or a more sophisticated Goyard bag, the Anjou tote delivers style and functionality.

4. Goyard Saigon Bag

In the 1930s, a custom order was made for a French Goyard customer who was living in Indochina at the time. Goyard created the Saigon bag to celebrate the customers' love for travel, elegance, and the allure of the Indochina countries. This Goyard bag was reissued in the early 2000s. The Goyard Saigon bag has a unique trapezoidal shape. Its distinctive silhouette adds a touch of modernity and sophistication to any look. This Goyard bag features a flap that tucks in, providing security for your belongings. One of the standout features of the Saigon bag is its hand-carved beechwood handle. The bag is a playful nod to Goyard's signature trunk details, incorporating wooden accents, leather-reinforced corners, and rivets. The Saigon bag is available in two variations: the structured version and the souple version. The more popular structured version offers a polished and refined look. The souple version is perfect for those seeking a more casual style. The Goyard Saigon bag is a statement piece that combines fashion and functionality. This Goyard bag comes in Mini, PM, and MM with special edition Nano and Mini Trunk sizes.

5. Goyard Bohème Hobo

Inspired by the simple, functional bags once carried by timber raftsmen on their journeys home from Paris, the Goyard Bohème Hobo bag embodies a blend of tradition and modernity. Crafted from the iconic Goyardine canvas, the bag is lightweight, flexible, and designed for everyday use while exuding effortless elegance. Its name, "Bohème," reflects a free-spirited charm, aligning perfectly with its practical yet stylish design.

The Bohème Hobo bag features a secure zip closure, ensuring your belongings stay safe, while its wide leather handle offers comfort and versatility, allowing it to be worn over the shoulder or carried by hand. A removable pouch with a snap fastener adds an extra layer of convenience, making the bag both functional and fashionable. This timeless piece combines understated sophistication with practicality, making it a cherished addition to any wardrobe.

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.
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Contact a Handbag Specialist about selling an Goyard Saigon bag.

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