If you ask today’s high-style men and women to identify one brand that exemplifies prestige, most will answer “Louis Vuitton”. Indeed, Louis Vuitton handbagshave long embodied class and distinction. From celebrities to socialites to big-city professionals, hundreds of fashion-conscious consumers willingly fork over high prices for these luxury leather goods.

What is it about a Louis Vuitton purse that serves as an unmistakable status symbol? What sets these accessories apart from ordinary versions?

Many would answer that it’s the company’s rich heritage and history that makes the difference. Launched as a small leather shop in 1821, the original LouisVuitton store specialized in crafting fine leather luggage ware. The namesake designer, Louis Vuitton, recognized a demand among prestigious travelers who wanted premium steamer bags, flat cases, and weekend bags. (Today, the classic “Keepall” overnight bag is still one of the most popular pieces in the collection.) After establishing a reputation as a purveyor of deluxe travel goods, the designer expanded his assortment to include carry-on bags, toiletry cases, small trunks, jewelry boxes, and more. He also eventually went on to create luxury watches.

With the addition of Louis’s son Georgie, the company began offering the classic trademark monogrammed canvas for their handbags and duffels. Now a universally recognizable motif, this design made it harder for imitators to copy Louis Vuitton handbags. It wasn’t until 31 years later that the second Louis Vuitton store was opened in London. Throughout the 1900s, as demand and popularity continued to soar, the designer opened another 130 store locations throughout the world. Ensuing decades saw more growth and profits.

Unrivaled designer talent has always been a critical part of Louis Vuitton’s strategy. After a merger with renowned designer Moet Hennessey in the late 1980s, Louis Vuitton enlisted the talented services of elite designer MarcJacobs. Production and design continued to fall under the supervisory umbrella of Patrick Vuitton. As we approach the second decade of the new millennium, Louis Vuitton purses, wallets, sunglasses, and luggage continue to generate millions of dollars in revenue each year. Many compare this prestigious design company to the likes of Prada, Gucci, and Fendi. Their fine leather ware is popular not only throughout the United States, but also in India, Japan, Korea, China, and Africa.

In spite of the latest technologies and efficiencies, all Louis Vuitton artisans continue to craft each item by hand with a remarkable attention to detail. Today, the original apprentice system is still used to train new leather workers. Painstaking craftsmanship and rigorous quality assurance techniques ensure that each handbag and wallet will serve beautifully for decades to come.

Top Picks for Louis Vuitton Consumers

Over the years, some of the designer’s classic offerings continue to enjoy steady demand:

* If you’re looking for a substantially sized, versatile bag that will travel anywhere, look no further than the Keepall-inspired Speedy bag. Four high-design styles are available, all with spacious main compartments.

* Combining iconic style and everyday function, the roomy Neverfull is one of the most popular Louis Vuitton handbags. An array of colors, patterns, and fabrics are available in three different sizes. Oversized dimensions accommodate all of your everyday essentials, while remaining sleek.

* Introduced in 1932, the ever-stylish Noe handbag boasts an attractive drawstring closure.

* For something with a little whimsy, the oyster shell shape of the Elipse Louis Vuitton handbag is sure to delight. Choose from two sizes in this unique accessory.

The first time you carry your own Louis Vuitton handbag, you’ll understand why the iconic fashion house has enjoyed such longtime acclaim!

Pandora Leather Wallet Bag for PSP2000 (No.1120060089)

Derek Alexander Unisex Top Zip Bag with Wallet – Black $75.99 Derek Alexander Unisex Top Zip Bag with Wallet – Black

Derek Alexander Top Zip Unisex Bag with Wallet – Coffee $75.99 Derek Alexander Top Zip Unisex Bag with Wallet – Coffee

Derek Alexander Top Zip Unisex Bag with Wallet – Tan $75.99 Derek Alexander Top Zip Unisex Bag with Wallet – Tan

TUSK LTD Donington Gold Wallet & Mini Bag Organizer $145 TUSK LTD-Multi-functional wallet/mini bag will hold all necessities

Sydney Love Distressed Agenda And Wallet – Shoulder Bag $25.59 Sydney Love Distressed Agenda And Wallet – Cognac

Orla Kiely Big Folded Purse/Wallet – Shoulder Bag $230 Orla Kiely Big Folded Purse/Wallet – Poppy

Ashley M Elvis by Betty Harper Wallet – Shoulder Bag $28.8 Ashley M Elvis by Betty Harper Wallet – Blue

Whiting and Davis Sleek Frame Wallet – Bronze $86.4 Whiting and Davis-This ultra elegant wallet can double as an evening bag.

Whiting and Davis Sleek Frame Wallet – Gold $86.4 Whiting and Davis-This ultra elegant wallet can double as an evening bag.

Whiting and Davis Sleek Frame Wallet – Silver $86.4 Whiting and Davis-This ultra elegant wallet can double as an evening bag.

Overland Equipment Small Wallet – Storm $19.99 Cash at hand, this wallet will sling around your wrist or attach to your favorite Overland Equipment bag, for easy access organization

Overland Equipment Small Wallet – Orchid/Navy/Navy $22.4 Cash at hand, this wallet will sling around your wrist or attach to your favorite Overland Equipment bag, for easy access organization

Overland Equipment Small Wallet – Pine-Coffee $19.99 Cash at hand, this wallet will sling around your wrist or attach to your favorite Overland Equipment bag, for easy access organization

Overland Equipment Small Wallet – Papaya/Coffee $22.4 Cash at hand, this wallet will sling around your wrist or attach to your favorite Overland Equipment bag, for easy access organization

Overland Equipment Small Wallet – Moss/Peacock/Green $22.4 Cash at hand, this wallet will sling around your wrist or attach to your favorite Overland Equipment bag, for easy access organization

Buxton Double-Flap Mini-Bag with Total Wallet $17.59 Buxton-You live out of your briefcase and gave up purses long ago. But there are times, like dinner meetings, drinks, and shopping, when you’d really rather leave your briefcase in your trunk. This is the bag for those times. Functional and fashionable, it’s got everything you need with 5 credit card slots, 6 interior pockets, back slip and zipper pockets, and more!

Sydney Love Vintage Hote Large Zip Around Wallet and – Shoulder Bag $22.39 Sydney Love-This duo which includes a large zip around wallet and mini cosmetic case in the Vintage Hotel print is perfect for keeping a busy woman fashionably organized!

La Tour Eiffel P231 Ziparound Logo Jacquard Wallet – Brown $59 The La Tour Eiffel P231-W15059-4 Long Wallet is a stylish fashionable hobo bag. This La-Tour-Eiffel wallet – from La Toue Eiffel’s Sans Façons Brown Collection is made out of logo jacquard Eiffel tower fabric and it featu

La Tour Eiffel P231 Ziparound Logo Jacquard Wallet – Beige $59 The La Tour Eiffel P231-W15059-4 Long Wallet is a stylish fashionable hobo bag. This La-Tour-Eiffel wallet – from La Toue Eiffel’s Sans Façons Brown Collection is made out of logo jacquard Eiffel tower fabric and it featu

La Tour Eiffel P231 Logo Jacquard Wallet – Brown $49 The La Tour Eiffel P231-W15059-2 Wallet is a stylish fashionable hobo bag. This La-Tour-Eiffel wallet – from La Toue Eiffel’s Sans Façons Brown Collection is made out of logo jacquard Eiffel tower fabric and it features -

La Tour Eiffel P231 Logo Jacquard Wallet – Beige $49 The La Tour Eiffel P231-W15059-2 Wallet is a stylish fashionable hobo bag. This La-Tour-Eiffel wallet – from La Toue Eiffel’s Sans Façons Beige Collection is made out of logo jacquard Eiffel tower fabric and it featu

TUSK LTD Gramercy Rouge Crossbody Mini Bag – Ivory $102.4 TUSK LTD-Top zip “Disco” bag with built in wallet

Olympia Casual Bag – Burgundy $27.99 Olympia-This travel bag is great for using as a camera bag or purse while you travel. You can carry your wallet, cell-phone, PDA and much more.

Osgoode Marley Cashmere Wallet Bag – Red $89.99 Osgoode Marley handbags combine soft leather into a rich blend of styling and function that are built to last. These handbags have the pockets to fully organize and protect your essentials.

Donna Sharp Large Wallet Oxford – Shoulder Bag $33 Donna Sharp-If every woman owns a little black dress, she should own this traditional black & white mix in non traditional fabrics to make a audacious, but classy statement

Urban Expressions Alexis – Shoulder Bag $23.99 Urban Expressions-Zippered Wallet with outer Flower Burst

AmeriBag Healthy Back Bag Leather Extra Small $120 AmeriBag-Holds wallet, phone, comb, keys, sunglasses and water-bottle. Compact daily bag.

Dylan Bifold Wallet $144 Linea Pelle – Dylan Bifold Wallet

Mel Bifold Wallet $104 Linea Pelle – Mel Bifold Wallet

Mel Trifold Wallet $100 Linea Pelle – Mel Trifold Wallet

Mel Bifold Wallet Black $104 Linea Pelle – Mel Bifold Wallet Black

Mel Bifold Wallet Natural $104 Linea Pelle – Mel Bifold Wallet Natural

Mel Bifold Wallet Russet $104 Linea Pelle – Mel Bifold Wallet Russet

Mel Trifold Wallet Black $100 Linea Pelle – Mel Trifold Wallet Black

Mel Trifold Wallet Natural $100 Linea Pelle – Mel Trifold Wallet Natural

Big Buddha Paula Hobo Bag – Green $75.99 The chic style of this Big Buddha Paula Hobo makes it a great choice as a daily bag. This bag has a pocket for everything and tassel detailing that will make a total fashion statement. This terrific modern day hobo will hold your wallet sunglasses per

Big Buddha Paula Hobo Bag – Cream $75.99 The chic style of this Big Buddha Paula Hobo makes it a great choice as a daily bag. This bag has a pocket for everything and tassel detailing that will make a total fashion statement. This terrific modern day hobo will hold your wallet sunglasses per

AmeriBag Healthy Back Bag Tote Polysuede Extra – Backpack Handbags $27.99 AmeriBag-Holds wallet, phone, comb, keys, sunglasses and water bottle. Compact daily bag.

AmeriBag Healthy Back Bag Micro-Fiber Extra Small – Backpack Handbags $47.2 AmeriBag-Holds wallet, phone, comb, keys, sunglasses and water bottle. Compact daily bag.

AmeriBag Healthy Back Bag Distressed Nylon Extra – Backpack Handbags $40 AmeriBag-Holds wallet, phone, comb, keys, sunglasses and water bottle. Compact daily bag.

Lilypond Daybreak Shoulder Bag – Cross Body $39 Lilypond-Simplicity. Lightweight shoulder bag large enough to for your sunglasses, wallet, lip gloss, cell phone/ Lighten your load -really!

Piel Men’s Organizer Bag – Saddle $71.19 Piel-Pocket book bag with zip pocket and cell phone pocket in front, lap pocket on the back for a wallet or passport, 3-way zip opening compartment for credit cards, pens, and CD’s. One main compartment for a camera and more.

Piel Men’s Organizer Bag – Chocolate $71.19 Piel-Pocket book bag with zip pocket and cell phone pocket in front, lap pocket on the back for a wallet or passport, 3-way zip opening compartment for credit cards, pens, and CD’s. One main compartment for a camera and more.

Piel Men’s Organizer Bag – Black $71.19 Piel-Pocket book bag with zip pocket and cell phone pocket in front, lap pocket on the back for a wallet or passport, 3-way zip opening compartment for credit cards, pens, and CD’s. One main compartment for a camera and more.

Jessica Simpson JS2102 Hyde Large Hobo Bag – White $59.99 The Jessica Simpson JS2102 Large Hyde Hobo Bag is a Slink around town carrying handbag. This fashionable Jessica Simpson Tote is made of synthetic shrunken leather. It holds your wallet sunglasses personal technology and a small umbrella.

Dylan Quilted Chevron Zip Wallet $132 Linea Pelle – Dylan Quilted Chevron Zip Wallet

ADDISON TRI FOLD WALLET Bottle $45 Linea Pelle – ADDISON TRI FOLD WALLET Bottle

ADDISON TRI FOLD WALLET Sand $45 Linea Pelle – ADDISON TRI FOLD WALLET Sand

Dylan Tri Fold Wallet Black $105 Linea Pelle – Dylan Tri Fold Wallet Black

Dylan Tri Fold Wallet Crimson $105 Linea Pelle – Dylan Tri Fold Wallet Crimson

Dylan Tri Fold Wallet Cypress $105 Linea Pelle – Dylan Tri Fold Wallet Cypress

Dylan Tri Fold Wallet Midnight $105 Linea Pelle – Dylan Tri Fold Wallet Midnight

Dylan Tri Fold Wallet Tmoro $105 Linea Pelle – Dylan Tri Fold Wallet Tmoro

Large Bi Fold Wallet Silver $111 Linea Pelle – Large Bi Fold Wallet Silver

Large Bi Fold Wallet Gold $111 Linea Pelle – Large Bi Fold Wallet Gold

BCBGeneration Tina Sequin Clutch Bag – Black $36 Unexpected glamour updated a utilitarian silhouette BCBGeneration Tina Sequin Clutch Bag . Classy clutch made of fabric and covered with two-way sequins that can be shifted to another color. Holds your cell phone slim wallet your favorite lip gloss a

Manhattan Portage DJ Bag (Small) – Gray $49 Manhattan Portage-Over the shoulder bag made to carry records or for your everyday items. Carry your wallet, keys, books, magazines or walkman in the most popular style bag that we carry. There is a zippered compartment behind the flap, one thin open compartment in the inside and one main interior compartment for this bag.

Manhattan Portage DJ Bag (Small) – Navy $49 Manhattan Portage-Over the shoulder bag made to carry records or for your everyday items. Carry your wallet, keys, books, magazines or walkman in the most popular style bag that we carry. There is a zippered compartment behind the flap, one thin open compartment in the inside and one main interior compartment for this bag.

Manhattan Portage DJ Bag (Small) – Black $49 Manhattan Portage-Over the shoulder bag made to carry records or for your everyday items. Carry your wallet, keys, books, magazines or walkman in the most popular style bag that we carry. There is a zippered compartment behind the flap, one thin open compartment in the inside and one main interior compartment for this bag.

Manhattan Portage DJ Bag (Small) – Dk Brown $49 Manhattan Portage-Over the shoulder bag made to carry records or for your everyday items. Carry your wallet, keys, books, magazines or walkman in the most popular style bag that we carry. There is a zippered compartment behind the flap, one thin open compartment in the inside and one main interior compartment for this bag.

Donna Sharp Large Wallet Ferris Wheel – Shoulder Bag $26.4 Donna Sharp-Ferris Wheel is the essence of tradition with vintage fabrics and colors. Quilted and intricately pieced, these handbags are truly functional art!

Donna Sharp Large Wallet Grape Patch – Shoulder Bag $26.4 Donna Sharp-Stroll through an Italian vineyard with the purple & green patchwork perfection of Grape Patch

Jessica Simpson JS2210 Tempest Top-Zip Tumble Bag – Luggage $54 The Jessica Simpson JS2210 Tempest Top-Zip Tumble Bag is a Slink around town carrying handbag. This fashionable Jessica Simpson hobo bag is made of synthetic leather. It holds your wallet sunglasses personal technology and a small umbrella.

Jessica Simpson JS2210 Tempest Top-Zip Tumble Bag – White $54 The Jessica Simpson JS2210 Tempest Top-Zip Tumble Bag is a Slink around town carrying handbag. This fashionable Jessica Simpson hobo bag is made of synthetic leather. It holds your wallet sunglasses personal technology and a small umbrella.

Jessica Simpson JS2211 Tempest Hobo Tumble Bag – White $64 The Jessica Simpson JS2211 Tempest Hobo Tumble Bag is a Slink around town carrying handbag. This fashionable Jessica Simpson hobo bag is made of synthetic leather. It holds your wallet sunglasses personal technology and a small umbrella.