Toast of the Town: The Louis Vuitton Noé Bag
Designed by Gaston-Louis Vuitton in 1932 to transport Champagne bottles, fashionistas and collectors worldwide recognize the Louis Vuitton Noé bag for its pleated bucket shape, adjustable drawstring closure and reinforced rectangular leather base. Today’s iterations come in classic Louis Vuitton materials, multiple sizes and feature a sleeker, more modern silhouette.
Materials and Craftsmanship of the Louis Vuitton Noé Bag
Louis Vuitton makes its Noé handbags using many of its characteristic fabrications, including Damier Azur, Damier Ebène, Epi leather and Monogram and Monogram Multicolor canvas. Additionally, 2020 saw the launch of Empreinte Noé bags. These embossed leather styles offer a luxurious look in single-tone colorways like solid black or two-tone palettes, such as the eye-catching cream and saffron gradient pastel. Though Louis Vuitton Noé bags usually feature natural cowhide or calfskin leather trims, many styles in this series stand out with their brightly colored leather trims and matching bonded interiors.
Collectors distinguish the various Noé bags primarily by their straps and sizes. The Louis Vuitton Noé handbag collection encompasses standard, petit, BB, mini and nano sizes. The design details and dimensions of each model follow.
The Louis Vuitton Noé
The largest iteration of modern LV Noé bags, this archetypal carryall features a signature Louis Vuitton fabrication accented with gold-tone hardware and natural cowhide leather for the trim and rectangular base. The characteristic drawstring closure and adjustable shoulder strap contribute to the functionality of this effortless work-to-weekend style. The Noé bucket bag measures a spacious 10.2” x 13.4” x 7.5”.
The Louis Vuitton Petit Noé
The LV Petit Noé bag offers the same cinched shape associated with the Noé collection, albeit in a slightly smaller format than the standard carryall. Specifically, the Petite Noé measures 9.8” x 10.6” x 7.9”. This still-roomy shoulder bag includes the adjustable strap and drawstring closure, allowing for easy access. Louis Vuitton produces the Petit Noé in its iconic Monogram canvas with natural cowhide leather trim or Jacquard Since 1854 textile with calfskin leather trim. Many vintage Petit Noé bags appear in color-rich grained Epi leather.
The Louis Vuitton Noé BB
Like other Louis Vuitton Noé styles, the Noé BB possesses a recognizable boxy structure topped with a drawstring closure. The main differences are its charmingly small proportions (equal to 8.7” x 9.4” x 5.9”) and lengthy strap designed for casual shoulder wear or crossbody styling. The Noé BB comes in classic Louis Vuitton Damier Azur or Monogram coated canvas.
The Louis Vuitton Mini Noé
Although a retired silhouette, the Mini Noé possesses approximately two-thirds of the carrying capacity as the Noé BB. However, it is the only Noé to feature Louis Vuitton’s non-detachable leather arc handle in place of the usual shoulder strap. The bag’s short handle and petite, chic size make it a favorite for a low-key night out.
The Louis Vuitton Nano Noé
Finally, the smallest iteration of the Noé family, the Nano Noé accommodates grab-and-go essentials such as your keys, smartphone and wallet. Where it lacks volume, the very lightweight Nano Noé makes up for it in personality and portability—you can carry it on your shoulder or worn as a crossbody for a hands-free option. Look for this style in signature Monogram coated canvas or bright Epi leather. The Louis Vuitton Nano Noé measures 5.1” x 5.9” x 3.5”.
Other Louis Vuitton Noé Styles
In addition to the quintessential bucket bag styles, Louis Vuitton crafts Noé drawstring travel pouches and Noé Purses. Available in Monogram canvas and Jacquard Since 1854 fabric, the Noé Purse possesses a miniature boxy shape with luggage hangtag and reinforced bottom corners indicative of the luxury brand’s legendary steamer trunks. The Noé Purse first appeared in Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2020 runway collection.
Louis Vuitton’s Noé Bag’s Value and Collectibility
When it comes to purchasing a pre-loved Louis Vuitton Noé handbag, buyers have reason to celebrate. Vintage and pre-owned Noé bucket bags are readily available on the secondary marketplace and are a fantastic investment piece considering Louis Vuitton’s reputation for producing timeless designs. In early 2021, Louis Vuitton Noé Multicolor handbags fetch, on average, more than $1,700 on the resale market.