About the Louis Vuitton Pallas Handbag
Released in 2011, Louis Vuitton’s Pallas handbag represents an innovative step for the House as it’s the first of the brand’s pieces to combine the emblematic Monogram canvas with cowhide-leather trim. After its launch, the Pallas instantly became a timeless must-have for designer handbag devotees.
Why the Louis Vuitton Pallas Is So Popular
For so many professionals, finding a bag that can carry essential papers, an iPad, a cellphone and all of the other necessities of the workplace–then transition to the perfect accessory for a formal dinner out on the town–is no easy feat. The Pallas, however, in its larger iterations, can do both. Its sophisticated design makes this structured bag a unique addition to any handbag collection.
Fans also appreciate the Pallas’ functionality, with its original design featuring two rounded handles–also crafted using natural cowhide–and a removable strap. Wearers can tuck their Pallas beneath an arm or transition to a crossbody to more easily manage heavier loads. No need to worry about items falling out thanks to the original model’s double-zip enclosure, which keeps everything firmly secured. Given its versatility, it’s no wonder the Pallas has been a popular choice for more than a decade.
Compounding the appeal of the Pallas: The brand seems to have created a version for nearly every kind of scenario. Love the concept of the Pallas but want it in a smaller size? Louis Vuitton made that. Meet the Pallas Clutch. Much to the chagrin of admirers, the brand discontinued this petite model, but you can still find the Pallas Clutch on the pre-owned market. Prefer a medium purse-size Pallas? Go for the Pallas BB. Need your Louis Vuitton to do some serious heavy lifting? Louis Vuitton can take care of that, too, with the Pallas MM, the roomiest and largest iteration of the Pallas line.
And then there’s the glamorous–but, alas, discontinued–Pallas Chain. Following the distinctive Pallas specifications, the Chain bag takes the Monogram canvas-plus-dyed-leather pop of color and incorporates it into a piece featuring calf leather and intricately folded pleats. The perfect letter look, it’s made even more exciting by its breathtaking gold-colored chain handle. You can still pick up this popular purse via the secondary market, which boasts the bag in a variety of colors.
Materials and Craftsmanship of the Louis Vuitton Pallas
As with all Louis Vuitton bags, the Pallas marries superior materials with flawless construction and a focus on functionality.
The grained leather lip lets buyers personalize the Monogram canvas bag by selecting from a variety of colors, including but not limited to Cerise Red, Black, Mustard Yellow and the charmingly named Brown Rose Poodle.
Inside the purse, you’ll find luxe microfiber lining and an embossed logo on one center wall. On the larger models, gold-colored metal double zippers meet in the middle of the top opening, and additional hardware connects the two handles to the bag. For models like the Pallas Chain, a stunning gold S lock secures the bag closed at the front.
Value and Collectibility of the Louis Vuitton Pallas
The Pallas is a worthy collector’s item for any Louis Vuitton enthusiast seeking to add a classic handbag design to their cache. In 2021, Louis Vuitton offered available models for $2,500 to just over $2,800. The resale market for pre-owned Pallas purses, in all their iterations, offers a wider selection for designer handbag connoisseurs, be they new to the luxury bag market or seasoned investors. On ecommerce sites like eBay, the Pallas Clutch was selling for an average of $950 in 2021, while the Pallas Chain was averaging around $1,000. The larger MM model snagged the highest prices at about $1,200.
The timeless appeal of this unique handbag collection makes it a worthwhile addition to any fashion lover’s closet.