Louis Vuitton Papillon Gm Damier Ébène

Features

Why we love it

Description & history

Louis Vuitton Papillon GM in Damier Ébène canvas and smooth chocolate leather · two flat handles · zip closure · gold-tone brass hardware · date code MB**** (2004) · grade B+.

The Papillon is one of those Louis Vuitton models unlike any other. Its cylindrical, perfectly tubular shape breaks with the rectangular or trapezoidal silhouettes that dominate leather goods. Born in the 1960s, the shape peaked in popularity around the turn of the 2000s before becoming a sought-after collector's piece. This GM example — the large size — offers generous volume inside this perfect tube.

The canvas is Damier Ébène, the historic checkerboard pattern registered by Louis Vuitton in 1888, eight years before the famous Monogram. The understated dark and light brown check is paired here with smooth chocolate leather for the handles, base circles and trims. The coated canvas is clean, with no major flaws, and the leather is in good condition. The edges are in good condition with light rubbing, concentrated on naturally exposed areas.

Two flat leather handles allow it to be carried by hand or slipped over the shoulder. The zip opens along the full length of the cylinder, making the main compartment easy to access. The gold-tone brass pull is in good condition with a light patina. Its capacity accommodates a phone, compact wallet, AirPods, keys and lipstick — the essentials for a day, organised along this tubular format that distributes weight evenly.

Good overall condition, grade B+ — this 2004 example has been well preserved. The canvas is clean, the leather is in good condition, and the interior shows light signs of use with no major flaws. The bag will be delivered with a RARR Vintage dust bag and a RARR Vintage certificate of authenticity.