If you’re gearing up to buy a new luxury handbag but you’re torn between Gucci vs Louis Vuitton, then this guide is for you.
Both luxury designer brands have become synonymous with quality, style, and superb craftsmanship, they also started from similar beginnings.
Despite these parallels, there are also some notable differences between the two brands that you should know before buying.
In one corner, you have Louis Vuitton’s timeless elegance, and in the other, Gucci’s daring and innovative designs.
So, deciding which brand is best for you will depend heavily on your personal style and current closet.
To help you make the tough decision between Gucci vs Louis Vuitton, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide.
You’ll discover everything you need to know about each design house, including the brand history, the most iconic products, and the unique differences.
Gucci vs Louis Vuitton: Get to Know the Brands
Before we dive into the most popular products from each brand, we’re going to first get to know their history.
Understanding how each designer started will give you a better idea of which brand is best for you.
Let’s start with Gucci.
A Brief History of Gucci
While you could compare Louis Vuitton’s history as steadfast and consistent, Gucci’s is more like a rollercoaster.
As a brand, it attracts more of an extreme “love-hate” attention, with Gucci fans being known for their devotion to the brand.
Gucci was founded in 1921 by the Italian designer Guccio Gucci in the home of fashion, Florence, Italy.
Since it began, the fashion house has diversified its offerings and now carries fragrances, clothing, accessories, and makeup.
Gucci started out creating luxury travel luggage, but when popularity for its bright colors and bold designs took off, it moved into the world of luxury fashion.
In typical luxury brand style, Gucci only uses high-quality materials and real leather to make its items.
This, coupled with its innovative design elements, has made it one of the best-known luxury brands in the world.
Indeed, it earned the title of “the hottest brand on the planet” in the last half of 2020, according to the List Index.
Despite its long history, many consider 2002 to be the beginning of the golden age of Gucci.
That’s the year that Alessandro Michele became creative director, and he has continued to wow the fashion world ever since with his cutting-edge designs.
Celebrities such as Harry Styles, Diane Keaton, and Margot Robbie are Gucci fans.
The Legacy of Louis Vuitton
Like Gucci, Louis Vuitton started out making luxury travel luggage before making a shift into designer fashion.
The French designer label was founded in 1854, and became an instant hit thanks to its high-quality pieces and iconic logo.
It’s an exclusive brand that has built its reputation for over a century, and it’s been able to adapt to new trends and shifts in the fashion world.
The design house crafts its handbags using premium leather, meticulous crafting techniques, and intricate detailing.
As a result of this exclusivity, Louis Vuitton comes with a considerable price tag. It’s also one of the most popular brands for knock-offs and fakes.
Don’t let this put you off, though. Even if the fakes look similar, the quality is nothing compared to the real thing.
Famous Louis Vuitton fans include Audrey Hepburn, Kim Kardashian, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Gucci vs Louis Vuitton: A Luxury Face-Off
As you can see in the section above, there are some similarities between Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Not only did both start off as luggage designers, but they’re both famed for their premium craftsmanship and designs.
Despite these similarities, there are also quite a few differences between the brands.
That’s what we’re going to explore in this section.
Style
There’s a definite difference between Gucci style and Louis Vuitton style.
Gucci has become known for its modern, innovative, luxe street style, while Louis Vuitton is praised for being sophisticated, chic, and timeless.
Because of this, Gucci attracts more Gen Z and Millennial fans, while Louis Vuitton tends to attract a more mature crowd or those looking for classic, opulent designs.
Price
Since both brands are luxury designers, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for either. However, Louis Vuitton is considerably more expensive.
This is due to a number of reasons.
Firstly, LV has been around 70 years longer than Gucci, allowing it to build a stronger sense of prestige and heritage.
In addition to this, the demographics that they cater to play a major role in pricing.
Gucci’s younger buyers want fashion-forward, trend pieces, which generally cost a little less than a timeless item.
Conversely, Louis Vuitton’s fans are less about trends and instead tend to look for classic pieces that will never go out of style.
Celebrity brand ambassadors
Each brand’s choice of celebrity brand ambassadors speaks volumes about what the house is all about and the audience they want to attract.
While LV aligns itself with classical beauties like Angelina Jolie, Lady Gaga, and Gisele Bundchen, Gucci goes for more of-the-moment or edgy stars like A$AP Rocky, Billie Eilish, and Awkwafina.
Resale value
You should always research resale value before buying a luxury item, like a designer handbag.
This will let you know if you could make any money reselling it in the future or whether it would make a good heirloom.
When it comes to retaining value, Louis Vuitton bags win hands down.
Demand is high and you can sell preloved LV bags for more than their original price. Since LV increases the cost of its bags each year, you’re much more likely to turn an investment on your purchase.
In particular, if you buy one of the classics, like the Speedy, Alma, or Neverfull bags.
Gucci, not so much. Despite being well-made, Gucci bags tend to lose value, meaning they’re less than ideal if you plan to flip your bag.
Comparing Gucci vs Louis Vuitton is tough, because the brands have completely different visions and target demographics.
Gucci is a younger brand, that is just coming into its element and as such doesn’t have the elegancy or heritage of a designer like LV.
On the other hand, LV has a long history of elegance and timeless fashion, so its main focus is not on innovative, avant garde designs.
It really comes down to fresh modernity vs. timeless chic.
Gucci vs Louis Vuitton: Iconic Products
Now that you know a bit more about these two luxury brands, it’s time to sneak a peek at some of their most iconic products. For a proper comparison, we’re comparing each brand’s take on the same item.
1. Shoulder bags
Everybody needs a good shoulder bag, making it a great choice for your first designer handbag. Choosing a versatile color (black, off-white, tan, etc.) is also a good idea to make it as versatile as possible. That said, if color is your thing – go for it!
Shoulder bags are more wearable than totes or crossbody bags, as they can be dressed up or down. That means you’ll definitely get your money’s worth out of a designer option.
Both Gucci and LV offer fantastic shoulder bags.
The Gucci GG Marmont Mini Shoulder Bag is one of the designer’s best-sellers and will fit seamlessly with your wardrobe.
It’s made from supple, quilted matelasse leather and finished with gold hardware details and the GG logo. The black and gold is elegant and chic, while the chain shoulder strap gives it some edge. It costs around $2,350.
For a more classic take on a black shoulder bag, you may want to check out Louis Vuitton’s Alma bag.
This bag has a more structured, classic silhouette and the polished brass hardware and monogram canvas give it a sophisticated finish. There’s also a shoulder strap if you want to wear it across your body.
The Alma bag is one of the designer’s oldest designs and the resale price on it is great. You can buy a new one for about $2,700.
2. Tote bags
Sometimes bigger really is better, especially when it comes to an everyday handbag. Yes, we’re talking about the tote bag, because sometimes you really do need to bring the kitchen sink with you.
Since tote bags tend to get crammed full of stuff, investing in a durable designer one is a great idea. The reinforced leather straps and superior craftsmanship will ensure it lasts.
Gucci’s Ophidia GG Medium Tote Bag has caught our eye thanks to its simple design and gorgeous detailing.
The bag is covered with a beautiful beige and ebony GG Supreme canvas and brown leather trim. The gold-toned hardware finishes it off and gives a sleek look.
Plus, there’s a longer shoulder strap as well as a top handle, so you can carry it in different ways. This bag can easily take you from the office to the bar to dinner, and it costs around $1,650.
If an investment piece is what you’re looking for, then the Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote is the one for you. It’s one of the most popular bags in the collection, probably because it’s roomy enough to fit all your essentials while being impossibly chic. There’s also a detachable zipper purse for your valuables.
The Neverfull tote is covered with brown LV monogrammed canvas, beige leather straps, and has a lovely striped lining available in pink, cherry red, or beige. It retails for just over $2000.
3. Wallets
When dipping your toes into the realm of luxury brands, starting with a wallet is a safe choice. It’s a good way to get a feel for the brand, test the quality, and maybe go for something a bit bolder or brighter.
Speaking of bold, Gucci’s selection of wallets are a sight to behold. The design house has an extensive range of wallets, from elegant leather options with the GG logo to classic monogram ones, but we personally love the vibrant colors.
The Gucci Nappa Trapuntata Zumi Zip Around Wallet is absolutely beautiful and will brighten up the inside of any handbag. The pink, red, and purple compliment eachother perfectly, and the inside is multicolored too.
The interior has a zip lock, card slots, and a zipper pocket for your small chain.
Unsurprisingly, Louis Vuitton’s offerings are slightly more subdued and classic, like the Damier Ebene Canvas Zippy Wallet.
It features the LV monogramming and has plenty of pockets to store your cards and loose change.
The design is classic Louis Vuitton, but we love the pink lining which gives it that something extra and makes forking over money just that little less painful.
4. Crossbody bags
A trusty crossbody bag is a lifesaver on those days when you need a coffee in your hand (or both hands). We’d recommend investing in a really great neutral or black one that will go with absolutely everything in your wardrobe, because you’re bound to wear it all the time.
Gucci and Louis Vuitton both have some beautiful crossbody bags.
We are big fans of the Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis Bag. It’s small enough to take everywhere with you, but spacious enough to fit all your essential items. The bag is covered with the LV monogram and finished with gold hardware. There’s also a detachable strap so you can play about with how you wear it.
Be aware, though, this bag is hugely popular, so it’s tricky to get your hands on. If you’re lucky enough to find one in a retailer, it will cost around $2,570.
Gucci’s Horsebit 1955 mini bag is a similar style, but with a slightly trendier finish. It’s covered with the GG supreme canvas and finished with gold horsebit hardware for a slight equestrian theme.
It’s available in an array of colors, but we think the brown shade will go with everything, while the green and red shoulder strap adds a pop of color. You can fit a surprising amount in this bag. It costs around $2,890.
There’s also a leather version with a slightly higher price point.
5. Belt bags
Belt bags are having a moment, and many luxury designers are adding chic versions to their collection. Both Gucci and Louis Vuitton included.
Louis Vuitton has a number of belt bags, including a gorgeous calfskin textured leather one with the LV logo in gold hardware. Our personal favorite is the mini monogram bum bag which comes in a grogeous brown with gold hardware details. It costs around $4,125.
Gucci also has an impressive range of belt bags, like the Gucci logo belt bag which has a zip closure, a roomy interior comparement, and the iconic logo on the front. It’s made from soft pebbled leather and costs around $600.
A Final Word On Gucci vs Louis Vuitton
We hope our detailed comparison of Gucci vs Louis Vuitton helps you decide which brand is best for you.
At the end of the day, both design houses offer premium products that will stand the test of time.
As such, it really comes down to your personal style and what you want the bag for.
If you’re after an edgier piece to top off your street style look, then Gucci is the best best for you.
However, if you want a sophisticated bag for work or for a more classic wardrobe, Louis Vuitton is the obvious choice.
Similarly, if you plan to resell your bag down the line, Louis Vuitton may reap a larger reward.
One thing we do know, whichever brand you choose, you’re sure to get a great-quality piece that will turn heads and be the envy of your friends.
