Louis Vuitton Papillon Damier Ebene Canvas Pouch

Features

Why we love it

Description & history

A Louis Vuitton Papillon pouch in Damier Ebene coated canvas · leather handle · patinated gold-tone brass hardware · zip fastening · carried by hand or at the crook of the arm · Made in France · 15 × 6 × 6 cm · grade B+.

The Papillon pouch has a rather unusual history: it was not meant to be seen. Designed as the interior accessory of the Papillon bag — the soft cylinder Louis Vuitton has produced since the 1960s — it slipped inside to store small items, attached by a strap. Then women began taking it out and carrying it on its own. Today, it is sought after independently of its original bag and valued in its own right.

Its shape is its entire charm: a perfect roll, zipped along its full length, with a small handle to carry in the hand or at the crook of the arm. It is a silhouette unlike any other — neither a flat pouch nor a handbag, but an object in its own right, closer to jewellery than luggage.

This version comes in Damier Ebene coated canvas — the brown chequerboard designed in 1888, more understated and discreet than the Monogram — with a leather handle and gold-tone brass hardware that has developed a lovely patina. Made in France. As for capacity, it is important to be clear: this is an essentials-only format. A bank card, lip gloss and keys fit inside; a mobile phone does not. It is the pouch for evenings and outings when you do not want to carry anything.

Good overall condition, grade B+ — clean coated canvas, edges in good condition with light previous signs of use, hardware in good condition with a lovely patina, and an interior in good condition and odour-free. No major flaws to report; everything is documented in the photos. Sold with dust bag and RARR Vintage certificate of authenticity.