A Quick Guide to The Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis
Whether you’re scrolling through your favorite Instagram fashion accounts or you’re looking through your go-to style blogs, chances are high that you’ve seen one bag that celebrities and fashionistas all seem to frequently carry around: the Pochette Métis. As one of the top Louis Vuitton bags of all time, it can be bewildering to imagine that the Pochette Metis wasn’t popular at all when it was first came out. By 2015 it had practically become an overnight It bag, spurring long waiting lists around the world.
Similar to iconic styles like the Speedy and the Neverfull, the Pochette Metis has become one of the most sought-after and easily recognizable bags in Louis Vuitton’s handbag history, so it can be hard to believe that it’s only been around since late 2012! Let’s take a look at what makes the Pochette Metis so desirable.
What is the Louis Vuitton Pochette Métis?
The Pochette Metis handbag is one of the last creations that Marc Jacobs designed for Louis Vuitton. A more feminine and contemporary update on the classic Louis Vuitton Monceau, an elegant briefcase-style bag that was introduced back in 1986, think of the Pochette Metis as a mini satchel-like handbag for the modern woman. It’s characterized by its structured yet sleek silhouette and its ultra-versatile style that makes it a great option as an everyday bag.
What size is the Pochette Metis available in?
The Pochette Metis is currently only available in one size: 9.8"L x 7.5"H x 2.8"W. In their Fall/Winter 2017 Collection, Louis Vuitton came out with the Pochette Metis Mini, a smaller version that measured 7.5”L x 5.5”H x 2.4”W. However the Mini version was only available in shiny Epi Leather and was produced in limited quantities, making the original Pochette Metis the must-have bag of choice.
What materials and colors does the Pochette Metis come in?
When the first Pochette Metis was introduced, it was only rendered in Louis Vuitton’s legendary Monogram Canvas print. As mentioned, it wasn’t an overnight success until a couple of years later, so Louis Vuitton only started broadening the range of materials and colorways for the Pochette Metis in 2016. These include all-leather and coated canvas styles such as these:
Monogram Canvas
What Louis Vuitton bag is complete without the label’s world-famous Monogram Canvas print? This is credited as the most popular Pochette Metis style to date, perhaps due to its classic and well-loved print.
Monogram Reverse Canvas
Perhaps one of the most desired Pochette Metis styles, the Monogram Reverse Canvas remains one of the most difficult versions to get your hands on. Its contrasting Monogram and Reverse Monogram prints make it truly unique, while its black leather top handle makes it an easy-to-maintain handbag.
Empreinte
Crafted from cowhide leather, the Empreinte Metis comes in a wide selection of colors, from light beige (Papyrus) to black (Noir). It is also one of the only all-leather Pochette Metis bags, so it is considered by many as the most durable of them all.
Limited Edition Styles
A hard-to-find limited-edition style is the Infrarouge, a black and red version of the classic Louis Vuitton Monogram print. It has an olive green interior lining and silver-tone hardware. Other limited editions include the Trunks and the Master's Collection, which are very rare and are considered highly collectible pieces.
What are the main features of the Pochette Métis?
Boasting a compact size that is versatile enough to style from day to night, the Pochette Metis is as functional as it is stylish. Here are some of its best features:
Chic fastening
One of the bag’s main highlights is its iconic S-lock closure that pays tribute to the label’s historic trunks. It will not keep your personal items secure, but it’s also an exquisite one-of-a-kind detail that is exclusive to Louis Vuitton's designs.
Roomy compartments
A functional bag can’t be without spacious compartments, and the Pochette Metis doesn’t compromise. Despite its relatively small size, it has a total of 3 inner compartments that can comfortably fit everyday staples like a full-sized wallet and a planner. Another plus to having separate compartments is that it allows you to easily organize your items. Depending on the Pochette Metis that you opt for, the interior lining ranges from an easy-to-clean microfiber one to striped textiles for a cool contrast.
Optional shoulder strap
Thanks to an adjustable strap, the bag can be worn as a crossbody or as a shoulder bag. The strap is also detachable, so you can even use the bag as a clutch if you’d like.
Other convenient details
Other notable features about the Pochette Métis include an exterior zipped pocket, which is the perfect place to store handy items like your phone and driver’s license, as well as having a top handle that can be flattened down when you’re not using it.
How to choose which Pochette Metis is right for you
Unless you opt for the rare Mini version, the good thing about choosing the best Pochette Metis for you is that it ultimately comes down to your preferred material and colorway. While it will ultimately be based on your personal preferences, some things to consider are that the Monogram Canvas version comes with a vachetta leather top handle that gets easily stained and is more susceptible to water damage. Meanwhile, since the Empreinte is made from cowhide leather, it is a more luxurious option that feels supple to the touch. However, it can be argued that the classic Monogram Canvas is equally as durable and boasts a classic design that won’t go out of style.
Why you should buy the Pochette Metis
There are so many reasons to purchase the Pochette Metis if you have the chance to! Besides its versatility and functionality, it is one of the bestselling Louis Vuitton bags that has retained a very high demand throughout the years due to its limited availability. This means that if you decide to sell it, you’re likely to make a profit as the resell value for this bag can be even higher than retail prices. It’s also important to note that Louis Vuitton raises their prices annually and never goes on sale, making the Pochette Metis a solid investment piece.
Where to buy the Pochette Metis
As popular as the Pochette Metis is, it’s also notorious for being one of the hardest bags to find. You could always check with a Louis Vuitton boutique or look through their online store, but the chances are that you’ll have to get yourself on a long waiting list. That doesn’t just test your patience, but it also doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get the bag in the color and style that you want.
That’s why consignment shops and resale stores like Label Society are great alternatives. Not only can you save some money by opting for a slightly used Pochette Metis instead, but you can also choose from a large selection of styles and colorways. Check out our online selection of Pochette Metis bags here, or come visit us and view our Louis Vuitton bags at our boutique in Austin, Texas.