Louis Vuitton Handbags

From LoveToKnow Handbags

History of Louis Vuitton Handbags

Louis Vuitton handbags were not the first line of products manufactured by Vuitton when he opened his luggage store in France during the mid-1800s. In fact, it wasn't until about 1900 that his company began selling purses. However, all of the company's products, at least for the past 100 years, have displayed the same type of "signature" or "monogram" on their fabric, which makes Louis Vuitton items very recognizable.

The First LV Handbag

The first Louis Vuitton bag, in fact, was designed as a luggage accessory. The popular and classically elegant Noe bag was originally meant to carry champagne. Its popularity and sophisticated design spurred elite French females to carry the champagne tote as a handbag.

Louis Vuitton Today

For a company that was started by a man who was in his early 30s, the success of the Louis Vuitton brand has been extraordinary. Now, about 150 years after the first Louis Vuitton store opened, the products are still highly desired and sought by people living all over the world.

Celebrities and Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton, a brand that markets itself as being sophisticated and upscale, has utilized celebrities and models to help promote its handbags. The company has used some of the most well-known faces in its marketing efforts such as:

  • Uma Thurman
  • Jennifer Lopez
  • Kate Moss
  • Naomi Campbell.

There are also several other celebrities who are often seen carrying Louis Vuitton handbags on a regular basis. Celebrity faces who carry LV bags include:

  • Lindsay Lohan
  • Paris Hilton
  • Angelina Jolie
  • Carmen Electra

as well as many other stars.

Counterfeiting

Because of the huge popularity of Louis Vuitton purses among celebrities, and the fact that non-celebrities want to own them, there are a large number of knock-off Louis Vuittons on the market. Real Louis Vuitton purses sell for between several hundred and several thousand dollars, and the fake ones cost about 90 percent less.

It's no wonder that this brand is so commonly counterfeited.

In fact, counterfeiting is such a huge problem for the Louis Vuitton brand, it is estimated that almost 99 percent of the so-called Louis Vuitton purses currently owned by people around the world are NOT authentic. Compared to other high-end brands, Louis Vuitton items make up almost 20 percent of all imitation purses and accessories that are manufactured around the world each year.

Authentic or Fake?

Counterfeit handbags, or fake deisgner bags that are marketed as the real thing are illegal.

To distinguish an authentic Louis Vuitton handbag:

  • Compare the bag you're interested in to what is being sold in LV stores or by authorized dealers.
  • Packaging should be done carefully; there should be no attached tags, and the handles should not be wrapped in paper or plastic. You should receive a dust cover and an authenticity card.
  • Quality should be very high. Leather bags should be supple and have no signs of cracking. Both the interior lining and the exterior of the purse will be designed well, not with flimsy or shoddy looking materials. Check the hardware, zippers, and any other detailing for quality craftsmanship. Look at the stitching for even and careful placement.
  • Price will generally be high. If you see an LV bag being sold for $40, there's almost a guarantee that it won't be authentic.
  • Ask someone who is very familiar with LV bags. She may be aware of intricate details that can be distinguished on authentic bag styles.
  • LV monogram will be symmetrical and not distorted in any way.

Be careful shopping online for an LV bag to make sure you buy from a reputable dealer. ELuxury is a site that carries this designer's bags that is endorsed on the Louis Vuitton website.

Replicas

Most people who can afford an authentic Louis Vuitton simply go out and buy one. However, there are plenty of people who want a Louis Vuitton, but do not have a few thousand dollars to spend on one. For these people, a non-authentic purse may be the answer.

Although LV lovers may cringe at anything except the real thing, if a company isn't trying to pass off a bag as an LV or duplicating the design exactly, they may not be violating copyright law. A company that creates a significant enough differenace in design and clearly states that their bags are not a designer brand may be a legal replica.

Caring for Louis Vuitton Handbags

Anyone lucky enough to own one or more authentic Louis Vuitton purse should know the proper way to take care of it.

Following are some practical tips on how to ensure that the handbag stays in tip-top shape for many years:

  • Do not allow the handbag to be exposed to strong and direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
  • Don't leave the handbag inside of a hot car or sitting near a hot radiator. The excessive heat from these two sources can cause damage.
  • Keep the handbag clean by wiping it with a dry cloth. The handbag should never be spot cleaned with any type of soap.

 


Comments

Hi Bag Lady,

Many of the Louis Vuitton handbags do have real suede interiors. Suede is actually a very easy material to care for in most cases.

First, clean any stains or spots. A pencil eraser will often remove minor stains. An emery board to remove larger or more stubborn ones.

Next, you will want to raise the nap if it is crushed. You can do this by folding the interior out if possible and holding over a steaming pot of hot water. If that does not do the trick, or is not possible because of the design of the purse, you can also rub the interior with a damp terry cloth.

Finally, once the interior is clean and completely dry, treat it with one of the suede conditioners on the market. You should be able to purchase this anywhere that shoes are sold or fine leather shops. You may also want to use a suede brush to get the conditioner into the material and to raise the nap further.


-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Can you tell me how to care for the suede-like interior lining of many of the purses like the Cabas Piano and the Looping Handbags? Many older ones seem to start cracking and peeling, while others look great. Is there anything that can be put on it to keep it supple?

-- Contributed by: baglady4sure

Hi Jane,

I am researching your question and will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thanks!

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard
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