Review : Is the Louis Vuitton Monogram Milk Box the best bag LV has ever made?

review

14 Jun

When you think of iconic Louis Vuitton handbags I am guessing you think of the Neverfull MM, Speedy, Keepall, Capucines and Artsy. You also probably think of the Alma and Pochette - (I understand they are classics, but I do not love these two, something about the Alma’s shape makes it feel dated to me, but not in a good way and the Pochette is too small - I’d rather have the Prada Nylon reissue, actually I also have a problem with the Prada (read here)

But, I bet the style you never think of is the Milk Box. The Milk Box is from Virgil Abloh's Pre-Spring/Summer 2020 collection and came under the category of menswear.

I never knew I wanted or needed the Milk Box until I went online at Sellier Knightsbridge. The structure of this bag caught my eye, for me, structured bags stand the test of time in your wardrobe. I also liked that it looked like it could fit a lot in whilst still being a weekend/go to brunch bag… anyone who reads this blog knows I like to travel with a full makeup bag, hairbrush, wallet, keys, AirPods and sunglasses at all times.

I started watching this bag online for months and when I say months it might have even been a year. I just could not justify buying it - I was saving money and I did not need another bag. It was too expensive and I put it to the back of my mind.

But then, Sellier notified me of their summer sale...I noticed that the Milk Box Bag was still not in the sale… I clicked on it anyway because I like to add items to my make believe shopping basket. It was then to my utter joy and excitement that the price went down! It had been online for £1,350 reduced down to £945. (That’s £405 off the already £900 reduction) I am a marketers dream, I bought it instantly. I saved on shipping costs (thrifty! ha) and selected store pick-up. (also a great way of sneaking in my new purchase undetected) it has got a mark on it - I think possibly from hand sanitiser leaking in the back pocket. But, I did not mind - you wouldn’t see that when I was wearing it.

I went into the Sellier Belgravia store to collect it. Can I take a minute to say everyone in there is beautiful…customers…dogs…staff…The co-owner Hanushka was in that day and wow I was actually a little starstruck and intimidated - do not go into this store if you aren’t feeling cute- it will do your ego serious damage.

Sellier has two stores in London - Belgravia and Knightsbridge. This was my first visit to the Belgravia store. The Belgravia store feels more intimate and busy, it gives you a welcoming feeling, it feels inviting to pick bags up and try clothing on. The Knightsbridge store on the other hand feels intimidating and quiet? If that makes sense? The handbags on display are limited and behind a glass display case - the clothing is on rails, but feels too expensive (despite being pre-loved) for me to even touch - BUT this is all because shoplifters constantly try to steal from the Knightsbridge this store - so I 100% get it, its for security reasons it has to be this way - damn you shoplifters.

I felt like a fraud as I tried my purchase on and Hanushka said ‘It’s the wrong way round!’ oh the shame of it all!!!! I put it on with the pocket at the front - how embarrassing! joking, she seems the nicest human.

PROS

Its discontinued. You cannot buy this bag anymore from Louis Vuitton. A rare gem.
It’s unique not a lot of people have it
It’s a Virgil Abloh design
Currently other LVMH styles are more popular on resale at the moment and therefore you can get a discount
The crossbody strap is perfectly proportioned meaning it hits the hip at a perfect height. Unlike the Balenciaga city which is way too low and hits your thigh every time you take a step - which is beyond annoying.
I got an insane discount. Yay.
Coated Canvas is super durable

CONS

Very well made (to its fault), the panels of coated canvas which act as the bags closure are extremely rigid and thick, but as a result it seriously hurts pulling your hand in and out of the bag. It scratches your knuckles and fingers every time.
The chain does jangle loudly when you walk - this can really annoy the person you are with
It did have slight water damage on the vachetta
It’s too big to double up as an evening bag
It is still expensive