Collection: Louis Vuitton

Our Louis Vuitton selection: Speedy and Keepall bags, Neverfull totes, Alma, Pochette Métis and small leather goods, each piece rigorously authenticated by our experts before being offered for sale in our boutique on Avenue Louise, Brussels.

The History of Louis Vuitton, from 1854 to the Present Day

Louis Vuitton was founded in Paris in 1854 by a young Burgundian craftsman of the same name, who had worked since 1837 as a trunk-layer (layetier-emballeur) in the service of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. In 1858, Vuitton revolutionised luggage by replacing the traditional domed trunk with a flat-topped design that could be stacked easily on steamers and railway carriages. Covered in grey Trianon canvas, it was both lighter and more resistant to water than anything available at the time. The Louis Vuitton trunk became the preferred luggage of the European aristocracy and wealthy travellers within a decade.

In 1871, Louis Vuitton opened his first proper shop at 1 rue Scribe in Paris. On his death in 1892, his son Georges took over and immediately faced a crisis of counterfeiting. In 1896, Georges created the iconic Monogram canvas, combining the interlocking LV initials with floral motifs drawn from Japanese and Oriental art then fashionable in Paris. The design was copyrighted and has remained virtually unchanged ever since. Georges also introduced the tumbler lock and the five-pin lock, making Louis Vuitton trunks virtually impossible to force open.

The twentieth century saw the house expand steadily: the Keepall travel bag appeared in the early 1930s, the Speedy in 1930 (originally produced exclusively for Audrey Hepburn in a smaller format in 1965), and the Noé in 1932. In 1977, Henri Racamier, son-in-law of the then-proprietor, took over management and oversaw massive international expansion. In 1987, Louis Vuitton merged with Moët Hennessy to form LVMH. The house has since operated as the flagship brand of the world's largest luxury goods conglomerate.

Marc Jacobs served as artistic director from 1997 to 2013, transforming Louis Vuitton into a fashion powerhouse through collaborations with Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince. Nicolas Ghesquière succeeded him in 2013 and continues in the role today, bringing a more architectural and technical sensibility. Since March 2021, Louis Vuitton has replaced date codes with embedded microchips for enhanced authentication on new production.

Iconic Louis Vuitton Pieces

The Speedy: From Travel Bag to Street Icon (1930)

Originally created in 1930 as a smaller version of the Keepall travel bag, the Speedy became a cultural phenomenon when Audrey Hepburn requested a personalised version in a 25 cm format in 1965, making it the first Louis Vuitton bag designed specifically at a customer's request. Its cylindrical silhouette with flat bottom, double zip closure and Vachetta leather trim are instantly recognisable. Available in the classic Monogram and Damier Ebène canvases, as well as Empreinte embossed leather, the Speedy remains one of the most versatile and collected entry-level LV pieces on the secondary market.

The Neverfull: The Essential Tote (2007)

Introduced in 2007, the Neverfull was designed as an everyday open-top tote that, as its name implies, never fills up. Its clean lines, cinching side strings and interior pouch make it one of the most functional bags in the LV lineup. Available in PM, MM and GM sizes in Monogram and Damier canvases, as well as seasonal limited editions, the Neverfull is the second most traded Louis Vuitton bag on the secondary market after the Speedy.

The Alma: Gaston-Louis's Gift (1932)

Designed by Gaston-Louis Vuitton in 1932 under the name "Champs-Elysées", the Alma takes its name from the Pont de l'Alma bridge in Paris, adopted officially in 1992. Its distinctive trapezoidal silhouette, rigid base and double-handle construction make it one of the most structured bags in the Louis Vuitton archive. Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren and Grace Kelly were all photographed with the Alma. It is available in PM, MM and BB formats and is a perennial favourite for collectors.

The Keepall: The Original Weekend Bag (1930)

The Keepall, launched in 1930, is considered the world's first soft-sided travel bag and was a radical departure from the rigid trunk tradition of the house. Available in sizes from 45 to 60 cm, with or without a shoulder strap (Bandoulière versions), the Keepall in Monogram canvas is the definitive expression of the Louis Vuitton travel heritage. Vintage Keepalls from the 1970s and 1980s in particularly good condition are among the most sought-after pieces in the LV archive.

The Murakami and Artist Collaboration Pieces (2003-2006)

Under Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton collaborated with Takashi Murakami in 2003 to create the Monogram Multicolore canvas in 33 vivid colours on a white or black ground, and the Cerises (cherry) Monogram in 2005. The Stephen Sprouse graffiti Monogram (2001) and the Richard Prince Jokes collection (2007-2008) are equally collectible. These limited-edition collaborations command significant premiums on the secondary market and represent the most vibrant chapter in the house's twentieth-century story.

The Pochette Métis: A Modern Cult Object (2015)

Launched in 2015 under Nicolas Ghesquière, the Pochette Métis references the house's mail-carrier heritage with its structured front pocket and brass turn-lock closure. In Monogram Empreinte embossed leather or classic Monogram canvas, it has become one of the most sought-after current Louis Vuitton pieces, with waiting lists at retail and strong values on the secondary market.

How to Authenticate a Louis Vuitton Bag

1. The Date Code

Louis Vuitton introduced date codes in the early 1980s and used them until March 2021, when microchips replaced them. The code consists of two letters (indicating the factory country) followed by four digits (encoding the production date). From 2007 to 2021, the letters represent the manufacturing country, the first and third digits give the week of production, and the second and fourth digits give the year: for example, SD4081 means week 48 of 2010, made in the USA. Codes vary in format by era: three or four digits only (early 1980s), then letters plus digits in various arrangements. A bag from the 1970s should have no date code at all.

2. The Monogram Canvas Print

On authentic Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas, the LV initials and floral motifs are printed symmetrically on both sides of the bag, with the pattern never cut arbitrarily at seams: the design is carefully aligned so that the canvas flows naturally around the piece. The colour is a warm, consistent chestnut brown on a honey-tan ground. Any blurring, colour bleed, misalignment at seams or irregular spacing is a strong indicator of a fake.

3. The Interior Stamp

The interior leather tab or lining carries the heat-stamped text "Louis Vuitton Paris Made in France" (or Made in Spain, USA, Germany, Italy, depending on the factory). The typeface is precise, with serifs on the "L" and "V". Any blurring, inconsistent capitalisation or missing elements should raise concern.

4. The Vachetta Leather

Authentic Louis Vuitton bags in Monogram or Damier Ebène canvas have handles, trim and base protection in Vachetta (untreated cowhide leather) that starts very pale cream and develops a warm honey patina with use and exposure to light. New bags have pale, almost white Vachetta; older ones develop a rich, even caramel tone. Any Vachetta that is excessively dark on a supposedly new bag, or that shows uneven or blotchy discolouration, should be questioned.

5. The Hardware

All Louis Vuitton hardware, including zippers, clasps and D-rings, should be brass-toned (gold or silver depending on the line), uniform in finish and engraved where appropriate with the Louis Vuitton name. YKK zippers are sometimes used on certain models. Hardware should feel solid and operate smoothly with no play.

6. The Stitching

Louis Vuitton stitching is even, tight and golden-yellow in colour on Monogram canvas pieces. There are no loose threads, skipped stitches or irregular tension. The stitch count is high and absolutely consistent. Poor or irregular stitching is one of the most reliable indicators of a counterfeit.

7. The Lining

Interior linings vary by model, era and canvas type. Monogram canvas bags from the 1980s and 1990s typically feature a natural or brown cross-grain leather lining or a cotton canvas lining. More recent pieces use microfibre or textile linings. Any thin, cheap-feeling or obviously synthetic lining on a supposedly authentic bag is a warning sign.

8. Era Coherence

Every element of a Louis Vuitton bag must be coherent with its era. A Neverfull (introduced 2007) should never carry a date code indicating 2004. The canvas type, lining material, hardware finish and date code format must all align with the known production history of the specific model. Any anachronism is a definitive sign of inauthenticity.

Our method: at Les Enfants d'Édouard, every piece undergoes a three-stage examination: visual inspection, verification of technical markers (date code, canvas print alignment, interior stamp and Vachetta patina), and cross-referencing against our reference archive. Where any doubt arises, we consult a specialist partner in Paris. Every authenticated piece is delivered with our certificate of authenticity.

Size Guide and Louis Vuitton Codes

Dimensions of key Louis Vuitton bag models

Model	Size	Approx. Dimensions	Use
Speedy	20	20 × 15 × 11 cm	Evening, very compact
Speedy	25	25 × 19 × 15 cm	Compact daily, most iconic
Speedy	30	30 × 21 × 17 cm	Daily use, versatile
Speedy	35	35 × 23 × 18 cm	Large capacity
Neverfull	PM	29 × 24 × 13 cm	Light daily
Neverfull	MM	31 × 28 × 14 cm	Daily, most popular size
Neverfull	GM	39 × 34 × 19 cm	Work, large capacity
Alma	BB	23 × 17 × 11 cm	Compact daily, evening
Alma	PM	31 × 22 × 15 cm	Classic daily
Keepall	45	45 × 27 × 20 cm	Weekend travel
Keepall	55	55 × 31 × 26 cm	Extended travel

Louis Vuitton date code formats by era

Era	Format	Example
Before 1982	No date code	–
1982–mid 1980s	3 or 4 digits only	8204 = 1982, April
Mid 1980s–2006	2 letters + 6 digits (month/year interleaved)	VI0034 = France, March 2004
2007–Mar 2021	2 letters + 4 digits (week/year interleaved)	SD4081 = USA, wk 48 of 2010
From Mar 2021	No date code; embedded microchip	–

For sizing queries, please refer to our general luxury size guide.

Why Invest in a Vintage Louis Vuitton Piece

Louis Vuitton is consistently ranked as one of the strongest performers in luxury resale. The Monogram canvas, virtually unchanged since 1896, means that a bag from the 1980s is immediately identifiable and retains strong cultural currency. Limited-edition collaborations (Murakami, Sprouse, Prince) have appreciated significantly, with the Murakami Multicolore pieces now firmly established as collector's items. The Speedy 25 and 30 in Monogram canvas remain among the most liquid assets on the secondary market: easy to sell, easy to authenticate, consistently demanded.

Vintage Louis Vuitton also offers access to discontinued canvas patterns (Damier Azur, Vernis in original colourways, Epi leather in colours no longer produced) and to artist collaborations no longer available at retail. If you are looking to value a piece from your own collection, we offer an expert consignment service with a complimentary valuation.

Our Louis Vuitton Selection in Brussels, on Avenue Louise

Les Enfants d'Édouard is located at 175 Avenue Louise, 1050 Brussels. We receive new Louis Vuitton pieces each month: bags in every canvas and leather, small leather goods, accessories and luggage, each selected for condition and authenticity. Every piece is examined by our experts before display.

Our team is on hand Tuesday through Saturday. To view pieces not on display or to arrange a private appointment, please use the form at the bottom of the page.

Care and Maintenance of Your Louis Vuitton Pieces

Canvas bags: wipe gently with a soft damp cloth. Never use solvents or abrasive cloths on the canvas. Store in the dust bag away from light to prevent canvas fading. The Vachetta trim develops patina naturally; to slow darkening, keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Vachetta leather trim: untreated Vachetta is sensitive to water and oils. Handle with clean, dry hands. Water marks generally fade over time; for stains, consult a leather specialist rather than treating at home. Conditioner formulated specifically for light, untreated leather can be applied sparingly.

Epi and other leathers: Epi leather is one of the most durable LV materials and requires minimal care. Wipe with a dry cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a product designed for smooth leather. Empreinte leather should be treated similarly to fine-grain calfskin.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vintage Louis Vuitton

How do I authenticate a Louis Vuitton bag?

Authentic LV bags require assessment of date code format and era coherence, canvas print alignment, interior stamp typography, Vachetta patina consistency, hardware quality and stitching. Louis Vuitton does not use unique serial numbers: the date code identifies the production period and factory, not the individual bag. At Les Enfants d'Édouard, all these markers are verified before any piece is offered for sale.

Which Louis Vuitton pieces are the most valuable on the secondary market?

The Murakami Multicolore and Cerises collaborations, the Stephen Sprouse graffiti Speedy, vintage Keepalls and Almas from the 1970s and 1980s in excellent condition, and special-order or personalised trunks command the highest premiums. For everyday collecting, the Speedy 25 and 30 and Neverfull MM are the most liquid.

Do Louis Vuitton bags have serial numbers?

No. Louis Vuitton uses date codes rather than unique serial numbers. Multiple bags from the same production batch share the same date code. From March 2021, new pieces carry an embedded microchip instead of a date code.

Is Vachetta patina a sign of authenticity?

Genuine Vachetta develops an even, warm honey-brown patina with age and use. Fake bags often use pre-darkened or uniformly tinted trim to simulate patina; the result is usually uneven or too dark. Authentic vintage Vachetta develops patina gradually from the edges inward, and is consistent across all trim pieces.

Where is Louis Vuitton made?

Authentic Louis Vuitton bags are made in France, Spain, Germany, Italy and the USA, depending on the factory and the era. The manufacturing country is encoded in the date code letters. All locations are legitimate: "Made in Spain" or "Made in USA" does not indicate a lower-quality piece.

Where can I buy authenticated vintage Louis Vuitton in Brussels?

Les Enfants d'Édouard, at 175 Avenue Louise, offers a rigorously authenticated selection of vintage Louis Vuitton. Every item is verified before sale and delivered with our certificate of authenticity.

What is the average resale price for a Louis Vuitton Speedy?

A Speedy 25 or 30 in Monogram canvas in good condition typically sells for €400 to €900 on the secondary market. Prices vary by condition, age of the Vachetta patina and whether accessories (lock, key, dust bag) are present. Limited edition or collaboration versions command significantly higher prices.

Is there a guarantee on purchases from Les Enfants d'Édouard?

Every piece sold in our boutique comes with our certificate of authenticity and a 14-day return window from the date of receipt, provided the item is returned in its original condition.

Can I view pieces in the boutique?

Yes, our boutique at 175 Avenue Louise is open Tuesday through Saturday. You are welcome to come in and examine pieces with the guidance of our team. Private appointments for access to unlisted inventory are available on request.

How do I care for the canvas on my Louis Vuitton bag?

Wipe gently with a slightly damp cloth and allow to dry naturally. Never use solvents, bleach or abrasive materials. Store away from prolonged sunlight, which fades the canvas over time. Keep in the dust bag when not in use.

What is the difference between Monogram and Damier canvas?

Monogram canvas features the LV initials and floral motifs on a warm tan ground, introduced in 1896. Damier canvas, also introduced in the 1880s and revived in 1996, features a checkerboard pattern in tan and brown (Damier Ebène) or light blue and white (Damier Azur), with no visible LV monogram, making it more discreet.

When was the Speedy created?

The Speedy was first created in 1930 as a smaller, more portable version of the Keepall travel bag. In 1965, Audrey Hepburn requested an even smaller 25 cm format, which became the definitive modern version of the bag.

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