Gucci vs Louis Vuitton: Which Is The Right Brand For You?
Planning to make a luxury purchase? You might be stuck between Gucci vs Louis Vuitton, and if so, this guide will help you choose the right brand.
The reasons why fashion lovers are obsessed with luxury designer brands are truly endless. Not only are the pieces incredibly trendy and unique but the quality and brand value is unparalleled in the fashion world.
Designer brand enthusiasts know that even though the clothing, accessories, and footwear are a bit on the pricier side, they are totally worth it.
Gucci and Louis Vuitton are two luxury designer labels that are constantly garnering exposure in fashion magazines, on fashion runway shows, and on influencer blogs. They are in competition with other leading fashion houses such as Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and more.
While they both receive plenty of attention from socialites, celebrities, and fashion bloggers, they are both quite different in style. Most noticeably, Louis Vuitton’s style is more sophisticated and formal, whereas Gucci is more trend-forward and edgy. What brand you choose really depends on your personal style and current wardrobe.
In this post, we’re going to be looking at the main differences between Louis Vuitton vs Gucci, their own unique histories and styles, the most popular bags from each brands, the resale value of bags, as well as evaluating which brand is better for what type of consumer. So, if you’re interested to know more, keep on reading!
Get To Know Gucci
Gucci lovers really love Gucci. Many people describe their dedication to the brand as an “obsession”. Once you buy one Gucci handbag, pair of sunglasses, or shoes, you’ll feel like you need to buy the entire collection.
Gucci is an internationally-adored luxury fashion brand that originated in Florence, Italy—literally the best and most aesthetic place on this earth. The house of Gucci was founded by Guccio Gucci, an Italian designer.
Gucci carries ready-to-wear clothing, footwear, makeup, home decor items, fragrances, accessories, and handbags. Oh, the handbags. The fashion house was founded back in 1921, which means it’s had tons of time to understand trends and create timeless designs.
Many people don’t know that Gucci actually started as a travel luggage company just like Louis Vuitton, but after the brand’s eccentric designs and bright colors became popular, it moved into the realm of fashion – and then the luxury market due to their high demand.
The brand includes rare elements of design on all of its pieces, and when it comes to the materials, Gucci only uses high-quality fabrics and real leather to create pieces that will easily withstand the test of time.
All About Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton, best known for its handbags covered in monogrammed LV fabric, is a French designer label that was founded in 1854. Its success can most definitely be accredited to the brand’s ability to adapt to the trends and pieces that are so highly sought after by customers. When people stop to think about Louis Vuitton, innovation, quality, and exclusivity come to mind.
Because the Louis Vuitton brand is so exclusive, shoppers should be prepared to pay a pretty penny for everything found on its website or in-stores. Like Gucci, Louis Vuitton is deeply adored for its wide selection of handbags, which are quite literally pieces of art that can be carried around. Each bag is crafted from premium leather and is meticulously crafted with unique elements.
However, it probably comes as no surprise that LV is, unfortunately, one of the most imitated brands in the “fake good” market, due to their instantly recognizable prints, logos and color combinations.
While the look of these knock-offs may be similar, the quality is definitely lacking compared to the premium craftsmanship provided by LV.
Hugely famous celebrities like Audrey Hepburn, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Kardashian West, and Victoria Beckham have been seen rocking LV on multiple occasions.
Gucci vs Louis Vuitton: Their Differences
There are several huge differences between Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Their main differences are the style and the items that they are known for.
Louis Vuitton’s style is more on the sophisticated and conservative side, and bags are the brand’s top sellers. For Gucci’s products, fashion enthusiasts love its clothing, as well as its bags.
Gucci’s style is modern, creative, and leans more towards street style, which gains the attention of younger Gen Z and Millennial consumers.
Another difference between the two brands is price. While both are considered expensive, Louis Vuitton takes the cake. You’ll notice this when we start comparing the bestselling items from each brand.
Because both brands have such distinct styles, they are popular among different demographics. Louis Vuitton caters to high-class society and those who love opulence. Gucci caters to a younger demographic of people and younger audiences who are eager to take huge fashion risks.
This difference in the target market is also illustrated by the celebrities who each brand has featured in its campaigns. Louis Vuitton has enlisted the expertise of classical beauties like Gisele Bundchen, Angelina Jolie, Emma Stone, and most recently HoYeon Jung from Squid Game, while Gucci has featured Iggy Pop, A$AP Rocky, Harry Styles, and Awkwafina among others.
Last but not least, preloved Louis Vuitton bags are in high demand and typically either retain their value or even increase in value, if you know what you’re shopping for.
Plus, their bags are made with durable and expensive materials. This means that you can resell them, turn a profit, and then go shopping again. Unfortunately, Gucci’s handbags don’t hold the same resale value (even though they are equally well made) so if you’re looking to purchase a bag you can flip, we suggest Louis Vuitton.
Our top picks from Gucci vs Louis Vuitton
1. Shoulder Bags
If you’re just starting to dabble in the world of designer handbags, starting with a shoulder bag is definitely the best idea. Unlike a tote bag or backpack, you’ll get your money’s worth out of this purchase as shoulder bags can be used on every occasion.
Gucci’s GG Marmont Mini Shoulder Bag is the perfect size for taking on a night out for tacos and spicy margaritas with your best friends. It’s one of the most iconic Gucci bags.
It’s covered in black, quilted matelasse leather and features the brand’s signature emblematic hardware with the double GG logo on the front. The bag comes with a shoulder strap made of leather and a chain. It can be yours for $2,350.
Please excuse us as we catch our breath—Louis Vuitton’s Vernis Alma bag is so stunning that we forgot to breathe for a few seconds. Louis Vuitton’s bags are stunning and opulent.
This small black bag features rolled leather straps, polished brass hardware, an optional shoulder strap, and is covered in the brand’s signature monogram canvas. The super chic bag retails for around $2,700 but it can be purchased through Fashionphile for $1,185.
The Alma bag is also one of LV’s oldest classic bags and has been in production since 1934. It’s one of Vuitton’s bags that will always retain it’s value on the resale market, and it will always be part of their collection.
2. Crossbody Bags
Not only are crossbody bags adorable but they also won’t cause horrific shoulder or back pain after wearing them for a few hours on end.
Since crossbody bags are the most functional of all, make sure you have a black or neutral-colored one in your collection before branching out into bright colors and funky prints.
Louis Vuitton’s Pochette Metis Bag is the perfect crossbody bag to wear during the warmer summer months. The small bag is covered in LV’s famous monogram and has gold-toned hardware, along with a detachable and adjustable monogram strap.
It’s one of LV’s most popular bags, and you may actually struggle to find one in store as they are in such high demand (both the classic monogram version of the bag as well as the reverse monogram bag). On Fashionphile, you can purchase this chic bag for around $2,035 (retails for $2,570).
The Horsebit 1955 mini bag is petite but exceedingly trendy as it plays with the brand’s signature motifs, the GG Supreme canvas, and gold horsebit hardware, while still remaining chic and versatile, ensuring it will suit a wide range of outfits.
The bag is big enough to carry all of your essentials, costs $2,890, comes in a wide range of color options, and is available in leather too if you fancy a luxe look.
3. Backpacks
Whether you need to tote your items to the office or to school, a designer backpack can get the job done without compromising fashion.
Louis Vuitton’s Palm Springs Mini Backpack is possibly the most coveted backpack in luxury fashion this decade. It’s made with the brand’s signature brown and beige LV monogram-printed fabric.
The backpack has adjustable black straps, smooth leather trim, and a front pocket that can hold your car keys and gum, while you keep all your other essentials in the main compartment. This trendy backpack retails for around $2,500 on Fashionphile.
While Gucci doesn’t have an equally iconic backpack, it does offer a couple of interesting options. For example, the Gucci Ophidia Medium Backpack is covered in the brand’s signature brown and cream GG Supreme canvas, which is an eco-friendly fabric with low environmental impact.
The backpack also features a front zipper pocket, adjustable straps, and a top strap so that you can carry it by hand, then is decorated with a gold GG logo and the red and green stripes, that are synonymous with the Gucci brand. The Gucci Ophidia Medium Backpack can be sitting in your handbag closet for only $2,250.
4. Wallets
It’s common knowledge that every woman needs at least a few wallets that they can swap out depending on the occasion or bag they are using. Both designer brands have several well-made, fashionable wallets to choose from.
We love the cute pink tone, textured finish, and sparkling silver hardware on this Louis Vuitton Epi Twist Wallet!
It’s carefully made from epi leather, folded over like an envelope, and LV twist lock. On the inside, you’ll find plenty of card slots, patch pockets, and a zipper pocket for coins. Get your hands on this stunning and super practical wallet for just $610 from Fashionphile.
Gucci’s GG Marmont Zip Around Wallet will keep all of your coins and cards secure. It comes in three variations, including rose beige leather, and features the double G emblem, resin hardware, and a zip coin pocket. This wallet costs $595.
If you’re not a big fan of the canvas logo print, Gucci also offers similar, more understated wallets with just the Marmont leather and logo.
Gucci vs Louis Vuitton: Resale value
There’s a reason why Gucci and Louis Vuitton are very valuable luxury brands. Believe it or not: flipping handbags is actually something that designer enthusiasts do. It’s an easy way to make money once you’re finished using a bag while also making some room in your closet for new items.
Gucci bags that remain in good condition won’t be difficult to sell but they certainly won’t go up in price. Instead, you’ll be selling it for a fraction of the price you bought it for, or at least a few hundred dollars below what you paid for it.
On the other hand, Louis Vuitton bags can often be sold for more than what you purchased them for, as LV has more timeless and classic bags in its collection, some of which have been around for almost a hundred years.
If you’re interested in bags that retain their value, it’s best to go for these classics with the monogram print: the Speedy, Alma, Neverfull, as well as the on-trend bags with huge demand, such as Pochette Metis and Palm Spring mini backpack at the moment.
It also helps that LV increases the price of its bags every year quite significantly. So, you’ll just need to wait a few years to make your money back on the resale market!
So be sure to keep this in mind before you swipe your credit card at either brand’s store.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the designer brand that’s right for you really hinges on your personal clothing style as Louis Vuitton and Gucci are both quite different.
If you’re into more sophisticated, clean looks and hope to turn a bit of a profit once you’re done using your items, Louis Vuitton is definitely a safe bet. However, if you’re younger and enjoy wearing edgier pieces and funky handbags, the Gucci brand will be a better fit for you.
It also depends where you intend on using pieces or items that you purchase. If you’re wanting to add to your office wardrobe, Louis Vuitton will have more work-appropriate options than Gucci.
But if you’re looking for clothing and accessories to take on vacation or to wear on the weekend to lively social events, Gucci is your best bet.
Budget is also something that you’ll need to greatly consider as anything from Louis Vuitton will be more of an investment compared to Gucci.
Because both high fashion brands offer such exceptional styles, we suggest buying pieces from the two luxury labels, if possible. Go wild and spoil yourself as you certainly deserve it!
We hope you enjoyed this analysis of Gucci vs Louis Vuitton! If you’re after more luxury fashion ideas, why not check out some of these related articles below?
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