Louis Vuitton Pégase Suitcase

The Pégase is the signature wheeled Louis Vuitton suitcase, launched in 1998 by Marc Newson on the maison's original trunk-making know-how. Cabin-sized in the 45 and 55 versions, hold-sized in the 65, it long stood as the reference of chic travel at Louis Vuitton. The Pégase Légère (introduced 2010) is the lighter, more rigid evolution. On JoliCloset, pre-owned Pégase pieces cover Monogram, Damier Ebene, Damier Graphite and Damier Azur canvases, plus a handful of vintage Epi leather examples.

Sizes and formats

The Pégase 45 is designed for compact cabin (45 × 35 × 20 cm), the Pégase 50 for standard cabin (50 × 35 × 20 cm), the Pégase 55 for tall cabin (55 × 38 × 22 cm) and the Pégase 65 for the hold (65 × 45 × 25 cm). The Légère 55 is the modern structured version with a semi-rigid shell and silent wheels. All versions feature two wheels, a telescopic aluminium handle, reinforced natural vachetta corners and a TSA lock on recent models.

Canvases and colourways

The Pégase Monogram remains the most identifiable version — coated canvas extremely resistant to transit scuffing. The Pégase Damier Ebene (brown-black) is more discreet; the Pégase Damier Graphite (grey-black, 2008) is the most-requested men's version. The seasonal Pégase Damier Azur mainly attracts summer profiles. On vintage Epi leather editions, wear of the grained leather at the corners is a key state indicator.

Retail and pre-owned pricing

At boutique, the Pégase Légère 55 now exceeds $3,700, the historic Pégase 55 Monogram sat around $3,100 before catalogue retirement, the Pégase 65 exceeded $3,600. On JoliCloset, Pégase 55 Monogram in good condition trade around $1,100-1,800, Damier Graphite between $1,300 and $2,000, Pégase 65 between $1,400 and $2,200. Recent Légère models hold value more strongly, around $2,200-2,800 depending on condition. It is one of the best-preserved Louis Vuitton pieces second-hand, thanks to canvas durability and collector status.

Authenticating a Pégase

First check the date code inside, on a leather tab sewn into a pouch. The Monogram pattern must be strictly aligned on front and back, and symmetric on the sides despite the rigid shell. The telescopic aluminium handle carries a Louis Vuitton engraving at its base. The wheels are signed on the axle — a detail often overlooked by counterfeits. The interior lining varies by generation: light beige canvas on older versions, powder-pink microfiber on recent Légère. Internal holding straps are saddle-stitched in matching tinted vachetta leather.

For soft travel, see also the Keepall.