Introduction
The Louis Vuitton Monogram was designed by Georges Vuitton in 1896 as a homage to his late father. It combines a geometric floral pattern with the initials of Louis Vuitton.
This signature design adorns many bags and wallets, but behind every model, lies a story of history, craftsmanship, artistry and demand.
To the uninitiated, all these bags may seem similar, but I can guarantee you that once you’ve seen these 5 classics, you’ll be sure to spot a familiar face or five.
Speedy
You can’t get more iconic than the first handbag Louis Vuitton ever made available to the general consumer. Originally released in 1930 under the name ‘Express’, it became an instant classic, as the Louis Vuitton Monogram was already popular thanks to the brand’s success in the trunk and luggage world. However, to be perfectly accurate, the original Speedy wasn’t introduced with the iconic Monogram design—it was initially crafted in plain canvas. It wasn’t until around a year later that it got the classic LV Monogram makeover.
Today, the Speedy comes in 4 standard sizes: 25, 30, 35, and 40. It was launched in the 30cm size, with Louis Vuitton later adding the 35cm and 40cm versions to meet growing demand. In the 1960s, Audrey Hepburn famously requested a smaller version, which led to the creation of the Speedy 25.
It also has several ‘relatives’, like the Keepall and Mini Speedy, and features numerous limited editions. Think of Takashi Murakami’s vibrant cherry blossoms and the Multicolore collection that defined early 2000s fashion, or Yayoi Kusama’s iconic polka dots from her 2012 collaboration.
Even after more than 90 years, the Speedy still reigns supreme as far as being iconic and remains in demand on the resale market, as vintage fashion becomes increasingly popular.
Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy 30 Handbag on Zenplus
Why should you own one?
Travel, shopping or clubbing, it fits all your needs while signaling your fashion literacy!
Find your Louis Vuitton Speedy on ZenPlus.
Neverfull
The modern Classic! Many have this on their top list of iconic bags in general, and it's hard to blame them. The Neverfull have an allure that is hard to replicate. With its timeless design, heritage appeal, and practicality, it is a bag that lives up to its name—it’s big enough to carry all your essentials.
But did you know the reason for its existence is that it was replicating the success of a different bag? Goyard’s St.Louis took the fashion world by storm with its sleek handles, practical size and convenient pouch. To match their domestic competitor, Louis Vuitton answered with the Neverfull.
Which bag came out victorious you ask? Just count how many Goyard St. Louis bags you see on a daily basis versus LV’s Neverfull. There is your answer!
Louis Vuitton continues to evolve this classic design, most recently launching a new iteration in September 2024: the Neverfull Inside Out, a reversible version available in both leather and canvas.
Louis Vuitton Monogram Neverfull MM on ZenPlus
Why should you own one?
A sexier shopping tote doesn’t exist. Looking to pull off the modern LV girl look, then this is the one for you.
Find your Louis Vuitton Neverfull on Zenplus.
Alma
Remember we said the Speedy was the first handbag Louis Vuitton made available for “the general consumer”? Well the reason for the odd phrasing is that 5 years prior to the Speedy’s release, Madam Coco Chanel, yes, that Chanel, commissioned a dome shaped handbag for her personal wardrobe. She later gave permission for the design to be produced for the public, and this bag is the one you know today as the Alma.
While the Speedy and Keepall often attract new customers to LV, the Alma is a piece that people grow to love as they’re introduced to the brand’s other designs. The bag was first called the ‘Squire Bag,’ then renamed ‘Champs-Élysées,’ before finally being named ‘Alma,’ the name it has carried ever since.
Louis Vuitton Monogram Alma Handbag M51130 on ZenPlus
Why should you own one?
The Alma is a statement, the way it stands upright signals elegance and confidence. You can even add a strap to make it hands free.
Find your Louis Vuitton Alma on ZenPlus.
Keepall
Did you like the Speedy but wish it was bigger? Say hello to the Keepall! From the same era, this now tried and true duffle design was actually quite reactionary! It was an answer for independent high class travelers who wanted something more handleable than the big trunks of ages prior. Now, in the age of air travel, you needed something you could carry yourself, yet still look elegant and had enough space to ‘keep all’ your things (pun intended). Plus, you can even fold it neatly and fit it in a suitcase without sacrificing much space.
To this day, the Keepall is extremely popular, and is seeing a large following from wealthy male collectors who appreciate its practicality, as well as the many cool limited editions. Available in 4 sizes, it caters to a variety of travel needs. The addition of the Keepall Bandoulière, featuring a shoulder strap, has further elevated its functionality, offering travelers even greater versatility on the go.
Louis Vuitton Monogram Keepall 55 M41424 on ZenPlus
Why should you own one?
Carrying a Keepall makes you feel like a movie star. No need to comment on the functionality, as a duffle it’s perfect. It’s the air of authority it gives to any look that truly makes you stand out.
Find your Keepall on ZenPlus.
Pégase
Unlike the other entries on this list, the Pégase doesn’t have any deep backstory that I’m aware of. Rather, it was an inevitability. Like pearls on necklaces or shoes with laces, some ideas are simply too good to not become true.
A Louis Vuitton Monogram Rolling Luggage, hello??
Of course it would be made! Not only does it epitomize elegance in travel, but it also adds functionality to the world of luxury. It combines the iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas with practicality, offering durable wheels, secure zippers, and spacious compartments for travel.
There’s no classier way to stroll over to your gate in Amsterdam Schipol Airport (or any other terminal) than with a Pégase rolling behind you as your carry on. The moment your leather-gloved hand wraps around its retractable handle, you’ll feel like the main character of a Christopher Nolan drama—poised, confident, and ready for adventure.
Louis Vuitton Monogram Pegasus 50 M23251 on ZenPlus
Why should you own one?
The Pégase is a lifetime purchase that will increase your enjoyment of travel forever once it’s yours.
Find your pre-owned Pégase on ZenPlus.
Conclusion
That’s the top 5! Did you agree or did we miss your favorite?
While these are the most iconic, Louis Vuitton offers models to fit every lifestyle and personality. And you can explore most of them here on ZenPlus! Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one to spark the rise of another iconic piece!
About the Writer
Magnus Paslawski has three years of professional experience as a re-seller and auctioneer of luxury goods. He currently does marketing for ZenPop.jp but is always up to date on the designer world.
