Celine Vs Louis Vuitton: Which French Fashion House Is Better?

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If you are a fashion fan, you are bound to adore Celine and Louis Vuitton, as two of the top French fashion houses, but which one is better for you? Find out in this Celine vs Louis Vuitton article!

Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis bag
©Andrea Astesiano | Depositphotos.com

Celine’s classic, timeless, and sophisticated pieces have made it one of the top luxury fashion brands, while Louis Vuitton’s LV monogram, which you will see throughout clothing and accessories, is instantly recognizable and world-renowned.

The designer handbags from Celine and Louis Vuitton are popular all over the world, and ready-to-wear collections are always a highlight of Paris Fashion Week, but which brand is best for you? Although Celine and Louis Vuitton are both French luxury labels, there are distinct differences between these brands that will help to determine which brand is right for you.

We are going to delve a little deeper into the history of each brand, taking a look at the differences between them, including price range, materials, and resale value, and finally looking at some of the best-selling bags from each brand before coming to a conclusion on Celine vs Louis Vuitton.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Celine and Louis Vuitton, and perhaps you will even find a gorgeous new luxury bag to add to your wardrobe!

Celine vs Louis Vuitton

The History of Celine

Celine was founded by Céline Vipiana, alongside her husband Richard, in 1945, with the brand initially starting as a made-to-measure children’s shoe business with a boutique located at 52 rue Malte in Paris. In 1960, the brand entered the luxury fashion world when it repositioned and focused on women’s ready-to-wear clothing, with a sportswear approach that put practicality at the forefront.

The chic design aesthetic of the Celine brand meant that the business grew quickly, with leather goods and fragrances being added to the collection in the 1960s. In 1973, the brand decided to create a new logo – the design was of intertwined Cs that were intended to reference the Arc de Triomphe in Paris – hence why the Celine logo canvas is known as ‘Triomphe’ and there is a whole range of Triomphe bags.


Celine became integrated into Bernard Arnault’s LVMH luxury conglomerate in 1997, and soon after Céline Vipiana stepped down as the creative director, with Michael Kors taking on that role – creating elegant and practical clothing with a sportswear glam edge.

After Kors left to focus on his own brand, Celine named Phoebe Philo as the creative director in 2008. Philo played an important part in making Celine the must-have brand for busy working women who wanted timeless and modern designs. In 2018, Hedi Slimane became the creative director, changing the aesthetic of the brand to give it more of an edgy, rock touch.

The History of Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton is one of the oldest luxury fashion houses, having made luxury trunks and luggage since the brand’s founding in 1854. Louis Vuitton began as an apprentice for a famous Parisian craftsman before founding his namesake brand and creating flat-top trunks that proved popular with wealthy travelers.

In 1896, Vuitton designed the now-world-famous LV monogrammed canvas, which featured graphic symbols on canvas, including the LV monogram, quatrefoils, and flowers. Still to this day, the LV monogram is world-renowned and decorates many beautiful bags and leather goods. In the early 20th century, duffle bags and handbags were added to the collection, including the Keepall bag in 1930, the Noé bag in 1932, and soon after the Speedy bag.


In 1997, a ready-to-wear collection was added to the brand, with Marc Jacobs designing this first collection. Jacobs was instrumental in making Louis Vuitton the household name it is today in his 16 years as creative director. In 2011, Kim Jones became style director of the men’s collections – adding a new, fresh twist to these shows, before Jacobs left in 2013 and Nicolas Ghesquière was appointed as the artistic director.

2018 saw Jones leave and Virgil Abloh became artistic director for the men’s ready-to-wear collection. It has recently been announced that Pharrell Williams will now take on the role of Menswear Artistic Director after the passing of Virgil Abloh.

Differences between Celine and Louis Vuitton

There are several significant differences between Celine and Louis Vuitton that you need to be aware of before deciding which brand is right for you – let’s get into it!

1. Price range

We are going to begin by taking a look at the price range for each brand, this will give you a good idea of which brand best fits your budget. Celine bags are available for between $990 and $6,000, while some exotic leather bags can retail for as much as $22,300.

Handbags from Louis Vuitton, on the other hand, range between $1,100 to about $6,000, with the coated canvas LV monogram bags being a little more affordable than the leather options. However, both brand regularly increase their prices so there is no better time to get your hands on a new designer bag from one of these luxury brands than right now!

2. Materials and Craftsmanship

Material is a very important aspect to consider when buying a new handbag, you need to take into account your lifestyle and how much you plan on using this new bag. You will find that most Celine bags are crafted from calfskin leather, available in a range of different finishes that each have different durability.

The shiny, smooth, and natural calfskin leathers look stunning but are a little more delicate, while the grained or drummed calfskin Celine bags are more durable. You will also find bags made from suede, coated canvas, raffia, lambskin, lizard skin, and crocodile skin available from Celine so there is a wide range of materials to choose from.

The most famous Louis Vuitton bags are usually made from coated canvas, either decorated with the LV monogram, or in the Damier Ebene or Damier Azur check – this material is durable and will really stand the test of time. There are also epi leather, leather vernis, Mahina leather, Empreinte leather, lockme leather, or taurillon leather bags available, which each have different finishes for a unique look.

In terms of craftsmanship, Celine exclusively produces their bags in Italy and they are made by highly trained artisans so that each handbag is made to the same high-quality standard. Celine is committed to paying their workers fairly to ensure each handbag is flawless and well-made by these expert craftsmen.

Louis Vuitton bags are made in a range of different places, including France, Spain, Italy, and in the United States – with each workshop creating stunning, exquisite bags that you know will stand the test of time.

3. Resale Value

When investing in a new handbag, you may also want to consider the resale value of the bag, just in case you ever want to sell it in the future.

There is always a market for Louis Vuitton bags, especially the ones featuring a prominent logo or monogram, so most Louis Vuitton handbags will be easy to sell once you no longer want them. Plus, as the brand increases its prices annually, it’s not uncommon for LV bags to retain their value and sometimes even fetch a higher price at the secondhand market.

The best Louis Vuitton bags to invest in are any artist collaboration handbags, such as Takashi Murakami, Stephen Sprouse, or Yayoi Kusama bags that are often limited edition only. Other great choices include the most popular bags like Pochette Metis, OnTheGo and Capucines.

Celine bags, on the other hand, generally don’t make amazing investments. While the bags are incredibly trendy and fashion-forward, they don’t have the same mass-market appeal as Louis Vuitton bags.

If you are looking to buy a Celine bag and you’re concerned with resale value, we recommend opting for their super trendy bag styles and selling them rather quickly when demand is still high. For example, the trendy Triomphe bags cost around $3,000-$4,000 depending on the style, and on the secondhand market, they sell for around $2,500-$3,000, depending on the exact style.

4. Brand Aesthetic

Celine and Louis Vuitton have very different brand aesthetics and this may play a part in determining which luxury label is right for you. Celine products are known for their minimalist, paired-back style with a sophisticated and chic look – the ideal accessory to add an elegant touch to your outfit. If you are looking for a designer bag that is effortlessly and timelessly stylish, Celine is a great brand to go for.

Louis Vuitton has more of a bold, eye-catching style, with the LV monogram sitting front and center of their leather goods. If you love the logomania trend, then you need a Louis Vuitton bag in your life. There is a wide range of styles, patterns, colors, and textures to go for so there is bound to be a striking Louis Vuitton bag that fits perfectly into your life.

Best Selling Bags from Celine and Louis Vuitton

Both Celine and Louis Vuitton offer an incredible range of luxury handbags, with a wide range of styles to suit any lifestyle. The brands have distinctly different aesthetics, which you can see clearly in these bags, making it a little easier for you to see which aesthetic best matches your own personal style.

1. Tote Bags
Black Celine Mini Luggage Tote
Browse Celine Luggage Totes on The RealReal
Brown and multicolour Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama Monogram 3D Painted Dots Neverfull Tote
Browse Louis Vuitton Neverfull Totes on The RealReal

Celine and Louis Vuitton have pretty iconic tote bags that would fit perfectly into any luxury handbag collection. The Celine Luggage tote was first designed by Phoebe Philo in 2012 and was an instant hit – the sophisticated design and timeless look means it is still a must-have tote.

The Luggage tote is available in a range of different sizes and colors, but we love the perfect everyday size and shade of this black Mini Luggage Tote, subtly finished with gold hardware.

The bag is crafted from calfskin leather, with rolled leather top handles and little feet to protect the base of the bag. The structured look, as well as the practical interior, with a leather lining and three pockets, makes this bag ideal for any work outfit to ensure an elegant look.

The Louis Vuitton Neverfull is considered one of the best Louis Vuitton bags, with a perfectly practical design and versatile look that will suit any outfit. There are many different variations of the Neverfull available, all with the same spacious structure and leather top handles.

The LV monogram or Damier Ebene options have a stunning, classic look, but if you are looking for something extra special, you have to go for this Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama Monogram 3D Painted Dots Neverfull tote. This bag is part of the second Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama collaboration, in which favorite Louis Vuitton pieces have been decorated with Kusama signature spots, in a range of bright and vibrant colors.

This Neverfull is guaranteed to fit all your everyday essentials and add a fun pop of color and print to your look.

2. Crossbody Bags
Pink Celine Box Calfskin Teen Classic Box Flap Bag
Browse Celine Box Bags on Fashionphile
Black and pale pink Louis Vuitton Empreinte Monogram Giant Pochette Metis
Browse Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis Bags on Fashionphile

The Celine Box Bag is a beautiful bag that will always look effortlessly stylish. This crossbody bag is crafted from smooth calfskin leather in a gorgeous antique rose shade and then finished with gleaming gold hardware.

The long shoulder strap is adjustable, so this bag can be worn across the body or on the shoulder, while the partitioned, leather-lined interior features patch pockets and makes it easy to stay organized and always find just what you need!

The structured silhouette and minimalist gold switch lock ensure a chic and sophisticated look – this is one of the best luxury handbags that will suit lots of different outfits.

The Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis has the same classic, timeless look as the Celine box bag, but with a quintessentially Louis Vuitton LV monogrammed finish.

This striking bag has a minimalist, rectangular silhouette, with an envelope-style front flap, juxtaposed with the bold pale pink giant LV monogram that contrasts against the black leather.

This Pochette Metis is finished with glittering gold hardware and features a flat top handle and adjustable crossbody strap. The back of the bag is fitted with a zipper pocket, while the front flap opens to reveal a red microfibre interior, slip into two compartments, one fitted with a handy slip pocket.

3. Shoulder bags
Brown Celine Canvas Calfskin Mini Ava Triomphe Shoulder Bag
Browse Celine Ava Bags on Fashionphile
Brown Louis Vuitton Monogram Loop Bag
Browse Louis Vuitton Loop Bags on Fashionphile

Small shoulder bags have become so popular recently, so here is a couple of Celine and Louis Vuitton that would be a super trendy finishing touch to any outfit! We love the beautifully curved silhouette of the Celine Mini Ava Triomphe Shoulder Bag, highlighted by the tan leather pipping that lined the bottom edge of this handbag.

This bag is crafted from coated canvas which has been decorated with the CC Triomphe monogram synonymous with Celine and then finished with a leather shoulder strap. A top zipper allows easy access to the compact interior.

The Louis Vuitton Loop bag has a similar curved silhouette, this time in a more exaggerated crescent shape, to create a bag with an eye-catching look.

The Loop handbag combines the brown LV monogram with caramel-colored vachetta leather and gleaming gold hardware for a glamorous look, while the neutral colors ensure this bag will suit a wide range of different outfits.

To guarantee versatility, this bag comes with a removable gold chain shoulder strap and a removable and adjustable leather strap so you can style this bag in several different ways.

4. Top Handle Bags
Brown and camel Celine Small Macadam Handle Bag
Browse Celine Boston Bags on The RealReal
Brown Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Speedy
Browse Louis Vuitton Speedy Bags on The RealReal

The Celine Small Macadam Top Handle Bag has a chic and stylish look and would be a super cute finishing touch to a brunch or dinner out look.

The rounded silhouette is made from Celine Macadam coated canvas which is durable and has a stunning vintage look and then is finished with camel-colored leather piping and top handles. The front of the bag is decorated with a leather patch, embossed with the Celine Triomphe logo.

Open up the top zipper to reveal a spacious leather-lined interior, fitted with a handy zipper pocket. This Celine bag, which is often known as their Boston bag, is available in a range of different sizes so you can find the perfect option for you!

The famous and beloved Louis Vuitton Speedy bag has a similar look, with the rounded silhouette and top handle – so gorgeous. The Speedy bag has been a staple in the Louis Vuitton collection since the 1930s and the timeless yet practical design means this bag is still super popular today.

There are many different variations of the Speedy bag available, but we love the classic look of the dark brown Damier Ebene coated canvas, finished with brown leather rolled top handles and glittering gold hardware. The top zipper allows easy access to the roomy interior, which is fitted with a slip pocket to help you stay organized.

conclusion

Celine and Louis Vuitton are both top brands with gorgeous bags, leather goods, and ready-to-wear collections available. However, there are some important differences that will have an effect on which brand is right for you. Since the price range of the handbags from Celine and Louis Vuitton are very similar, we need to look at the resale value, materials, and brand aesthetic to decide on Celine vs Louis Vuitton.

If you are less concerned about the resale value and are looking for a classic, sophisticated, and timeless handbag, then Celine is the brand for you. The iconic Celine bags are expertly made with high-quality materials to ensure a chic look that will stand the test of time.

If you are looking for a great investment piece with a striking, glamorous look, you need a Louis Vuitton bag in your life. Louis Vuitton handbags are always popular on the resale market and the eye-catching LV monogram ensures a luxe, high-fashion look whenever you wear this bag!

We hope you found this article comparing Celine vs Louis Vuitton helpful! For more luxury fashion content, check out the links below.

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