LOUIS VUITTON GUIDE
Over the course of its long history, Louis Vuitton has released many different bag models. But which designs have especially shaped the brand and remain among its most iconic to this day?
In this Secondhandbags blog post, we present 10 Louis Vuitton bags that embody the Maison’s style particularly well and still rank among its most popular classics.
What is the Louis Vuitton Alma and when was it introduced?
The bag is said to have originated in 1926 as a one-off under the name “Alma Voyage” and was allegedly designed for Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. Louis Vuitton later reportedly asked her to make the design available to other clients as well. The Alma quickly became a success.
It is still produced today and, in its various sizes, remains one of the brand’s most popular models. The name comes from the Pont de l'Alma in Paris. Its rounded, understated shape is inspired by Art Nouveau, a style that was very present in France at the time.
Over time, the bag had several names: first “Squire”, then “Champs-Élysées” from 1955, and finally “Alma” in 1992 — as a reference back to the original story involving Chanel.
Louis Vuitton’s renowned Monogram Canvas was also something very new and modern when it was introduced in 1896. The Alma therefore combines several influences from fashion history. For collectors, it is especially interesting that the Alma has been produced in many colours, materials and versions.
Our most beautiful Louis Vuitton Alma bags
What is the Louis Vuitton Speedy and how has it evolved?
The Speedy was developed as a smaller version of the already well-known Keepall. While the Keepall was ideal for travel, it was too large for everyday use. The Speedy Lock filled exactly this gap — a bag for life on the go, perfect for city living.
The first version was the Speedy 30. In 1959, Audrey Hepburn asked for an even smaller version, which led to the creation of the Speedy 25. This request captured the spirit of the times and quickly made this bag a classic.
The Speedy Bandoulière with detachable shoulder strap was added later, in 2011. Today, the Speedy is available in sizes 25, 30, 35 and 40 — the number refers to the width of the bag in centimetres. In 2015, the line was slightly revised, with an additional interior pocket and improved handle details.
Today, vintage models in Epi leather, which are no longer in production, are especially sought after. It is worth noting that Epi Speedy bags run slightly larger than the Monogram version in the same size.
Our most beautiful Louis Vuitton Speedy bags
What is the Louis Vuitton Keepall and what makes it a travel classic?
The Keepall is one of Louis Vuitton’s true classics. The brand originally built its reputation in Paris with luxurious travel pieces, and the Keepall stands firmly in that tradition.
It is ideal for travel and weekend trips and is available in sizes 45, 50, 55 and 60. The number refers to the width of the bag in centimetres. As the name suggests, the Keepall is designed to stylishly hold everything that matters.
At the time of its introduction, travel itself was changing: trains and cars were replacing carriages, and luggage no longer had to be weatherproof on the outside of a wagon, but above all easy to stack on a train. As a result, suitcases became flatter and more practical. The Keepall fits perfectly into this development — its soft shape is flexible and adapts to the space available.
Our most beautiful Louis Vuitton Keepall bags
LOUIS VUITTON
Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Jungle Dots Keepall 50 Bandoulière
CHF 3'290
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What is the Louis Vuitton Neverfull and why is it so popular?
The Neverfull is one of Louis Vuitton’s most popular and elegant bags. The name says it all: it is an open Tote bag with plenty of space, making it practical for both everyday use and weekends — without ever looking bulky.
This bag is available in PM, MM and GM sizes and closes with a simple hook fastening. Over the years, it has been produced in many materials and special editions. Although the Neverfull was only introduced in 2007, it quickly became a major success. It was inspired by the Goyard Saint-Louis Tote from the 1930s.
Since 2013, every Neverfull has come with a matching pochette, which can be attached inside and offers additional space for smaller essentials.
Our most beautiful Louis Vuitton Neverfull bags
What is the Louis Vuitton Looping Bag and is it still made today?
All bags in the Looping line share a signature feature: a crescent-shaped handle made of rolled leather. It is designed so that the Bag can be carried comfortably on the shoulder, on the arm, or in the hand.
The line was offered in PM, MM and GM sizes. All versions follow the same design and differ only slightly in size. The largest version could also be used as a work bag and offered enough space for a laptop and documents.
Since production has been discontinued, prices on the pre-owned market have steadily risen. Today, the Looping is among the more sought-after Louis Vuitton bags among collectors and resellers.
Our most beautiful Louis Vuitton Looping bags
What is the Louis Vuitton Noé and where does it come from?
The story of the Noé is a very special one: in 1932, a champagne producer asked Gaston-Louis Vuitton for an elegant and practical Bag to carry five bottles. This gave rise to one of the brand’s classics.
The original Noé led to an entire family of bags. The Petit Noé and Grand Noé remain popular to this day, and canvas versions are still in production. The coloured models in Epi leather, however, are no longer made.
In 2017, the NeoNoé was introduced — a modern reinterpretation of the classic shape. It retains the bucket silhouette with drawstring closure, but does without the leather details, giving it a cleaner and more contemporary look.
Our most beautiful Louis Vuitton Noé bags
What is the Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessoires and why is it important for collectors?
The Pochette Accessoires is a quintessential 1980s piece. In the middle of the decade, Louis Vuitton’s assortment was redesigned and expanded with an accessories line — and this bag was part of it.
Originally, it was designed to be attached inside a larger Bag with a clip hook. Customers quickly began using it on its own, however, and it soon became a much-loved standalone model. This bag was produced in all classic canvas variations and often served as the basis for creative collaborations.
Particularly sought after today are the Multicolore Monogram models by Takashi Murakami from 2003, with their colourful pattern and gold-tone details. Since 2019, there has also been the Multi Pochette Accessoires — a modern version with three connected mini bags.
Our most beautiful Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessoires bags
What is the Louis Vuitton Pochette Métis and when was it introduced?
Few bags feel as classic and elegant as the Pochette Métis. Since its introduction in 2012, it has been a true evergreen, although demand only really surged from 2014 onwards and it was often sold out.
In response to this demand, Louis Vuitton launched additional variations from 2017 onwards, including Monogram Reverse Canvas, Epi leather and Monogram Empreinte leather — the latter available in several colours straight away.
Since 2022, there has also been a Mini version, which is more reminiscent of the Pochette Accessoires and comes with a chain strap and clasp. Despite these new variations, the classic Monogram and Monogram Reverse models remain the most sought after. The top handle gives the bag a timeless look, the detachable shoulder strap makes it highly versatile, and the gold-tone twist lock on the front is its most distinctive hallmark.
Our finest Louis Vuitton Pochette Métis bags
LOUIS VUITTON
Louis Vuitton Pochette Métis EW East West Black Monogram Empreinte
CHF 2'240
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What is the Louis Vuitton Capucines and what does its name refer to?
It all began on Rue des Capucines in Paris, where Louis Vuitton opened its first store for high-quality travel goods in 1854. The Capucines line, produced since 2013, pays tribute to this address and has since become a modern classic in its own right.
This bag can be worn in two ways: when the flap is tucked inside, it reveals a clean opening with a subtle LV Monogram. When the flap is folded to the front, it appears softer and rounder, with a simple Monogram flower clasp in the centre.
This versatility makes it one of the brand's most adaptable models. It is now available in Mini, BB, PM, MM and GM sizes — elegant and playful in one moment, modern and refined the next, and suited to many different looks.
Our finest Louis Vuitton Capucines bags
What is the Louis Vuitton Twist and what makes its clasp special?
The Bag with a “Twist” — quite literally. When it first appeared, the Twist line felt strikingly new and modern: the LV Monogram twist lock was the first clasp of its kind at Louis Vuitton, and the logo was also given a contemporary new design for it.
The first Twist was unveiled in the 2015 Cruise collection. More sizes and variations followed, all based on the same clasp. Since then, the line has continued to evolve every year and appears in many different materials and finishes. What has remained the same is its character: the Twist is still a very modern, trend-setting bag today.
Our finest Louis Vuitton Twist bags
Frequently asked questions about Louis Vuitton classics
Which Louis Vuitton Bag was originally designed for Coco Chanel?
The Louis Vuitton Alma is said to trace back to a unique piece from 1926 that was designed for Coco Chanel. Louis Vuitton later offered the design to a wider audience in 1934.
What is the difference between the Louis Vuitton Speedy and the Keepall?
The Speedy was developed as a smaller everyday bag based on the Keepall travel bag. The Speedy is available in sizes 25 to 40, while the Keepall starts at size 45 and goes up to 60.
Which Louis Vuitton bags are no longer produced today?
Several classics from this guide are no longer made, including the colourful Epi leather Speedy and Noé models as well as the Looping line. Well-preserved pre-owned pieces are therefore especially sought after.
At Secondhandbags, we continually work to keep a broad and carefully curated selection of Louis Vuitton classics available — including the models from this guide.
Do you not find your favourite classic with us right now? Feel free to get in touch. With our Personal Shopper service, you can submit a targeted search request, and we will look for your desired bag on your behalf.