Louis Vuitton Handbags

LV bag. Copyright fashionwirepress.com.

Louis Vuitton handbags are coveted for their high quality and timeless style. They can be seen on the arms of celebrities as well as on women who appreciate fine fashion.

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.

Popular Styles

The Collections

Louis Vuitton features several handbag collections in its line. Each collection is unique and contains bags in various styles. Some of the most popular collections include:

  • Monogram Canvas: This features Louis Vuitton's signature LV monogram embossed on dark brown leather with natural cowhide leather trimmings.
  • Epi Leather: These tone-on-tone bags are stamped with the signature LV monogram and done with a base of smooth leather in colors such as white or black.
  • Evening Collection: This bag is done with quilted jacquard fabric embroidered with the signature monogram.

Classic Handbag Styles

LV Lockit

There are several classic Louis Vuitton handbag styles to choose from. The following styles remain timeless and are a staple in the line:

  • Speedy is one of the most recognized bags from the Louis Vuitton line. This doctor bag comes in four sizes 25, 30, 35 and 40. It is done in a top handle style and is part of Louis Vuitton's signature Monogram Canvas Collection. Golden brass hardware and a lock are done as accents and an adjustable shoulder strap is an optional feature.
  • Alma is a structured top handle bag that can be found in both the Epi Leather and Monogram Canvas Collections. It has brass accents and an optional shoulder strap as well as a zipped closure with lock.
  • Neverfull PM is a great everyday tote bag from the Monogram Canvas Collection. It has side laces as well as a large top opening making it ideal to hold all your necessities and more.

Shopping Options

Louis Vuitton bags can only be guaranteed authentic when purchased from an authorized retailer. They can be found online at Louis Vuitton's EStore as well as at a Louis Vuitton store. Stores can be found at locations around the globe. To find the one nearest you, visit the Stores tab on the official website.

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 bags on a regular basis. Celebrity faces who carry LV bags include:

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

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 fake 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 designer 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.

Caring for Louis Vuitton Handbags

Anyone lucky enough to own an authentic Louis Vuitton purse should know the proper way to take care of it. Always follow the instructions that came with your bag and if you do need to clean it only wipe it with a soft dry cloth. Never expose your bag to direct sunlight, high heat or harsh chemicals. If your bag needs to be repaired, take advantage of Louis Vuitton's superior customer service which will advise you of your best options.