The Noe
The vintage Louis Vuitton Noé
Created in 1932 by Gaston-Louis Vuitton, the Noé is one of the oldest models still produced by the house. Its origin is unusual: it was designed at the request of a champagne merchant who was looking for a bag able to carry five bottles upright. The bucket shape, closed by a sliding drawstring, was born of this functional constraint — and has barely changed since.
Which Noé is right for you?
Three sizes have followed one another, each with a distinct use.
- Grand Noé — 37 cm high, the original 1932 size, generous capacity (ideal for weekends, travel, or for those who love the sculptural effect)
- Petit Noé — about 25 cm, the most common on the vintage market, an everyday balance
- Mini Noé — a more recent compact version, to be worn crossbody or on the shoulder
Available materials and canvases
- Monogram — the original coated canvas, caramel brown, with handles and drawstring in natural cowhide that develops a patina over time
- Épi — grained leather with a wheat-ear texture, created in 1985, in several colors (black, Castilian red, yellow, cobalt blue, myrtle green). Rarer and more sought-after.
- Damier Ebene and Azur — later versions, less common on the Noé
Signature detail: the drawstring
The sliding drawstring that closes the bag is the Noé's most recognizable element. It may have developed a patina, come undone or been shortened over the years. On the pieces we offer, we check its original condition and note any wear in the bag's description.
Authentic Noé at AMANA
Every Noé in our selection goes through our authentication check in Toulouse: inspection of the canvas, the stitching, the date code, the drawstring, the cowhide handles, and all manufacturing marks. Your bag is delivered with its authenticity card, in secure packaging, within 48 hours, with a 14-day return option.
A well-chosen Noé is recognizable at first glance and accompanies several generations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Grand Noé, Petit Noé and Mini Noé?
The Grand Noé measures 37 × 35 × 21 cm and is the original 1932 size. The Petit Noé measures about 25 × 26 × 18 cm — the most common on the vintage market. The Mini Noé is more recent, a compact crossbody size. Beyond the size, it is the silhouette that changes: the larger the bag, the stronger the sculptural effect.
How can you tell an authentic Noé?
The main markers: the perfect regularity of the Monogram (patterns aligned at the seams), the quality of the cowhide leather of the handles and drawstring (which turns caramel with time), the embossed date code inside, the original sliding drawstring system, and the absence of irregularities in the stitching. Our team checks everything before the bag goes on sale.
Is the Noé an everyday bag?
The Petit Noé is very usable day to day: its capacity matches a standard city bag (smartphone, wallet, pouch, book, small essentials). The Grand Noé is better suited to wider uses (travel, weekends). The drawstring closure requires a regular readjustment gesture.
How much does a vintage Louis Vuitton Noé cost?
Petit Noé bags in Monogram in very good condition (grade B+) typically sell between €400 and €700. Colored Épi pieces and period Grand Noé can exceed €900. Prices depend on condition, year and the rarity of the color.
Does the Noé come with a removable shoulder strap?
The classic Noé has no removable shoulder strap — it is worn on the shoulder thanks to its long leather handle. The Mini Noé, launched more recently, does include a removable strap and is worn crossbody. If you want a Noé worn crossbody, look at the Mini.
Can the drawstring be replaced?
Yes, but we recommend keeping the original drawstring if it is still functional, as it carries part of the bag's identity. If it breaks, Louis Vuitton offers a replacement in store (paid service). On the pieces we sell, the condition of the drawstring is always specified.
