Louis Vuitton: how two iconic bags came to be

This week at Consign Couture, we’ve had a steady stream of Louis Vuitton bags, wallets, apparel and accessories coming in and out of the shop, so it seems appropriate to tell the story of two of them!

LV Noe, a bag with a bubbly history

First up, a bag with a very particular history: the Louis Vuitton Noe Bucket Bag.

 

Chic but sturdy, the Noe’ bag was the result of a special commission: in 1932, a winemaker approached Gaston-Louis Vuitton (grandson of LV founder Louis Vuitton) in want of a stylish bag to give his clients that could be used to transport multiple bottles of champagne. The original versions of the bag could hold four bottles of bubbly standing upright, with a fifth inverted in the middle. The reinforced bottom kept them supported and the drawstring top held the bottles in place to prevent clanging together and breaking. The bag has since been released in multiple sizes and reimagined in dozens of colors and prints.

 

Why “Noe'”? Noe’ is the French version of the name ‘Noah’ and, as the story goes, is a reference to the Biblical Noah, who, after descending from the Ark, planted a vineyard to make wine. We love a practical & stylish piece with a special story behind it! The Noe’ bag is available now on our website. 

LV ALMA: made for an icon. 

We don’t use the word “icon” lightly, but in this case, we think it’s deserved. Today we’re talking about the Louis Vuitton Alma, a handbag with a distinctive shape that’s sleek, spacious, and sits somewhere between a bowling bag and a doctor’s bag. The Alma was designed nearly 100 years ago, in 1925, but didn’t debut to the public until nearly 10 years later.
 
And why not? Rumor has it that it was first created as a custom design for Coco Chanel herself, and it wasn’t until later that she gave permission for the bag to be put into production for public consumption. This too was designed by Gaston-Louis Vuitton, grandson of LV founder Louis Vuitton, and has since been re-imagined in dozens of colors, prints, materials, and designs by during collaborations with artists. Find two beautiful examples of the Alma in our shop this week, one in black epi leather ($850, available at Washington Square Mall and online) and one in a classic monogrammed canvas ($1150, available in store and online. Visit us online to see the rest of our Louis Vuitton collection. 

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What’s your name and what do you do in life? Tell us about yourself and your business!
I’m Emily LaPlume, Founder & CEO of Saturday Swimwear — a sustainable women’s swimwear brand designed for real life and real bodies. I’m passionate about creating timeless, comfortable, and eco-conscious swimwear that’s made ethically right here in the U.S.

What inspired you to get into your field of work?
Saturday Swimwear was born from my own frustration trying to find a swimsuit that felt good, looked good, and was functional. My shift towards sustainability came after witnessing the first hand effects fast fashion and overconsumption were having on the environment and developing communities around the world. I set out to prove that you don’t have to compromise between style, comfort, or responsibility. What sets us apart is that we manufacture small batch collections in Los Angeles, use sustainable fabrics like ECONYL® regenerated nylon, and prioritize quality, fit, and function — creating suits that move with you, not against you.

Tell us about a milestone in your work or something that you’re especially proud of!
In 2022, I started what I call my “Artist Series,” where I collaborate with a female-identifying designer to create a one of a kind print for our suits inspired by their connection with nature. It has allowed me to connect with other creatives and tell the store behind the print, encouraging customers to build an even deeper connection with the products they’re purchasing. While it is taking a hiatus for 2025, we are working on some fun stuff for next year!

What inspires you? Where do you look for inspiration?
Nature is my biggest source of inspiration — especially the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. From the muted tones of a misty coastline to the vibrant colors of alpine wildflowers, I pull a lot of ideas for color palettes, textures, and even product design from time spent outdoors.

Do you know any resources for textile recycling?
A great option available right here in Portland is Ridwell. There is also For Days’ “Take Back Bag” program and Terracycle. Some cities have their own textile-specific recycling drop-offs!

Tell us your favorite secondhand shopping story?
My husband and I recently moved to Portland and during our first day exploring our new neighborhood, we discovered Consign Couture and I was SHOCKED at how well curated and not overwhelming CC felt (I will be the first to admit that secondhand shopping can feel fairly overwhelming for me). I found a pair of pants and shoes that I loved, but ultimately decided to hold off on buying them. The next day, my husband had gone back and purchased both items and surprised me with them for my birthday.

What challenges have you encountered while working to make Saturday Swim more environmentally sustainable? How have you addressed them?
Sustainability is at the core of Saturday Swimwear — from sourcing recycled materials to producing in small batches to minimize waste. One challenge is that eco-friendly fabrics and ethical manufacturing cost significantly more, which can make it harder to compete with fast fashion brands. But I’ve found that our customers want to invest in products that they know will last, align with their values, and fit well.

Tell us about your favorite outfit. What makes you feel your best, or the most “you”?
My go-to is a pair of dark grey straight denim jeans from Whimsy + Row, a black ribbed, cropped tank from Pepper, a thrifted, vintage Palmetto’s Fleece jacket, and my Blundstones. Despite working in the fashion industry, I love simplicity and most of my clothes are grey, black, or forest green.

What do you do in your free time?
You can usually find me outside — hiking, snowboarding, walking my dogs, or camping. I have recently rediscovered my love for reading and can always get down with a good book and a hammock hang.

Three things: The best thing you’ve read, the best thing you’ve watched or listened to, and the best thing you’ve eaten lately?
Read: I’ve been on a serious fantasy kick and just finished Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas.
Watched/Heard: We’re on The Last of Us train (RIP Pedro)
Eaten: Having just moved to Portland, it is hard to choose one thing, but we have been loving the croissants from Baker & Spice in Hillsdale!

(Bonus) A few small, local businesses you love:
Consign Couture (obviously!)
Origin Story
Baker & Spice
Make & Mary

x Emily