Trawling eBay and vintage, pre-loved bag sites has been a hobby I’ve always enjoyed, checking out bags that were made a good 20, 30 years ago. And while there’s nothing wrong with buying current season runway darlings, there’s also nothing wrong in buying vintage as far as I’m concerned. Besides doing your part to recycle, which is always good for environment, they are often times not as expensive and you’ll most definitely not see the same bag on another lady’s lap while on the train.

Bags I’m always on a lookout for include those made of Epi leather from the 80s, which Louis Vuitton made virtually indestructible. Many of the designs are also discontinued, including the Louis Vuitton Epi Malesherbes which was also unofficially known as the brand’s version of the Kelly. Made in a wide variety of Epi hues, it did originally come with a long handle till it was shortened towards the end of its production.

Measuring 26 cm by 22 cm, it is a rather ample handbag as far as weekend jaunts and sit-down dinners are concerned, with an additional zip pocket on the inside. Classy and chic, the bag is almost entirely covered with Epi leather, with the most minimal of gold-tone hardware in the form of the clasp and handle joints.

You’ll still find this underrated beauty online, where they go for around USD350 each in pristine condition. Which really isn’t so bad for a bag that’s still relevant in this day and age when everybody seems to be doing clean, understated and chic.

And if anyone out there is keen on getting one but isn’t too sure about its authenticity, do drop me an email and I’ll be happy to help.

Image: Louis Vuitton

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