The Louis Vuitton Cabas 

Over the years, Louis Vuitton has spoiled us with many amazing tote bags (or shoppers, if you prefer). No wonder that this type of bag is so popular, since they are very practical and user-friendly. In 2001, Louis Vuitton released the Cabas bag, a bag design with the balance of style and practicality in mind. Quite quickly, we saw the Louis Vuitton Cabas everywhere, and even celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Jessica Simpson were seen carrying around this bag.

“Cabas” literally translates to “Basket” or “Shopping bag”. Which is the perfect name for this bag, because of its size, it will fit anything and is great for everyday use.

Sizes: Piano, Mezzo, and Alto

The Cabas comes in three sizes: Piano, Mezzo, and Alto. The Cabas Piano is the smallest of the three. However, it’s still big enough to be considered a medium sizes handbag. The Cabas Mezzo is a very practical every day bag. It’s more the size of the average tote bag, which is quite big. Size wise, the Mezzo can be compared to the Louis Vuitton Neverfull. The Cabas Alto is really big, and can better be seen as an overnight or weekend bag, than a handbag.

Showing the size difference in the three versions of Cabas bags - by Ebay

The three bags are quite similar in design and differ mainly in the big difference in size. There is only one big difference: the Cabas Alto doesn’t have a zipper on the main compartment, unlike the Piano and Mezzo.

The design of the bag

The Louis Vuitton Cabas Piano, Mezzo, and Alto are all similar. They are simple and functional bags, with quite a lot of structure, meaning the material of the bag doesn’t allow a lot of movement. The bottom of the Cabas is made of leather, this makes sure that you can easily put the bag down, without having to worry about it falling down. The bags are square with two handles on top, making it easy to carry on the shoulder or on the crook of the elbow (although some people might find the handle drop too long for this).

The Cabas Piano and the Cabas Mezzo both have a zipper to close the main compartment. The Cabas Alto doesn’t have this, the main compartment stays open. The inside of the bag is the same for all three sizes. There is one pocket that closes with a zipper on the backside, one slip-in pocket for your phone, and one gold-plated keyring.

There aren’t many versions of the Cabas Piano, Mezzo, and Alto. They are most commonly found in the classic Monogram canvas. Yet, if you look for it, you will be able to find some in Damier Ebene canvas.

Angelina Jolie with her Louis Vuitton Cabas Piano and a photo of a Cabas Piano out of the collection of Etoile

Why it was discontinued

Around 2008/2009 Louis Vuitton decided to discontinue the Cabas Piano, Mezzo, and Alto. This was probably done to make room for the newer tote bags like the Neverfull, Palermo, and Montorguiel. In 2011 Louis Vuitton briefly brought the Cabas design back, because of its popularity among celebrities and clients. However, it has been discontinued again. The Louis Vuitton website does sell some new bags with the Cabas-name, but not the classis Piano, Mezzo, or Alto.

Find your Cabas with us

Nowadays, you don’t see the classic Cabas bags as frequently anymore, mainly because of the fair amount of other great Louis Vuitton tote bags. But in our eyes, this just makes it even more special. It is an amazing bag and we’re always happy to have some in our collection. Check to see if we have any Cabas Piano, Cabas Mezzo, or Cabas Alto, or send us a message to find out if we’ll receive them soon!

With love, Jessica

Sources
Luxe DH
thevintagebar
Brand off Ginza