Louis Vuitton Ellipse Bag

The Ellipse is one of the most recognisable bags of the Marc Jacobs era at Louis Vuitton (from 1997 onwards): a perfectly oval silhouette, both face-on and in profile, that exists nowhere else in the catalogue. Monogram canvas stretched over a rigid frame, two short Vachetta handles and an S-zip closure make this piece a 2000s classic — now fully vintage.

Three sizes: PM, MM, Shopping

The Ellipse PM (29 × 19 × 9 cm) is the compact size, worn by hand. The Ellipse MM (33 × 21 × 11 cm) is the reference size — the one most collectors hunt for. The rarer Ellipse Shopping (43 × 28 × 13 cm) stretches the silhouette into a tote. The even rarer Ellipse Backpack turns the oval into a compact backpack. All variants share the same base: rigid frame, flat bottom, brass-signed S-zip opening.

Why the Ellipse still fascinates

The Ellipse has become one of the favourite pieces among Monogram collectors: a silhouette unique to the catalogue, a roughly decade-long production window, and a format that photographs beautifully. Its curved profile clearly stands apart from the cylindrical Papillon or the flat-bottomed Alma. Resale pricing remains very accessible: €350-650 for a PM in nice shape, €500-900 for an MM.

Condition, structure and Vachetta

Since the Ellipse is a structured bag, the most sensitive element is the shell rigidity: on very old pieces the frame can sag slightly, especially at the base. The short Vachetta handles patinate unevenly if the bag has not been used symmetrically. As with every Monogram-Vachetta piece, a uniform honey patina is highly prized.

Authentication

All Ellipse bags pre-date 2021. The two-letter four-digit date code is inside, heat-stamped on a leather tab stitched to the lining. Our experts check the saffron-yellow stitching very visible along the perimeter, Monogram alignment at the oval seams, the "LOUIS VUITTON Paris made in France" stamp on the brass plaque and Vachetta handle quality.