Photo courtesy Louis Vuitton
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
A fun summer is ahead… at least if you look at Louis Vuitton’s Escale 2020 handbag collection. Hippy, dippy, and trippy, the tie-dyed canvas monogram just might make you smile. The bags are a limited group of tried and true classics. And, as you’ll see below, there are even a few surprises – inside and out.
Technically, Louis Vuitton calls the fabrication shibori, a Japanese colorizing technique that involves folding, twisting and knotting fabric. Tie-dye is one type of shibori. We can only imagine the challenges of imparting this technique on coated canvas – thicker than mere fabric.
Colors and Hardware
Escale 2020 is a colorful group with three color options: blue, red, and pastel. However, not all of the bags are available in all three color ways. At least on the U.S. website, the most used color is the blue. And a pretty deep blue it is. The most colorful option – albeit muted in tone – is the pastel, with a surprising number of colors, including the lilac interior. Red, perhaps shockingly (perhaps not), includes purple accents. As we said, this is a colorful crowd.
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Each style mixes large and small monogram prints in coordinated colors, as you’ll see when we discuss the bag options below.
And guess what, the hardware is NOT the traditional Louis Vuitton goldstone. Rather, it’s all silver tone. No doubt this is intended to be a casual beachy collection.
Medium Neverfull
As we said upfront, not all Louis Vuitton bag designs are available in the Escale print and colors. That said, it’s no surprise that the uber-popular Neverfull is an option. On the other hand, those of you looking to use one of these bags as a huge seaside carryall may be disappointed to learn that his collection only includes the medium size.
In an interesting twist, one side of this bag is the newer large mono print and the other is the traditional small logo. In addition, the bag base is in smaller print as is the accompanying pouch.
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
As for pricing, the Escale medium Neverfull retails at $2060. That’s 50% more expensive than the classic medium monogram Neverfull at $1430. And yet, it is selling and selling fast. On the U.S. site, as of writing this, the bag is sold out in all three colors.
Medium On The Go Tote
If you’re looking for a larger tote option, the newer medium On The Go bag also comes in all three color options. For this model, the use of large and small monogram follows the design of a classic On the Go. Front and back are in large print and the sides in small.
The price difference between Escale versions and regular mono print is far less drastic than it is for the Neverfull. The Escale model is $2720 and the “plain” is $2390. However, the pastel is already sold out online in the United States. Maybe that’s not a surprise as the lilac interior is a pretty cool surprise itself!
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Bandolières - Speedy and Keepall
Photo courtesy Louis Vuitton
The classic Speedy shouldn’t be left out of the Escale fun… and it wasn’t. Louis Vuitton included both the Speedy Bandoulière 30 and the Keepall Bandoulière 50.
The Speedy 30 comes in blue and pastel, and retails for $2220. For point of comparison, the classic costs $1560. Neither color appears to be available on the website right now, but we’re hopeful this will change soon.
Photo courtesy Louis Vuitton
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
The Keepall Bandoulière 50 – more of a travel bag in the Speedy family – is only in blue. At least for now, or whenever it is available. Retailing for $2510, it too is more expensive than the $1960 classic. But just look that teeny tiny LV logo print on the interior! So cute!
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
And, if by chance, you like the blue pattern but can’t afford or find the speedy bag, check this out! A blue Escale speedy key holder and bag charm sells for $450.
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Medium Neo Noe
Not to be left out of the fun, the medium NéoNoé appears in the blue and pastel colors. Sorry, no red on this one. Designed with large print on the front and small print on the back, the interior is either blue or pink small print. It retails for $2290, as compared to $1700 for the regular mono in this size.
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Other Small Accessories
Louis Vuitton’s Escale 2020 launch is pretty extensive. Handbags are only a piece of the collection. You can find ready-to-wear, scarves and plenty of small accessories. A few purse-like substitutes caught our eye. Indeed, one of our favorites isn’t even a bag – it’s a belt with bags. Enjoy!
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Photo courtesy: us.louisvuitton.com
Are you feeling the Louis Vuitton Escale vibe? And, even if so, are you willing to pay up for the design?
Photo courtesy Louis Vuitton
Updated: April 4th, 2020
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