Some brands need no introduction and the unmistakable Louis Vuitton Monogram speaks for itself. The moment that you cast your eyes on that print, you know exactly what fashion house the item has come from. Yes, Louis Vuitton is a designer brand at the peak of popularity, but you might wonder why Louis Vuitton is so expensive.
If you’re considering treating yourself to a luxury product that will stand the test of time, you can’t go wrong with this one. But you may have many questions, such as “why are Louis Vuitton bags so expensive?” or, “how did the brand start?”
In the following guide, we will take a look at a quick history of the epic brand and the reason its products cost so much!
A brief history of Louis Vuitton
In order to understand why Louis Vuitton is so expensive, we need to go back in time. While the globally-recognized Louis Vuitton brand is now known for everything from handbags and shoes to accessories, this story starts with a trunk.
Louis Vuitton’s history begins in 1837
The history of the company dates way back to 1837 when Louis Vuitton was just 16 years old and was apprenticing for Monsieur Maréchal in the bustling city of Paris. It was then that the young creative decided that his future lay in becoming a trunk master.
The transportation during this period was boats, trains, and horse-drawn carriages. People who could afford to travel in style often did so with a large trunk in hand. Since the workers handling luggage would toss it around and treat it roughly, it had to be hard and durable.
Under the wing of Monsieur Maréchal, Louis Vuitton honed his skills and quickly became a renowned craftsman. For the following 17 years, he worked on designs including custom-made boxes and trunks. After that, he decided to open his own workshop.
How the brand grew and gained popularity
The move was a big success, and in 1859 he opened his atelier in Asnières, adding 20 employees to the roster. Fast-forward to 1900 and he had 100 employees and then 250 by the year 1914. You might say that the brand’s success snowballed swiftly.
Soon enough, the Louis Vuitton brand became world famous for its unique canvas: the Monogram. Chances are, wherever you go, people will recognize the distinctive print.
Today, the brand is one of the best-known of our time, worn by celebrities and the elite. From everyday people to the wealthy, everyone recognizes this brand.
Louis Vuitton: meeting the brand
Now that you know the history of the brand, let’s talk about how many of us are introduced to the company.
While Louis Vuitton started out as a trunk master, that is not the first product that most people think about when it comes to this business.
Chances are, the first products you meet tend to be one of the following:
So why are Louis Vuitton bags so expensive? While all of the above are high-value retail items, for example, their Carryall PM bag costs ~$3,200, they are also known as investment pieces.
Choosing to add one of them to your expanding wardrobe may simply be because you love the item. It could also be to help you to cement your style, your interest in luxury, and for some, even their status and wealth.
Why is Louis Vuitton so expensive: 5 reasons
If you’ve got your eyes fixed on a Louis Vuitton bag, some shoes, or even an accessory, there’s one fact that you cannot deny. Buying from this luxury retailer costs more than your average purchase.
And the truth is that when it comes to answering the question, “why is Louis Vuitton so expensive?” there are many factors that determine this hefty price tag.
1. Owning Louis Vuitton brand products is deemed a status symbol by some
First up, there’s the factor that you’re already aware of. When you see someone with a Louis Vuitton bag or accessory, you assume that they have made it.
Over the last century and more, the brand has quickly become a symbol of wealth, status, and power.
It gives people the opportunity to showcase their social standing in a subtle and chic way.
That said, there are those who love the brand simply because of their deep interest in fashion and what the house has to offer. And owning a piece of this luxury makes them feel fashionable.
The rich are always buying luxury goods, regardless of the economy. Those who can truly afford to spend thousands on handbags are very likely in an extremely secure financial position.
2. You pay more for the shopping experience
When you buy a Louis Vuitton product, it’s unlike your standard shopping experience. While many people question why Louis Vuitton is so expensive, one of the main things to keep in mind is that there is more to it than meets the eye.
Experiential shopping is at the heart of the brand
The store assistants and management are well-aware that experience matters, especially for the cost. And so you can expect more than your standard shopping mall experience. In recent years, the brand has invested heavily in experiential marketing.
These include art installations in the stores, the perfectly-pitched ambiance, and a personalized approach. This combination pushes up the brand value.
3. The demand for Louis Vuitton is high
The market value of any product is often down to supply and demand. Louis Vuitton handbags are frequently out of stock. That fact creates a level of desire within the fashion community — with many publications commenting on the issue.
Since there will always be customers figuratively queuing up to buy the products, the prices will remain high.
High demand equals high price points
In recent decades, Louis Vuitton has become the go-to fashion house for influencers, fashionistas, celebrities, and the elite. For that reason, the demand for these products never decreases.
With that in mind, there is simply no reason for the company to lower its prices. The knowledge that the bags and shoes will sell regardless of the price point is enough to keep it high.
4. The brand continually releases innovative designs
Louis Vuitton was historically known for the Monogram and Damier canvases. However, as the brand has grown in acclaim, its designers have continually released remarkable creations.
Particular highlights from the fashion house in recent years include the SC bag designed by Sofia Coppola along with a variety of one-off and limited edition pieces, further answering the question, “why are Louis Vuitton bags so expensive?” Put simply, the designers know how to keep people interested when it comes to new releases.
Production for the products is high quality
Another thing that drives up the price is the way the company makes its products. Louis Vuitton handbags are handmade by highly skilled craftsmen. They use materials like high-quality canvas or leather that make the bags long-lasting and beautiful.
Each of the products is crafted to perfection and also includes a lifetime guarantee.
For that reason, when you choose to invest in a Louis Vuitton product, you know that it will stand the test of time. It couldn’t be further away from fast fashion, further answering the question, why Louis Vuitton is so expensive.
5. Celebrities are often spotted wearing the brand making it seem exclusive
When wondering why Louis Vuitton is so expensive, there’s one thing we can’t ignore: the celebrity factor.
When people see celebrities with these items, they want to quickly emulate their style. That is often enough to boost the sales of the products.
Stars that buy into the Louis Vuitton brand
As Vogue notes, during the 20th Century, some of the entertainment world’s biggest stars, including the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Catherine Deneuve, and Lauren Bacall, would frequently be spotted using Louis Vuitton luggage while on the road.
That trend has followed to the 21st Century. Celebrities from all sectors love the Louis Vuitton brand and it is often the luggage of choice for big names.
Stars including Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, and the Hadids have been photographed with the brand’s products.
Celebrities also flock to wear Louis Vuitton designs and clothing. For example, when Taylor Swift attended the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, she was wearing a glamorous, golden gown from the brand.
This type of celebrity recognition is one of the core reasons that Louis Vuitton has remained one of the best-selling fashion houses.
There are many reasons why Louis Vuitton is so expensive, and it may be worth the money!
Since Louis Vuitton first started his craft more than a century ago, the company has become something of a household name. And now you know why Louis Vuitton is so expensive!
When you are considering buying from this brand, you are investing in a piece of fashion history. That alone warrants a large price tag.
While the products from the fashion house are costly, they are worth the money. And if Louis Vuitton isn’t your style, there are other luxury fashion brands that make amazing products, like Chanel and also Hermes!