Get to Know: Louis Vuitton Materials
A brand as historical and famous as Louis Vuitton has more than earned its incredible recognition and industry-pull. Over the decades, the French fashion house has refused to pause on innovation, consistently adding new signatures to its lineup, blending its classics with artist and designer collaborations, and revamping some of its originals, all while magically holding that special "je ne sais quoi" that screams LV.
With more always on the horizon, the list of beloved Louis Vuitton fabrics and materials becomes an ever-evolving real-life catwalk. Delving a little deeper into 22 current top offerings, we look at what they're made of, and what makes them so unique.
Though less a focal point in your favorite designer handbag, Louis Vuitton pays careful attention to interiors as well, with six main offerings. What goes on the inside of your bag largely depends on what goes outside, adjusting based on the exterior, and the style, but year and place of manufacturing can also play a role.
Before buying your next authentic preloved Louis Vuitton handbag, review this quick Louis Vuitton leather and material guide to make sure you know what you're getting!
Exterior Louis Vuitton Materials
NAME: Monogram canvas
MATERIAL: Textured [vinyl] coated canvas
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 1896
ABOUT: The pattern was inspired by Japanese and Oriental designs that were trendy during the Victorian era
DESCRIPTORS: Durable, iconic, traditional
NAME: Vachetta (often referred to today as cowhide)
MATERIAL: Natural, vegetable-tanned cowhide leather
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: N/A
ABOUT: Untreated, very delicate leather that starts out a light beige and darkens into a uniquely dark honey patina over time
DESCRIPTORS: Smooth, sensitive, quintessential
NAME: Damier Ebene
MATERIAL: Printed coated canvas
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 1888
ABOUT: The durable fabric bares its name "Damier" as it translates (French to English) to “checkerboard”
DESCRIPTORS: Sophisticated, classic, practical
NAME: Damier Azur
MATERIAL: Printed coated canvas
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 2006
ABOUT: A contemporary interpretation of the classic Damier Ebene print in a navy and cream colorway
DESCRIPTORS: Fresh, casual, clean
NAME: Damier Graphite
MATERIAL: Printed coated canvas
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 2008
ABOUT: Created in honor of Louis Vuitton’s 120th anniversary of the canvas, this Damier Ebene edit is in black and charcoal gray
DESCRIPTORS: Contemporary, masculine, suave
NAME: Monogram Multicolore
MATERIAL: Textured coated canvas
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 2003
ABOUT: Collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami that uses a total of 33 colors throughout the classic monogram design on a white or black base
DESCRIPTORS: Playful, daring, different
NAME: Monogram Lin/Monogram Idylle
MATERIAL: Canvas (58% cotton, 24% linen and 18% polyamide)
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 2010 (reintroduced)
ABOUT: Mini Lin was the original name for this material but was later changed to Monogram Idylle
DESCRIPTORS: Sporty, relaxed, informal
NAME: Monogram Denim
MATERIAL: Stonewashed denim
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 2005
ABOUT: A more casual fabric available in pink, blue, green, gray, or black
DESCRIPTORS: Trendy, unique, cool
NAME: Monogram Vernis
MATERIAL: Coated debossed leather
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 1997
ABOUT: Introduced by Marc Jacobs when he was Artistic Director for the brand, the leather finish is similar to patent and its name translates to “Varnish Monogram”
DESCRIPTORS: Chic, sleek, dynamic
NAME: Epi
MATERIAL: Specialty dyed textured leather
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 1985
ABOUT: Created in response to the increasing demand for a more durable leather material that could withstand modern travel conditions
DESCRIPTORS: Relaxed, reliable, textured
NAME: Monogram Empreinte
MATERIAL: Dyed, drummed, and debossed calfskin
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 2010
ABOUT: One of Louis Vuitton’s more recent leather materials, joining their favored list of leathers including Epi, Taiga, and Taurillon
DESCRIPTORS: Fashionable, deluxe, universal
NAME: Taiga
MATERIAL: Corrected grain leather
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 1993
ABOUT: Named after the largest coniferous forest in Russia called the Taiga
DESCRIPTORS: Versatile, uncomplicated, professional
NAME: Suhali
MATERIAL: Natural grain goatskin
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 2004
ABOUT: Items made with the Suhali leather are named for adjectives describing a “Louis Vuitton woman”
DESCRIPTORS: Lustrous, vivid, stark
NAME: Taurillon
MATERIAL: Natural grain calfskin
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: Unknown
ABOUT: Softens over time and is usually unmarked aside from foil stamps
DESCRIPTORS: Luxurious, refined, velvety
NAME: Monogram Mahina
MATERIAL: Perforated, drummed leather or suede
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 2007
ABOUT: Named in honor of the Polynesian lunar god, Mahina, it was inspired by the phases of the moon
DESCRIPTORS: Subtle, effortless, versatile
NAME: Damier Infini
MATERIAL: Debossed calfskin in damier pattern
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 2011
ABOUT: Primarily used in men’s accessories and leather goods
DESCRIPTORS: Textured, innovative, limitless
NAME: Monogram Jacquard Since 1854
MATERIAL: Jacquard textile
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 2020
ABOUT: In honor of the year Louis Vuitton was founded, 1854
DESCRIPTORS: Psychedelic, nonchalant, historic
NAME: Monogram Giant Escale
MATERIAL: Coated canvas
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 2020
ABOUT: Design was inspired by the traditional Japanese method of twisting fabrics before dying them, also known as Shibori
DESCRIPTORS: Summery, refreshing, graphic
NAME: Epi Electric
MATERIAL: Epi leather with patent finish
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 2011
ABOUT: High-gloss shiny version of the classic and matte Epi leather
DESCRIPTORS: Elevated, fierce, glamorous
NAME: Monogram Mat
MATERIAL: Embossed leather with matte, metallic finish
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: Early 2000s
ABOUT: Limited edition collection no longer in production, but still available on the secondary market
DESCRIPTORS: Subtle, tailored, simple
NAME: Exotics
MATERIAL: Ostrich, python, crocodile matte, crocodile brilliant, Lizard
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: Varies
ABOUT: All exotic skins are responsibly sourced and derived from animals protected by the Washington convention (CITES)
DESCRIPTORS: Exclusive, luxurious, rare
NAME: Damier Carbone
MATERIAL: Carbon fiber coated canvas
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: 2011
ABOUT: Limited edition material created for a luggage in collaboration with BMW’s i8
DESCRIPTORS: Kaleidoscopic, understated, handsome
Interior Louis Vuitton Materials
NAME: Alcantara
MATERIAL: Red suede-like textile
NAME: Microfiber
MATERIAL: Smooth suede-like textile
NAME: Canvas
MATERIAL: Woven cotton-blend
NAME: Crossgrain leather
MATERIAL: Crosshatch textured calfskin
NAME: Cowhide leather
MATERIAL: Smooth calfskin
Love that Bag etc does not carry vintages of this year, but we wouldn't recommend the discontinued interior, as it was prone to wear issues over time. Discover current Louis Vuitton models.
NAME: Vuittonite (pre 1997)
MATERIAL: Vinyl-like material
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