The Y2K Bag Revival: Louis Vuitton’s Most Iconic Monogram Reissues

Post-pandemic fashion will largely be defined by the return of all things aughts. In modern-day fashion, nostalgia continues to reign supreme, and the handbag world in the late 2010s and early 2020s will go down in handbag history as the era of the revivals.

What started to boom in the late 2010s quickly became a massive trend at the turn of the decade, and by the early 2020s, it seemed that every major designer was dipping into its archives for inspiration. Terms like “pulled from the archives,” “vintage-inspired,” and “re-edition” are some of the most popular phrases used to describe many of the handbag world’s current It-bags.

From the Vault: The LV Monogram Icons Making a Comeback

Nearly every major handbag brand looks to its archives for inspiration, incorporating details from certain styles, such as old house emblems, shapes, fabrics, or hardware, into new styles. Still, the bag world’s major luxury players understand the power of a good revival, reissuing popular styles entirely, and Louis Vuitton continues to lead the pack.

In the last few years, some of the most beloved bags from the 90s and early 2000s have made a grand return to the Louis Vuitton Monogram lineup, and today, we’re unpacking the four most iconic returns from the Maison. Do you remember these bags?

Louis Vuitton Ellipse PM

The return of the Louis Vuitton Ellipse bag in 2023 felt like an immediate step back in time—to 1997, to be exact. The Ellipse bag first debuted in 1997 and was an incredibly popular silhouette during its 10-year reign (it was discontinued in the late 2000s).

Given its name for the distinct oval shape, the bag is further defined by leather accents. While the revival dropped in the smallest size, the original design came in PM, MM, and GM models and was also introduced in Damier Ebene Canvas. The revival was also modernized to include the option of a crossbody strap.

Louis Vuitton Croissant MM

An early 2000s favorite, the Louis Vuitton Croissant bag remains one of the most-wanted LV Monogram models on the secondary market. So, it’s no surprise that the Maison finally revived the bag in its original form last year. Plus, with the moon bag silhouette continuing to trend, there was no better time for its return.

Like the Ellipse Bag, the original model came in PM, MM, and GM sizes. Still, the revival arrived in the medium size, this time with an adjustable strap and fitted with a miniature Croissant bag charm.

Louis Vuitton Vivacité

An early aughts favorite, the Vivacité debuted in 2003 and was a true representation of Y2K fashion. Defined by its exterior pockets, the Vivacité is a utilitarian take on classic Monogram Canvas, returning just in time for the cargo bag trend.

Contemporary and modern, the Vivacité offers an effortlessly cool appeal, given a casual touch with the revival’s short textile shoulder strap. While the original model came in a few sizes, this archival revival is a one-size-fits-all, modeled after what was originally the Vivacité MM.

Louis Vuitton Piano Bag

The Louis Vuitton Piano Cabas bag was the early 2000s version of the Neverfull. First released in 2001, it was perfect for the LV girl on the go with its thick shoulder straps and zip top—it was later discontinued in the late 2000s. Today, it’s back and better than ever, described as “a new Monogram icon in the making.”

The revival features an extendable exaggerated shoulder strap, which adds a modern stylistic detail to an otherwise simple silhouette. Leather triangles at the bag’s sides further define the shape, reinforcing its corners. Simple, yet chic, the new Louis Vuitton Piano bag first dropped for Pre-Fall 2024.

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