Louis Vuitton Capucines: Why is it a cult handbag?

Paradoxically described as a new classic, the Louis Vuitton Capucines bag has been on the arm of some of fashion and film’s biggest names. How has the bag earned such a following?

Miranda Kerr, the face of our October cover, is joining the likes of Angelina Jolie and Gigi Hadid as an avid wearer of the Capucines. On top of encapsulating Kerr’s warming aura, the bag epitomises her busy life. Whether it’s fronting Louis Vuttion campaigns, dedicating time to KORA - her organic skincare brand - or gracing our cover, Kerr is the perfect example of a woman on the move who needs her bag to be as fascinating as it is functional.

angelina jolie with a capucines — Image courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Released in 2013, the style is a relatively new addition to the ever-growing archive at Louis Vuitton. However, it’s almost as if the house knew that the bag was going to have as much influence as the LV Speedy and Alma. Fittingly, they named it after Louis Vuitton’s first workshop and boutique on the Rue Neuve-des-Capucines.

The Capucines is a product of the houses’ dedication to savoir-faire, which literally translates as ‘know-how’, but metaphorically stands for the masterful craftsmanship that is upheld by the ateliers at Louis Vuitton. Crafted with over 250 handcrafted operations and thousands of steps, each Capucines goes on a one-week journey from skin to bag under the watchful eye of a leather artisan.

gigi hadid with the capucines — Image courtesy of ABACA

Since its unveiling, the Capucines has become a cornerstone of the Louis Vuitton luggage line-up. Its timeless structure and functionality means it acts as a trusted vessel for modern women. Coming in three sizes, Mini, BB - which references iconic friend of the house Bridget Bardot - and MM, the collection is designed for the changing moods and responsibilities of every day. With its wide base, interior compartments and rigid handles, you can trust the arm candy to hold your phone, book, camera, reusable bags - I could go on - with ease. The bag is the perfect companion to busy days in the city or on the dance floor.

This season, the Capucines is getting a brand new look. The graphic design pays homage to the Louis Vuitton Monogram in a refreshing way, thanks to floral embroidery on yellow canvas and caramel calf leather. This is the first time that the Capucines has been adorned in the iconic branding, undoubtedly because the house is honouring 200 years of Louis Vuitton this year. Nevertheless, the bag still boasts the recognisable LV initials that can be illuminated or hidden by the archetypal leather flap that sits over the opening of the bag, letting you choose when you’ll be on the receiving end of bag envy.

Shop the bag here.

Grace Warn is the at Commercial Producer & Writer Marie Claire UK. From organising cover shoots and uncovering the latest news to creating social content, she loves the fact that no one day is the same!

Growing up just outside of London, Grace made the leap at 16 and started to intern. Juggling education, earning money, styling, producing and organising numerous fashion cupboards was as intoxicating as it was challenging and it's what's brought her here today.

After graduating in the pandemic, the only option was to take on as many freelance roles as possible. From demystifying health jargon to keeping up with the latest footwear drops, a strange concoction of health and footwear journalism became Grace's bread and butter but she always wanted a break in lifestyle journalism and production. Then she landed her dream role!

When she's not racing to deadlines, Grace can be found on anything that could pass as a dancefloor dancing to Diana Ross or scouting out vintage sales on the outskirts out South London - believe it or not, Beckenham is the place to go!