Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Souple Bag Guide
Most handbag lovers know this story. In 1854, Louis Vuitton has started his legendary trunk maker journey by opening a store on Rue Neuve des Capucines in Paris. In 1858, he designed his first ever steamer trunk that was a huge success. Then, as time passed by, Louis Vuitton began experimenting with his luggage designs. As a result, in 1888, the Louis Vuitton Damier print was born. After the Louis Vuitton passing in 1892, his son, Georges Vuitton, became the head of the House. In 1896, in honor of his father, he introduced the signature LV Monogram.
The Petite Malle made its first appearance on the runway as a part of Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2014 collection. The bag immediately caught attention and soon became a fan-favorite due to its adorable, yet iconic design. The design of Louis Vuitton Petite Malle pays homage to Louis Vuitton’s rich history of trunk making. “Petite Malle” translates from French as “mini trunk”. Every detail in the bag was inspired by its larger LV trunk counterparts: the golden brass hardware detailing, the S-lock, quilted sheepskin leather lining in the classic Malletage pattern; it all makes the Petite Malle unmistakably Louis Vuitton. Made to travel easily from day to evening, this “mini trunk” was made to be worn crossbody or as a clutch.
Today, the Petite Malle is one of the most coveted bags in the LV lineup. Furthermore, over the years, Louis Vuitton has introduced many versions of it. This season is not an exception. For Fall/Winter 2020-2021, the Louis Vuitton Petite Malle is getting a major, relaxed makeover. May I introduce you to the new, Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Souple!
The Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Souple is yet another handbag design that pays tribute to Louis Vuitton’s legacy as a trunk maker. While the bag features several historic details common to LV trunks, like a leather name tag and riveted leather corners, it also effortlesly combines these historic details with modern LV handbag elements. For example, the new Petite Malle Souple comes with a removable and adjustable jacquard strap with the Louis Vuitton embroidery on it. In addition, the Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Souple features one top handle and a removable decorative metalic chain. All of these features give you extra versatility and wear options. The jacquard strap on the Petite Malle Souple is long enough for you to wear the bag over the shoulder and crossbody. Or, simply remove the strap and the decorative chain to turn the Petite Malle Souple into a chic top handle bag.
Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Souple Size & Prices (October 2020)
Size (cm) | Size (inches) | Price (USD) | Price (EUR) | |
| Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Souple (Monogram Canvas) | 20 x 14 x 7.5 | 7.9 x 5.5 x 3.0 | $3,000 | €2,150 |
| Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Souple (Monogram Empreinte Leather) | 20 x 14 x 7.5 | 7.9 x 5.5 x 3.0 | $3,300 | €2,450 |
When it comes to sizing, the Petite Malle and the new Petite Malle Souple are actually, quite comparable. In fact, it might at first seem that the two bags are very similar in size. Both bags are 20 cm in length. There is a minor 1.5 cm difference in height. Height of the original Petite Malle is 12.5 cm, while height of the new Petite Malle Souple is 14 cm. However, compared to the original Petite Malle, the design of the new Petite Malle Souple is certainly more functional and roomy. The bag is 7.5 cm in width, compared to 5 cm width of the original Petite Malle. In addition, the soft structure of the Petite Malle Souple means that it would fit more than just the essentials.
Initially, the Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Souple was released in brand’s signature Monogram Canvas with detailing (leather corners and the strap) in either Noir or Peche. However, in early October 2020, Louis Vuitton has added the Monogram Empreinte Leather option to the range of materials that the Petite Malle Souple bag comes in. Currently, the bag in Monogram Empreinte Leather is available in two colors: Black and Creme NV. As of October 2020, the Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Souple in Monogram Canvas, retails for $3,000 in the United States and €2,150 in Europe. The bag in Monogram Empreinte Leather is currently available in an exclusive online pre-launch and sells for $3,300 in the United States and €2,450 in Europe.
How do you feel about this new handbag design from Louis Vuitton? Sound off in the comments below!
