No outfit is complete without a proper bag! While there are innumerable bag styles, designs and variations to choose from, a handbag remains one of the top choices for everyone.
Practical, stylish and as simple or as extravagant as you would prefer, it is certain that there is a handbag style for everyone out there. Luckily, fashion brands have really stepped up their game over the years.
Two such brands are the ones we will be looking at today, Michael Kors and Louis Vuitton.
We picked these two because they always make it into the top lists of brands whose bags are worth splurging on. With that said, let us get right on with it!
Contents:
- 1. Michael Kors: History of the Brand
- 2. Iconic Michael Kors Bags
- 3. Are Michael Kors Bags Worth the Price?
- 4. Louis Vuitton: History of the Brand
- 5. Iconic Louis Vuitton Bags
- 6. Are Louis Vuitton Bags Worth the Price?
- 7. Differences Between Michael Kors and Louis Vuitton
- 8. Which One is Better?
1. Michael Kors: History of the Brand
This video is provided by YouTube.com, a third party. If you Play it, you accept their terms of service, and their use of cookies.
Michael Kors is an American brand founded in 1981 by Michael Kors, an American designer.
Born Karl Anderson Jr., Kors’ name came to be after his mother married Bill Kors when Michael was 5 years old and was given the opportunity to choose his own name, thus becoming Michael David Kors.
As a designer, his journey towards becoming one of the most renowned personalities and brands in the USA and the world began at a very young age.
Those who are fans of the brand may already know the history of Kors prior to becoming the Michael Kors, and it is quite interesting.
He was well acquainted with the fashion world since toddlerhood, when he worked as a model for various products and campaigns.
His passion for creating and love of fashion grew along with him, as he continued to customize and design clothes during high school that would later be sold under the Iron Butterfly, a “boutique” he ran from his parent’s home.
He pursued further fashion-related education by enrolling in the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York in 1977, but decided to drop out and work, to later go on to establish his world-renowned brand in 1981.
This video is provided by YouTube.com, a third party. If you Play it, you accept their terms of service, and their use of cookies.
Kors has been involved with several popular brands and has made numerous TV appearances, most prominently in the “Project Runway” series where he participated as a judge and gained considerable popularity.
But what exactly makes the brand so well known that even First Lady Michelle Obama favors it?
It is a combination of chic and highly sophisticated designs, and a vision for fashion that encompasses each and every single creation of the brand.
In the designer’s vision, you can be both “sexy and sporty at the same time”, which was evident since the earliest designs of the brand.
With a wide variety of products to choose from and numerous options under the brand’s MICHAEL Michael Kors and Michael Kors Mens labels and the Michael Kors Collection, you are bound to find that perfect piece that fits your style, whether it is elegance you seek or a more modern and avant-garde look.
In the words of Kors himself: “I design for women and men who need clothing and accessories that can keep up with their fast-paced lives and make them feel like their best selves.”
2. Iconic Michael Kors Bags
Now, let us look at some of the most iconic handbags designed by Michael Kors.
2.1 The Jet Set Line
The Jet Set line comprises several bag designs that vary in size, colors and style.
Image: Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Tote Bag (from michaelkors.com)
These include the popular Jet Set Tote bag, which comes in various options, including the Saffiano and the Travel.
The Saffiano tote design is a popular choice due to its stylish look and highly durable materials, namely Saffiano leather that was first made in Italy by Prada and characterized by a cross hatch pattern.
You might also like: 15 Best Italian Handbag Brands: Our Top Picks
Image: Michael Kors Jet Set Saffiano Shoulder Bag – Tote (from michaelkors.com)
It is a spacious bag that became quite popular around 2018 thanks to its beautiful and clean look that complements a variety of styles and outfits.
This particular style of tote bags is popular amongst women regardless of the brand, because it is comfortable, practical and usually spacious, an ideal combination for those who are busy and on the move.
Other options include chic and practical convertible crossbody bags, such as the Pebbled, the Ginny, the Saffiano, the Woven and several others.
In addition to handbags, the Jet Set line also includes clutches and wristlets, for those looking for a more convenient and daily option.
2.2 The Grayson Satchel
Another renowned and eye-catching design, the Grayson satchel is a beautiful handbag in a classy and elegant style that is suitable for a variety of outfits, ranging from casual to formal.
With leather details and the signature “MK” fabric and medallion, this satchel is both practical and well-designed, with studs at the bottom to prevent direct contact with surfaces.
Its leather straps are emphasized with metallic clasps that beautifully complement the colors of the fabric (usually deep or light brown, white and black).
A look at this design and it is quite easy to see why it garnered so much favor with fashionistas.
2.3 The Riley
Similarly to the Jet Set designs, the MICHAEL Michael Kors Riley handbags come in a variety of options, including both a satchel and a crossbody version.
The satchel is the more popular of the two, also worn by celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Miranda Kerr.
In line with Kors’ vision of versatility in style, the Riley satchel is suitable to wear with sophisticated dresses, as well as casual jeans.
It comes in a variety of colors (and prints), with elegant metallic clasps and leather material, with signature details of the brand.
As for those who prefer a more laid back and fully casual style, the crossbody design is just the right one.
Comfortable, practical and flat, this small handbag is suitable for small belongings and perfect for a day out and about.
3. Are Michael Kors Bags Worth the Price?
While the designs and quality are raved about by most that have had the opportunity to own a MK bag, the price is not the most buyer-friendly, as the average handbag runs upwards of 150 dollars on sale at the very least.
Do they live up to their reputation? In general, yes. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
4. Louis Vuitton: History of the Brand
This video is provided by YouTube.com, a third party. If you Play it, you accept their terms of service, and their use of cookies.
Anyone who has ever looked up fashion styles of any kind has come across Louis Vuitton, the French brand that has made history with its signature designs.
Because we have previously featured the brand and have looked at its milestones over the decades since before its establishment, today we will give you a brief rundown.
If you are interested in reading more in-depth about the brand and its signature handbags, you may find the article here.
Founded in 1854, the brand started with luggage trunks and became one of the most prominent names in the fashion world.
Today, Louis Vuitton is a family legacy that has passed down through generations the craftsmanship and unique features of the designs, such as the locking system invented in 1886 by Vuitton’s son, George, that is used to this day.
Featuring the famous LV monogram, it is easy to spot most Louis Vuitton designs, particularly so handbags and wallets.
Over the years, the brand established itself in Europe and beyond, collaborating and partnering up with renowned brands and artists, to create distinguished pieces and numerous collections, such as the Capucine bags, the Monogramouflage Collection with Takashi Murakami, etc.
Read also: 10 French Handbag Brands, Luxury and Affordable: Our Favorites
5. Iconic Louis Vuitton Bags
5.1 The Capucines Collection
This video is provided by YouTube.com, a third party. If you Play it, you accept their terms of service, and their use of cookies.
The Capucines Collection is a stunning collection that features pieces from the collaboration of the brand with artists Nicholas Hlobo, Alex Israel, Tschabalala Self, Urs Fischer, Sam Fall and others.
It features a number of designs, some of which are more in line with the brand’s general look and style, but the ones designed by the artists are truly eye-catching.
This is a handbag that can adapt to a variety of outfits depending on the style you opt for, but the general shape and details of the bag are similar throughout the entire collection.
We are particularly keen on Zhao Zhao’s design for its beautiful color palette and versatility.
5.2 The Speedy bag
Image: Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag Bandoulière 30 (from louisvuitton.com)
As we have written before about this design in the aforementioned article, we will not repeat ourselves again, but will give you a brief overview.
The Speedy and the Neverfull bags had to be featured again as they are two of the most renowned designs.
This is a bag that has been around for over half a century, the most prominent historical style of which being Audrey Hepburn’s Speedy 25 bag specifically requested by her.
Much like other Vuitton bags, it comes in many options that vary in color, print, detail, and size.
It is a spacious bag with top leather handles, as well as a shoulder strap in some of the options.
There are several versions, including MY LV HERITAGE and BANDOULIÈRE.
5.3 The Neverfull bag
Image: Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Tote Bag (from louisvuitton.com)
A more recent design of the brand, the Neverfull is a tote-style bag suitable for the modern woman.
Casual, roomy and featuring beautiful heritage details, it comes in different materials and color options, as well as various versions, including the MY LV HERITAGE and MY LV WORLD TOUR.
It includes two slim leather straps on top and additional leather and metallic details.
A distinct feature of this design is the mini clutch attached to it, which is available in some of the options.
6. Are Louis Vuitton Bags Worth the Price?
This video is provided by YouTube.com, a third party. If you Play it, you accept their terms of service, and their use of cookies.
The short answer is yes.
They are arguably some of the best bags on the market, particularly in regards to quality.
They are durable, made of superior craftsmanship and the variety in style provides great freedom of choice.
7. Differences Between Michael Kors and Louis Vuitton
In addition to their timelines and modern tendency, with Michael Kors being a more recent brand, the brands’ bags also differ in overall style.
MK bags are chic and bold in design and colors, whereas LV bags lean more towards elegance and sophistication.
While both fashion brands share the vision of refinement and class, Louis Vuitton does it better, in our opinion.
Amongst Michael Kors designs there are more simpler options, suitable for everyday wear and casual occasions, whereas Louis Vuitton bags require a bit of thought behind them, especially so in regards to their price.
While neither of the brands is affordable, Louis Vuitton’s prices far outdo its counterpart’s.
We can list a number of reasons and rationalizations; however the consensus online and in our opinion is quite clear: LV bags tend to be better overall.
Michael Kors bags are beautiful in their own right, and they are well made, too.
However, the average Louis Vuitton bag’s quality will not leave you worrying about damaging it.
Furthermore, Louis Vuitton bags also acquire more value over time, making it both a fashion purchase and an investment.
You might also interested: Italian vs French Fashion Style: What Are the Differences?
8. Which One is Better?
They are both brands that value quality and a refined style.
Michael Kors is more suitable for those who enjoy versatility and bolder looks in their outfits and handbag styles, whereas Louis Vuitton is for those who: a) can afford it, and b) want a bag that looks stylish regardless of outfit or occasion.
Therefore, opt for a Michael Kors bag if you want a more affordable designer bag that will enrich your wardrobe and is well made, or opt for a Louis Vuitton if you value timeless and signature bags that will hold their own over the years.
To learn how we use your data when you comment, read our Privacy Policy.