The iconic Louis Vuitton Babylone Tote

Louis Vuitton has released many tote/-shopperbags. This type of bag is great for everyday use since they will most of the time fit anything, while still being easy to carry around your shoulder. One of the popular tote bags from the 90s is the Louis Vuitton Babylone Tote (MPN: M51102). A classic tote, shoulder bag designed in the late 80s and produced until the early 00s. Originally, the Babylone Tote was meant to be an office/school bag. Being big enough to carry all of your essentials, while still being stylish. Similar to the Cabas collection, it was likely discontinued to make room for the newer Louis Vuitton totes like the Louis Vuitton Neverfull, Louis Vuitton Palermo, and Louis Vuitton Montorguiel.

What's behind the name?

Unfortunately, we are not completely sure of what the inspiration behind the name of the Babylone Tote was. Most likely, it was the ancient city of “Babylon” after which the bag was named. This famous city was one of the largest cities of the ancient world, and was referenced in the Bible multiple times. The city of Babylon was known for its beautiful and luxurious buildings, the ruins of which are located in present-day Iraq, about 94km southwest of Baghdad. In the old Akkadian language, Babylon meant “Gate of the Gods”.

In the present day the meaning of the word “Babylon” has changed quite a bit. In the USA Babylon is used to describe any rich and magnificent city, believed to be a place of excessive luxury. While in the UK any corrupt (group in) society is called Babylon.

Design

The Babylone Tote is a big shopper type bag that will fit pretty much anything, this makes it the perfect bag for work or school, or just any activity that requires you to bring anything with you! Other than most tote bags, it’s more structured and stiffer. The bag is round shaped, without any harsh, square corners, making it simple and stylish. The rounded sides are folded, this makes them somewhat expandable, so you can fit even more inside. However, the bag is quite narrow. So, because of the shape, and the stiffness you will have to fit items vertically. The flat bottom makes sure that you can put it down while the bag will stay standing up.

The Louis Vuitton Babylone Tote is a big shopper type bag that will fit almost everything - Photo's by  The Art Of Mike Magnolia and Poshmark

The entire bag can be closed with a zipper. Inside of the bag you will find one big compartment, a bigger pocket that can be closed with a zipper, one slip-in pocket, and two pencil holders/pockets. The straps on the Babylone Tote are made of leather, and are not detachable or adjustable. But, because the straps are ticker than on other tote bags, the Babylone Tote is very comfortable to wear around your shoulder.

Like most Louis Vuitton bags, the Babylone Tote is most popular and common in the classic Monogram canvas, but can also be found in Damier canvas. It has Vachetta leather trims and shoulder straps. The older bags have cross-grain leather linings, while the newer versions have light alcantara lining, which is lighter.

Sizes

The Louis Vuitton Babylone Tote comes in one size.

Ready to find your own Babylone Tote?

Louis Vuitton still sells a bag called Babylone today, however, this is a completely different bag than the Babylone Tote from the 80s/90s. The Tote was discontinued in the mid-00s, but is still available on the vintage market. If you’re looking to find an authentic vintage Louis Vuitton Babylone Tote, you’ve come to the right place. We’re always looking for unique designer pieces, and we can never say no to a classic Louis Vuitton tote bag. With the original retail price being $1260, you’d be sure to find a great deal for a vintage bag. Check out our Babylone Tote collection to find your next dream bag.

With love, Jessica

Sources
Archieluxury
Collins Dictionary 
Ancient.eu