Why Does Everyone Have A Louis Vuitton Bag
In a world where fashion trends whisk us away like captivating whirlwinds, one name has gracefully positioned itself at the pinnacle of luxury—Louis Vuitton. With their timeless designs, impeccable craftsmanship, and iconic monogram, it seems as though everyone, from celebrities to your next-door neighbor, now possesses a coveted Louis Vuitton bag. But how did this French fashion house capture the hearts and wardrobes of millions? Are there hidden forces at play, quietly hypnotizing us to covet these exquisite accessories? In this article, we embark on a journey through the enigmatic allure of Louis Vuitton, unravelling the secrets behind its universal appeal and investigating why it has become an item of desire for so many souls around the globe. Step into the realm of illustrious fashion as we delve deep into the mystery: why does everyone have a Louis Vuitton bag?
I was trembling when I walked into Neiman Marcus a few weeks before my 30th birthday, woozy from my extravagant, atypical plan, and convinced that other shoppers were aware of my lack of élan. I didn’t look anyone in the eye, didn’t browse, didn’t allow any clerks to spray me with perfume. I walked directly to a salesperson in the handbag department and told her I wanted to buy the Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 60 — a $715 duffel bag. It was much larger than the version that I had coveted almost 20 years before, and that had maintained an undeniable hold on me ever since.
After my parents’ divorce when I was six, my mother worked at home part-time as a seamstress, modifying sumptuous gowns and dresses for an upscale boutique. Two memories stand out from that time: playing with the scraps of fabric, and her crying at night in her room. Despite her ceaseless efforts to feed and care for us, she was exhausted and we were broke.
A few years later, she remarried, and we entered a stable, middle-class life that for practical and pecuniary reasons valued moderation over excess of any kind. We ate most of our meals together at home, cleaned our own rooms, did our own laundry. We weren’t denied any essentials or even the occasional indulgence, but nor did we go on unplanned shopping sprees or wear designer clothes or eschew hand-me-downs. None of that mattered; I was grateful that my mother was happy. I’d begun to trust that things wouldn’t abruptly fall apart again.
Then, on the second day of sixth grade English class, a girl named Jennifer stood with her arms crossed in front of the seat I’d taken in the first row and demanded I give it up. “It’s mine,” she announced. The movement and chatter among the other students settled into a low, expectant thrum. She cocked her head at me, tossed a wad of waist-length curls over her shoulder and shifted her purse from one arm to the other. If I’d known the word back then, I’d have described her as cocksure. Never before had I encountered anyone with such presumptuous, arrogant confidence. I hadn’t even known such qualities existed in a person, much less in a petite, bespectacled 12-year-old.
“Please find another desk,” our teacher said to me. “Jennifer sat in that one yesterday.” Jennifer made a moue of satisfaction as I cleared out. Now seated a row over and a desk behind her, I, still under a kind of spell, studied Jennifer with a mix of awe and loathing: her loafers with bright pennies pushed into the straps, her walking shorts and preppy sweater, and most captivating of all, her Louis Vuitton Speedy purse with its signature monogram on brown canvas, cowhide leather trim and handles, and tiny brass padlock.
Never before had I encountered anyone with such presumptuous, arrogant confidence. I hadn’t even known such qualities existed in a person, much less in a petite, bespectacled 12-year-old.
My siblings and I didn’t get allowances, so we got jobs, and we used that money to buy ourselves the things our parents thought were too expensive or too frivolous. No matter how many nights I babysat, I’d never have been able to afford anything like a Louis Vuitton purse. That a sixth grader owned such a luxurious accessory was astonishing.
Along with her purse, Jennifer wielded an empyreal power. She had a deep, often booming voice, strong opinions, a quick temper and a snobbish contempt for frugality. Yet she was also funny and kind, ambitious and intelligent. I was equally terrified by and enamored of her and her place in the world. For the first time since my mother remarried, I worried that mere stability wasn’t enough. That keeping up with the Jennifers was how to keep things from falling apart.
Despite the friendships I enjoyed in high school, it was then that I began to realize what an oddball I was. I tried hard to emulate other girls’ fashion choices, interests, personality traits and social skills, but I could only manage to impersonate them — I couldn’t actually remake myself in their image. I accepted invitations to parties when I’d rather be taking photos of old buildings, went on dates when I’d rather be watching kung fu movies with my dad, went shopping when I’d rather be writing stories. Even my little sister wondered why I preferred staying home on Saturday nights with her instead of socializing with my peers. I graduated early, thinking I’d assimilate better once I was in college. I didn’t.
I brought my new prize home from the department store and admired it (the dust bag and box it came with were almost as delightful as the duffel itself), then put it carefully away. I couldn’t wait to take a trip; I could imagine myself handing my keepall over to an approving bellhop, who’d whisk it to my room on a shiny brass cart. When the opportunity arose, I pulled it out. It was stiffer and bulkier than I remembered, and fairly heavy even empty. Oh well, I thought. Maybe that was part of the glamour. My gate was at the far end of the concourse, and by the time I got there, my shoulder hurt. I wished it had come either with wheels or someone else to carry it for me. Nobody at the gate, on the plane or at the hotel treated me any differently than I’d ever been treated before I had the bag. I smiled at and spoke to people as I normally do, and they smiled and spoke back; no one appeared to notice what I was holding.
Nobody at the gate, on the plane or at the hotel treated me any differently than I’d ever been treated before I had the bag. I smiled and spoke to people … they smiled and spoke back; no one appeared to notice what I was holding.
It wasn’t until I was almost 40 that I found my tribe, a group of women in my neighborhood whose kids were my kids’ friends. What we didn’t have in common we made up for with curiosity and deep respect that, over the years, has transcended friendship and become a sisterhood. Before meeting them, I was resigned to feeling like I’d always be just outside my social circles, even if I was finally able to purchase the things I thought would help me fit in. Since then, I’ve met and developed lasting friendships with other outsiders and underdogs, all of them kind, intelligent, funny, accomplished women who offer one another unconditional acceptance, support, love — and don’t care a whit about the kind of accessories we carry. Back in sixth grade, I’d thought of Jennifer’s purse more as armament than decoration, and mistakenly assumed that her material possessions gave her the personal characteristics I admired. It took many years to unpack that misconception and recognize that while owning a designer duffel (or other such belongings) can be truly satisfying, it doesn’t actually heal old wounds. It’s not a cure for insecurities. It won’t make someone stronger, better, safer or more worthy. It’s just a purse.
Not long ago, I posted an ad on Craigslist for my keepall. Except for that inaugural trip, I haven’t carried it since I bought it in 2001. It was too bulky to use for my usual purposes: days at the beach, weekends visiting my parents, summer vacations with my husband and kids.
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The same bag retails now for almost $2,500. An elated young woman bought it from me for $700. Standing on my front porch, clutching it to her chest like a treasure, she said, “I’ve been wanting one of these for so long but couldn’t afford it. Why are you selling it?”
She looked about the age I was when I bought it. Would she understand what I meant if I were to tell her that despite its size, that bag held no magic? But maybe that would be unfair. Who was I to assume what she was looking for in a fancy vintage duffel? Maybe it would be different for her. I tucked the money in my back pocket and smiled.
“I just don’t need it anymore.”
Chris Cander’s new novel, “A Gracious Neighbor,” is out July 1, 2022.
1. “The Magnetism of Louis Vuitton: Unraveling the Global Fascination for Iconic Luxury Bags”
When it comes to luxury bags, few brands have captivated the world quite like Louis Vuitton. With their iconic designs and unparalleled craftsmanship, these bags have managed to create a global fascination that seems to defy time and trends. But what is it about Louis Vuitton that magnetizes people from all walks of life?
First and foremost, it’s the rich history of the brand that adds to its irresistible charm. Established in 1854, Louis Vuitton has been a symbol of timeless elegance for over a century and a half. Each bag carries with it a legacy that spans generations, making it a true collector’s item. Whether it’s the monogram canvas or the classic LV logo, these distinctive elements instantly evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication.
- Moreover, the sheer exclusivity of Louis Vuitton bags is a major part of their allure. These bags are meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring impeccable quality and attention to detail. Proudly carrying a Louis Vuitton bag is like walking with a piece of art that only a select few can own.
- Additionally, the versatility of these bags is another aspect that draws people towards them. From elegant clutches and stylish totes
2. “Decoding the Louis Vuitton Phenomenon: Understanding the Widespread Appeal of the Legendary Bag
Spot the real deal out of hundreds of fakes as you learn to identify these little details. 
Image: Shutterstock
If you are up for purchasing a Louis Vuitton handbag, there are certain important things you need to keep in mind. Widely loved across the globe, these are a must-have. But given the demand, there are also many counterfeit LV bags to avoid. You should know how to see the difference between an original LV handbag and a fake product. So, how to tell if a louis vuitton bag is real? While it might be a bit challenging to identify the original pieces, there are specific key points that can help you navigate the process of buying an authentic luxury handbag. And this is exactly why we are here. Today, in this article, we will help you purchase the authentic Louis Vuitton handbag with some tips that we have mentioned below. All you will have to do is, scroll down and find them out. So without further ado, let’s help you purchase an authentic LV handbag.
Ace The Look- Pattern: Check for a uniform design throughout the product. Uneven patterns could indicate it is a fake.
- Thread: Check for 5 mustard yellow thread stitches at the base of the handle. Black or any other color could indicate it is a fake.
- Footwear: You can pair your LV monogram bag with neutral-colored shoes like black, gray, taupe, or white to balance out your look.
- Accessories: When carrying a solid LV bag, accessorize your look with a chunky belt or a classic watch. For minimalistic purses, stick to small statement pieces.
In This Article
How To Know If You Have An Authentic Louis Vuitton
There are some brand basics you should know to save yourself from wasting time and money. You don’t have to have a certificate to learn the rules and know how to spot a real from a fake. Here are four easy ways to know if you have an authentic Louis Vuitton purse in a second.
- Material
Image: Instagram
Louis Vuitton uses the best high-quality materials, which is quite apparent. So, when you look at a bag and know that something is off, it must be. Trust your gut. If you are purchasing from an online retailer, it’s quite a tricky situation, so do not pay in full unless you have verified that the bag is designer. Ask for more pictures. The signature materials are Monogram canvas, Damier Ebene, and Damier Azur, which are all perfect canvases for handbags because they are waterproof, durable, and can be cleaned easily. Louis Vuitton Empreinte leather was introduced in 2010, and was an instant hit. Monogram Vernis Leather, Electric Leather, Damier Carbon are all additions to the classics. So, if you are buying from a retailer and want to know if it is legitimate merchandise, ask these questions. You’d know whether the bag is authenticated or not.
TriviaLouis Vuitton’s famous Damier and Monogram prints were created to avoid copycats. Georges Vuitton is accredited with the overlapping L and V logo in 1896, four years after Louis’ death, to pay homage to Louis Vuitton and combat counterfeit products.- Hardware
Image: Instagram
Inspecting the hardware is the easiest way to figure out if a product is not trustworthy because you will know if the accessory of the bag like zipper, etc., is made of plastic or other fiber materials and coated with gold color. Plus, the brand name is embossed on it, which counterfeit editions fail to duplicate because they cannot achieve that kind of precision with the materials they use, and also don’t have the valid technology to do so. Also, Louis Vuitton uses hardware of the highest quality, which is invariably strong, heavy, and sturdy. Other details like the cut of the D-rings to fit the specific hardware that sits perfectly on the leather interlocks without allowing too much space for movement are unique characteristics of the brand and its bags – purse, tote, satchel, clutch, shoulder bag, crossbody bag, backpack, duffel bag, and luggage to name a few.
- Date Code
Image: Instagram
Dare codes are another unique feature of Louis Vuitton merchandise, and these are different from the serial number categorizing that most brands follow. The date codes are a rather new invention, and thus you won’t find date codes on vintage bags made before 1980.
The newest of its collection goes like this – two letters, followed by four digits. For example, FL2079 – where FL stands for the factory it was manufactured at in the United States; the first and 3rd numbers represent the week (27th week) it was manufactured, while the second and fourth numbers represent the year, which is 2009.
Before 2007, it used to be two letters followed by the month of manufacturing and year. The first and third letters represented the month, and the second and fourth represent the year. So, FA1102 would mean it was made in a factory in Switzerland, in October 2012.
The early 1980s – numbers preceded the letters – anywhere between three to four numbers followed by two letters. So, if the code goes 8211CA – it means that it was manufactured in November 1982 in a factory in Spain.
However, a lot of knockoffs might try and randomly replicate this information, so doubly check if the condition of the bag, the design, model, series, and hardware are all in sync. I know it might sound like too much work, but hey, if you are investing on these, and not walking into an LV store or reliable and reputable dealer, you gotta do what you gotta do.
- Stitches
Image: Shutterstock
The stitches on Louis Vuitton tote bags and handbags are even, regular, and consistent. Even at the crevices of the handle tabs, the number of stitches on the bag are exact on both the sides of the handles. If the finish of the stitches looks sloppy, count them on either side, and that will give you a clear picture.
Stylecraze SaysThe tan leather used alongside the monogram is all-natural and contains no dye or chemical coloring. Therefore, an original authorized bag will darken over time.Other interesting trivia – if you look closely, you can easily spot fake LV purses.
- The tail of the letter ‘L’ is short.
- The letter ‘O’ is quite rounded.
- The letters in “Ts” should be so close to each other that they look like they are touching each other.
- LV bags are rumored to be made of vinyl, but they are not, it has to be pure leather.
- Louis Vuitton original merchandise never goes on sale. So, unless they are pre-owned or from an older series being sold by a seller, do not trust the reduced prices. Even then, you need to authenticate the bag first.
- Louis Vuitton is also known to burn all rejected merchandise, so be wary of that too.
- The interior Louis Vuitton logo is embossed inside your handbag – it is clear, concise and nearly perfect. A lot of fake sellers are given away here.
- Contrary to popular belief, LV bags have upside down symbols in some of their models – like Papillons, Speedy styles, etc.
- Louis Vuitton bags are made with a single big canvas without seams anywhere, not even at the bottom of the bags. However, there are some pieces that are made of a separate canvas, and they have the upside down symbols.
- Louis Vuitton bags, suitcases or any other merchandise do not come with tags like other brand products. They are slid into little pockets inside the bag.
- Louis Vuitton wristlets and bags are made in France, USA, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain.
- Never trust a seller promising to sell the latest collection that has not been released. That’s a big red flag.
Infographic: Top 8 Useful Tips To Help You Spot An Original Louis Vuitton Bag
Louis Vuitton is one of the most popular luxury brands across the globe that everyone wants. However, it can be difficult to differentiate an original Louis Vuitton from a knockout. We have curated the top 5 useful tips to help you spot an original Louis Vuitton handbag. Check out the infographic below to know more!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
If you have fallen victim to a counterfeit Louis Vuitton handbag scam or know someone who has, we feel you. Unfortunately, the worldwide demand for this brand and its glamorous creations makes admirers like us easy targets. Fortunately, there are very specific key features to help you identify an authentic Louis Vuitton handbag. We have shared all of that information with you in this article for your convenience. So, get these basics right and be smart and safe on the internet. We hope you land an authentic piece of your choice with the help of the above tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all LV bags have a serial number?
No, they have date codes. LV bags do not have serial numbers, and that is what puts them apart from a lot of brands, plus it is easy to identify a fake. They have date codes, which follow a nomenclature that cannot be messed with. The date code should be aligned with the ‘Made In (country)” tag. So, if the date code says SA (Italy), the tag cannot say Made in France or Spain.
What is the date code?
Date codes are unique manufacturing codes about products of brands. These help customers authenticate bags if they are not directly purchasing from Louis Vuitton stores or a very trusted reseller.
How can I authenticate a Louis Vuitton bag if I’m buying it online?
Ask your seller to share pictures, and a lot of them. Now that you know how to spot a fake Louis Vuitton, insist on their sharing photos of some of the most intricate details – usually, the stitches, the shade of the canvas, the embossing of the logo, handles, hardware, tag, logo or monogram. They are quite telling if you look closely. And, when your gut tells you that something is not right, it probably isn’t.
What if my Louis Vuitton bag does not have a date code?
Some of the older versions do not have date codes, and on some old materials, the date codes may have faded out, so, look for other details to validate it.
Can I take my Louis Vuitton handbag to a store for authentication?
Although Louis Vuitton stores don’t offer any kind of bag authentication services, they might be able to check the authenticity of your bag with a date code or the stitch pattern.
Where can one find authentic Louis Vuitton handbags?
Get authentic Louis Vuitton handbags from Louis Vuitton stores and through Louis Vuitton’s official website. Do not buy LV handbags from street vendors as they would be fake.
What is the best way to care for an authentic Louis Vuitton handbag?
For cleaning, use a soft, damp cloth, avoiding the printed portions. Refrain from using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, cleaners, or chemicals on the product. To be on the safe side, always ask the LV store workers for cleaning tips.
Banner Image Credits: Instagram
Key Takeaways
- Look for a clear and precise logo compared to smudged or off-center logos.
- The material should feel sturdy and premium, free from defects.
- If you notice anything chipping off or uneven color, it is likely to be a fake.
- Check for a serial number to identify the authenticity of your Louis Vuitton.
