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 singular: it was designed at the request of a Champagne merchant who needed a bag capable of transporting five bottles upright. The bucket format, closed by a sliding drawstring, was born from this functional constraint — and has barely changed since.
Which Noé is right for you?
Three formats have followed one another over the decades, each with a distinct use.
- Grand Noé — 37 cm tall, the original 1932 format, generous capacity (ideal for weekends, commuting, or those who appreciate the sculptural effect)
- Petit Noé — approximately 25 cm, the most common in pre-loved condition, a balanced everyday bag
- Mini Noé — a more recent compact version, to be worn over the shoulder or crossbody
Available materials and canvas
- Monogram — the original coated canvas, caramel brown, vachette handles and drawstring that develop a patina over time
- Épi — grained wheat-stalk leather, introduced in 1985, in several colours (black, Castilian red, yellow, cobalt blue, myrtle green). Rarer and sought after.
- Damier Ebene and Azur — later variations, less frequently seen on the Noé
Signature detail: the drawstring
The sliding drawstring that closes the bag is the Noé's most recognisable feature. Over the years it may have developed a patina, been untied, or shortened. On all pieces we offer, we assess its condition and note any wear in the bag's description.
Authentic Noé at AMANA
Every Noé in our selection goes through our authentication process in Toulouse: we verify the canvas, stitching, date code, drawstring, vachette handles and all manufacturing markings. Your bag is delivered with its authentication card, in secure packaging, within 48 hours, with a 14-day return option.
A well-chosen Noé is recognisable at first glance and travels across 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 — the original 1932 format. The Petit Noé measures approximately 25 × 26 × 18 cm — the most common in pre-loved condition. The Mini Noé is more recent, a compact crossbody size. Beyond the size difference, the silhouette changes: the larger the bag, the stronger the sculptural effect.
How to spot an authentic Noé?
The main markers: the perfect regularity of the Monogram (motifs aligned at the seams), the quality of the vachette leather on the handles and drawstring (which develops a caramel patina over time), the embossed date code inside, the original sliding drawstring system, and the absence of irregularities in the stitching. Our team checks all of these elements before listing.
Is the Noé a good everyday bag?
The Petit Noé works very well as a daily bag: its capacity matches a standard city bag (smartphone, wallet, pouch, book, small essentials). The Grand Noé is better suited to larger needs (commuting, weekends). The drawstring closure requires a small adjustment each time.
How much does a vintage Louis Vuitton Noé cost?
Petit Noé bags in Monogram in very good condition (grade B+) typically range between €400 and €700. Coloured Épi pieces and period Grand Noé bags can exceed €900. Prices depend on condition, year and the rarity of the colourway.
Does the Noé come with a removable shoulder strap?
The classic Noé does not have a removable shoulder strap — it is worn on the shoulder via its long leather handle. The Mini Noé, introduced more recently, does include a removable strap and can be worn crossbody. If you want a Noé worn crossbody, look at the Mini.
Can the drawstring be replaced?
Yes, though we recommend keeping the original drawstring if it is still functional, as it is part of the bag's identity. In the event of breakage, Louis Vuitton offers a replacement service in store (paid service). On all pieces we sell, the condition of the drawstring is systematically noted.
