Louis Vuitton Epi Pochette Accessoires 24 in Cipango Gold
Pouch / Underarm Bag (Hand-held Pochette) · Louis Vuitton (LVMH); Luxury tier. Established as a malletier in 1854; reputable for high-durability travel and leather goods.
Collection: Epi Leather Collection; Permanent line introduced in 1985; this specific color variant was popularized in the 1990s.
Style
Pouch / Underarm Bag (Hand-held Pochette)
Brand
Louis Vuitton (LVMH); Luxury tier. Established as a malletier in 1854; reputable for high-durability travel and leather goods.
Material
Epi Leather; a vegetable-tanned, dyed-through leather embossed with a wave-like pattern and finished with a water-resistant coating. Machine-stitched with heavy-duty thread and edge-painted finish.
Dimensions
Width: 24 cm (9.4 in), Height: 13 cm (5.1 in), Depth: 3 cm (1.2 in). Size variant: 24 (Standard Pochette size).
Description
A sophisticated and architectural piece, this Louis Vuitton Pochette in Cipango Gold Epi leather showcases the house's mastery of texture. The Epi line was Louis Vuitton's first permanent leather collection, designed to be both durable and discreet. This pouch features the iconic horizontal grain and a debossed LV logo, offering a refined alternative to the Monogram canvas. Its structured rectangular silhouette makes it a timeless accessory for both day and evening use.
Key Features
Horizontal wave-like Epi texture; debossed LV logo in the bottom right corner; semi-rigid structure; matching edge paint; Cipango Gold colorway.
Material & Construction
Epi Leather; a vegetable-tanned, dyed-through leather embossed with a wave-like pattern and finished with a water-resistant coating. Machine-stitched with heavy-duty thread and edge-painted finish.
Color & Pattern
Cipango Gold (Tan/Camel); horizontal textured Epi grain. The color is a classic permanent-adjacent shade from the late vintage era.
Hardware Details
Gold-tone brass hardware. Minimal visible hardware on front; typically features a brass zipper pull and side D-ring for strap attachment (strap not shown).
Interior Description
Cross-grain leather lining in matching tan; usually includes a single main compartment with a small slip pocket or no pockets depending on the specific year; heat stamp 'Louis Vuitton Paris Made in France' located inside.
Closure Type
Top zipper closure; the flap design suggests it may be a specific variant like the Pochette Homme or a structured flap organizer, though it closely mirrors the 24 standard silhouette.
Strap & Handle Details
Currently missing from image; originally likely featured a short, detachable leather strap in matching Cipango Gold Epi leather for hand or shoulder carry.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship; tight, uniform machine stitching; high-relief embossing that retains its texture even after decades of use; heavy pigment-dyeing process ensures color longevity.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry of the Epi grain; depth and clarity of the LV debossing; consistent stitch length; characteristic aging of the brass hardware; quality of the edge glazing (though worn).
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in France; manufactured in one of Louis Vuitton's historical leather workshops using high-standard industrial assembly techniques.
Era & Period
Late 1980s to early 1990s; characterized by the 'Power Dressing' era where structured, durable, and logo-discreet bags were preferred over high-contrast monograms.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-1996 based on the specific tonality of the Cipango Gold and the placement of the debossed LV logo in the bottom right corner.
Cultural Significance
Represented a shift toward 'quiet luxury' before the term existed; widely favored by professionals in the 1990s for its scratch-resistant properties and professional aesthetic.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible darkening/dirt on the center flap; corner wear and scuffing on the bottom left edge; slight distortion of the flap shape; leather appears dry and may require conditioning.
Value Estimate
Resale range: $250 - $550 USD depending on the presence of the original strap and the success of cleaning the surface marks.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a damp cloth; use a leather conditioner specifically formulated for textured leathers to avoid residue in the grooves; store in a dust bag with light stuffing; professional edge-paint touch-up recommended for the corners.
Similar Handbags
LV Monogram Pochette Accessoires (Canvas version); LV Epi Mabillon (Backpack style); Hermes Jige (Flat clutch alternative).
Interesting Facts
Epi leather was inspired by a 1920s grain pattern used by the house; it was the first all-leather line launched after the massive success of their coated canvases.
Notes
Louis Vuitton