MCM vs Louis Vuitton: Which Logo-Print Bags Are Better?
MCM and Louis Vuitton are both known for luxury handbags and striking monogram prints, but which brand is best? This MCM vs Louis Vuitton article will help you figure it out!
If you are a fan of the logo look then you will already be aware of the designer brands, MCM and Louis Vuitton, best known for stunning, irresistible bags decorated with logo prints that add a high fashion touch to any outfit.
Although these brands may look similar initially, there are some significant differences between them that will help you to decide which brand suits you best.
This MCM vs Louis Vuitton article will take a look at the history of each brand, the key differences between them, and some of the best-selling bags from both labels, before coming to a conclusion on MCM vs Louis Vuitton. Keep reading to find the right brand for you and perhaps even a new handbag to add to your wardrobe!
MCM vs Louis Vuitton
The History of MCM
MCM is a German leather goods brand that was founded in 1976 by Michael Cromer in Munich and quickly became popular in the 1980s with their MCM printed goods when flashy, logo-printed designs were particularly popular.
The popularity of MCM peaked in 1993, when there were over 250 MCM retail stores worldwide, however, in the mid-1990s, when Michael Cromer was under investigation, the brand went into decline. A Korean fashion retail conglomerate, run by Sung Joo Kim, bought the brand in 2005 and revitalized the brand, hiring Michael Michalsky as the creative director and changing MCM to instead stand for Modern Creation München.
After many successful years at the brand, Michalsky stepped down and Dirk Schönberger took over as creative director. In recent years, MCM has become a major name in the fashion world and fans of the luxury designer brand include Cristiano Ronaldo, Cindy Crawford and Diana Ross, and Billie Eilish.
MCM is available through hundreds of MCM stores across the world and is stocked in department stores all over America.
The History of Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton began in the 1850s as a trunk-making company and has now grown into one of the biggest brands in the fashion industry.
Louis Vuitton learned this skill as an apprentice in Paris before he founded his namesake brand in 1854; the brand’s innovation quickly made it incredibly popular among wealthy clients who like Vuitton’s flat-top trunks with unpickable locks.
In 1896, the LV monogram was created and has remained a signature of the brand ever since. The design included the LV initials, flowers, and quatrefoils and worked as a trademark to prevent counterfeit trunks. Louis Vuitton only made trunks and luggage until the 1930s, when handbags began to be added to the brand, including the Keepall bag in 1930, the Noé bag in 1932, and the Speedy bag.
However, a ready-to-wear collection wasn’t added to the brand until 1997, when Marc Jacobs created the first collection to be seen at Paris fashion week.
In 2013, Nicolas Ghesquière took on the role of Creative Director and has remained at the brand ever since, helping to make Louis Vuitton one of the most valuable luxury brands in the world.
Differences between MCM and Louis Vuitton
There are some important differences between MCM and Louis Vuitton that will help you decide which brand is best for you.
1. Price range
The price range of these luxury fashion brands may have a big impact on which brand you decide to go for. MCM bags range between $410 and $1,890, while their smaller leather goods like card cases and wallets are available for between $195 and $1,390.
Louis Vuitton handbag retails for between $1,000 and $6,000, while limited edition bags or exotic leather bags can be more expensive than this. For Louis Vuitton wallets and card holders, you could spend between $265 and $2,590.
As you can see, MCM products are significantly more affordable than Louis Vuitton, which means if you are on a tighter budget, MCM is the best brand to go for.
2. Materials
You may also want to consider the materials used by these brands before purchasing luxury items from MCM or Louis Vuitton. Most MCM bags are made from polyurethane trimmed with leather, but there are also nappa leather, Spanish calf leather, full grain leather, monogram jacquard, and canvas options too so there are lots of materials to choose from.
Louis Vuitton has an even larger range of materials available, the most popular being the coated canvas options, with either the Damier Ebene, Damier Azur, or monogram print. This coated canvas is actually cotton canvas coated with PVC to make it water-resistant and more durable. There are also epi leather, taurillon leather, lockme leather, vernis leather, Empreinte leather bags, and small leather goods available too.
3. Product range
Since Louis Vuitton is a much older and larger luxury brand, they have many more products on offer. The brand offers ready-to-wear men’s and women’s wear, jewelry, perfumes, watches, bags, shoes, and accessories, with approximately 620 bags available for women and 402 items available under the small leather goods category so you have a lot of choices.
MCM has a much smaller range of products, with a range of men’s and women’s clothing, travel bags, suitcases, shoes, and small leather goods. At MCM there are approximately 208 bags available for women and 95 purses, wallets, and card cases on offer for women.
Best selling Bags from MCM and Louis Vuitton
It’s time to actually take a look at some of the luxury goods from MCM and Louis Vuitton – we have picked some of the best-sellers so you can gain a better idea of the brand aesthetic and which brand best suits your personal style.
1. Tote Bags
The MCM Medium Liz Reversible Shopper bag is part of the ever-popular MCM Cognac Visetos collection, with a timeless look and practical design, making it a must-have bag.
This tote bag is reversible, crafted from durable polyurethane, with the MCM heritage logo printed on one side and an optic-effect gingham check, with a blue MCM logo in the center, on the other. The bag is finished with looping shoulder straps and comes with a removable zipper pouch to help you stay organized.
Louis Vuitton offers a similarly fashionable and practical tote bag in the form of the iconic Louis Vuitton Neverfull. This bag is incredibly popular due to the hardwearing coated canvas exterior, stylish LV monogram print, and spacious interior that is big enough for all your work or weekend essentials.
This luxury bag is finished with a vachetta leather trim, gold hardware, and a zipper pocket inside the bag to keep smaller items safe.
2. Bucket Bags
We love the sleek and minimalist aesthetic of this MCM Dessau Medium Monogram Bucket Bag. This MCM bag would be an excellent everyday handbag, with both a short shoulder strap and longer crossbody strap, and a removable zip pouch inside the bag.
The black calf leather exterior, embossed with the MCM brand monogram, is versatile enough to suit a wide range of different outfits – just perfect.
The Louis Vuitton Neonoe bucket bag has been a staple in the LV collection since the 1930s when the bag was first launched as a champagne carrier.
There are many different variations of the Neonoe, but we love the summer shades of this Louis Vuitton Empreinte Monogram Giant By The Pool Neonoe BB bag, with a bold monogram print and glam gold hardware. The top handle and long shoulder strap ensure versatility, while the organized interior will keep everything within easy reach.
3. Shoulder Bags
Small shoulder bags are so fashionable at the moment, which is why you need this MCM Aren Small Monogram Hobo Shoulder Bag in your life. This chic bag has a curved silhouette, made from MCM printed faux leather and trimmed with calf leather.
You have the option between two shoulder straps – an adjustable leather strap ideal for a daytime outfit or a gold chain strap which is perfect for evening looks. This MCM shoulder bag retails for $850.
The Louis Vuitton Monogram Loop Bag has a similar crescent silhouette, this time crafted from LV monogram printed coated canvas and trimmed with tan vachetta leather and gleaming gold hardware.
This bag features a leather shoulder strap, an exterior zipper pocket, and a compact interior, just the right size for your phone, card case, and keys! The Louis Vuitton Loop bag is available for $2,320 and is a classic bag you will wear for years and years to come.
Conclusion
Both of these designer brands have a wide range of stylish bags and accessories available, but it really comes down to your budget and the quality you are looking for in a new handbag as to which brand is best for you.
If you have a smaller budget and are looking for a classic style, durable handbag then MCM is a great choice! This German brand has stunning and super stylish bags on offer that will stand the test of time and are available for an affordable price.
If you have more money to spend and want a whole plethora of top-quality bags to choose from, then Louis Vuitton is the brand for you. This brand has lots of gorgeous designer handbags on offer that are made from high-quality materials and have been expertly crafted, with a higher price tag to reflect these incredible pieces.
We hope you found this article analyzing MCM vs Louis Vuitton helpful!
Up next: Why Is Louis Vuitton So Expensive? The 6 Key Reasons To Know
