The Louis Vuitton Papillon bag

One of the older Louis Vuitton handbags, but definitely not any less popular because of it. The Louis Vuitton Papillon has been around for over 50 years and can be found in various colors, designs and materials, and has been spotted around the arm of many celebrities including Victoria Beckham, Wu Xuanyi, Lauren Conrad, and Chloë Sevigny.

The Papillon is designed by Henri Racamier, the husband of Louis Vuitton’s great granddaughter. He launched the bag in 1966 and it has been popular ever since. The French word “Papillon” means butterfly. The design of the bag, supposedly, is inspired by a butterfly. The shape of the bag is circular, representing the body of a butterfly, while the handles look like the wings. 

Design

The most recognizable part of the Papillon is undoubtedly the cylindrical shape. The tube-like bag, can be held with its two straps.  The straps are not adjustable, but long enough to be worn on the shoulder. The bag has one main compartment and no extra pockets, neither inside or out. The original new Papillon bag came with a small pouch. This pouch is the same shape, material, and design as the Papillon, only smaller. The pouch could be used as a separate clutch, or attached to the big bag around the straps.

Photo on the left by Etoile and photo on the right by Mariko Kuo

 If you’re not the biggest fan of the Louis Vuitton monogram print, or you would just like to change it up sometimes, then the Papillion will be perfect for you! The bag is available in many different designs, colors, and materials. Damier or Monogram canvas, Vernis, or Patent and Epi leather are all available. The different materials also make it possible to paint the leather, so you’ll find the Papillon in various colors. There are even some limited edition Papillon bags created. A great example is the Papillon Monogram Cherry Blossom that was made in collaboration with Takashi Murakami. 

Sizes

Next to the many variations in design, the Papillon has multiple variations in size as well. The design doesn’t vary when looking at the different sizes, so the change is size really is the only difference. There are four models. Three of these model names correspond with the length of the bag. These are the Papillon 19, 26, and 30. The smallest model is named Papillon Mini, because of its size it’s more like a clutch than a handbag. Most often you will find the Papillon 30, which is the most popular mainly because of the amount it can carry. 

Measurements

Some of the different designs of the Papillon - by BragmyBag and Fashionphile

The Papillon Messenger

Even though the Papillon had been a popular bag for about 50 years, Louis Vuitton decided to discontinue the bag in 2009. Ten years after being discontinued, Louis Vuitton launched a redesigned Papillon for the Spring/Summer 2019 collection; the Papillon Messenger. The design hasn’t changed too much compared to the original Papillon. The main difference is the change in straps. The two “butterfly-like” straps have been replaced by one adjustable crossbody strap. The leather details are in black instead of the “usual” light Vachetta leather, and the Papillon Messenger comes with a decorative chain that falls across the bag. Unfortunately, the Papillon Messenger was only released as a one-time item for the collection. 

Ready to find your own Papillon?

Even though you will not be able to buy a new Papillon, you don’t have to worry, the Papillon is still seen plenty on the vintage market. Are you thinking of buying one? Check out our collection via this link, or send us a message!

With love, Jessica

Sources
Medium.com
Bragmybag
Fashionphile
Luxuryarmcharms