Louis Vuitton Bond Street BB vs. Croisette: Which one should you buy?

The Louis Vuitton Bond Street BB and the Croisette are both compact, elegant top-handle bags, but they cater to slightly different styles. The Bond Street BB has a highly structured, boxy, and minimalist silhouette for a classic and professional look, while the Croisette features a more contemporary, relaxed shape with a signature tassel detail that makes it incredibly versatile for both casual and dressy occasions.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide which one from Louis Vuitton is the right fit for your collection.

Louis Vuitton Bond Street BB

The Bond Street BB is all about pure, structured elegance. Its clean lines, boxy shape, and minimal detailing give it a timeless and sophisticated feel. This bag is an exercise in refined design, making it a perfect companion for professional settings, formal events, or for anyone who favors a classic, polished aesthetic in their daily wardrobe.

• What it is: A compact, structured top-handle bag with a detachable shoulder strap, designed for a sophisticated and classic look.
• Key features: A distinct boxy shape, smooth leather flap and top handle, subtle magnetic closure, and minimalist design. It's available in Damier Ebene canvas paired with colored leather or in all Epi leather.
• Price: Around $2,050 USD, prices may vary by material.
• Materials/Construction: Offered in durable Damier Ebene coated canvas with Taurillon leather trim or in highly resilient, textured Epi leather.
• Sizing/Fit: Measures approximately 8.7 x 6.7 x 3.5 inches. Its interior is organized and large enough for daily essentials like a phone, small wallet, keys, and lipstick without feeling cluttered.
• Pros: Timeless and classic design will never go out of style. The structured silhouette looks polished and holds its shape well. Epi leather option is extremely durable and scratch-resistant. Works seamlessly with professional and formal attire.
• Cons: Its structured, formal nature might feel too rigid for very casual weekend outfits. Slightly smaller capacity than the Croisette.

This bag suits the person who appreciates understated, classic elegance and needs a go-to handbag for work-to-evening events.

Shop this product: us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/bond-street-bb

Louis Vuitton Croisette

The Louis Vuitton Croisette is a compact powerhouse of modern versatility. While still structured, it has a softer silhouette than the Bond Street BB and a playful yet chic tassel that adds a touch of bohemian flair. It's the perfect size for everyday wear and transitions effortlessly from a crossbody for casual brunches to a top-handle for evening drinks.

• What it is: A versatile and compact handbag featuring a signature S-lock, top handle, removable shoulder strap, and a removable tassel.
• Key features: Slightly rounded and relaxed body shape, iconic S-lock closure, fun but removable leather tassel. Made from signature LV coated canvas.
• Price: Starts at approximately $2,050 USD.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from Louis Vuitton’s iconic Monogram canvas or Damier Ebene/Azur coated canvas with natural cowhide leather trim.
• Sizing/Fit: Measures approximately 9.4 x 7.1 x 3.5 inches, making it just slightly larger than the Bond Street BB and offering a bit more room for essentials.
• Pros: Extremely versatile for a wide range of styles and occasions. Slightly larger capacity is practical for daily use. Playful tassel adds a unique design element but can be removed for a more serious look. Both strap and handle offer multiple ways to carry.
• Cons: The tassel is a love-it-or-hate-it detail for some. Coated canvas is durable but may feel less formal than full Epi leather.

This is the perfect choice for someone wanting a stylish, functional, and contemporary bag that can truly do it all.

Shop this product: us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/croisette-TPM

Bond Street BB vs. Croisette Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The core difference between these two bags lies in their aesthetic. The Bond Street BB is defined by its clean, sharp, and structured silhouette. It's formal, polished, and minimalist - a truly classic handbag shape that communicates seriousness and sophistication.

In contrast, the Croisette leans more into modern versatility. While it maintains a structured shape, its edges are softer, and its overall feel is more relaxed. The addition of the signature S-lock and removable tassel gives it a more decorative and playful vibe, making it adaptable to a broader range of settings, from weekend casual to cocktail attire.

Size & Capacity

The two bags are very similar in size, but the Croisette is marginally bigger. The Bond Street BB measures 8.7" x 6.7" x 3.5", while the Croisette measures 9.4" x 7.1" x 3.5".

That extra half-inch in length and height gives the Croisette a slightly more generous interior, easily fitting a full-size wallet, smartphone, keys, and a few makeup items. The Bond Street BB can hold these as well, but it will be a more snug fit due to its stiffer, more structured sides. For true minimalists, the Bond Street BB is perfect, but for those who like to carry a bit extra, the Croisette offers more practical space.

Materials & Durability

Both bags are crafted with Louis Vuitton’s renowned quality. The Croisette is primarily available in the brand's hard-wearing coated canvas (Monogram, Damier Ebene, Damier Azur), which is known for its incredible resistance to scratches and water.

The Bond Street BB also comes in Damier Ebene canvas but is distinctively offered in all-over Epi leather. Epi leather is a rigid, textured leather that is exceptionally tough and resistant to wear and tear. This option gives the Bond Street BB a more luxurious, high-end feel and is an excellent choice for those wanting maximum durability with a sleek, solid-color look.

Price & Value

With retail prices floating around the same $2,050 USD price point, there is no significant difference in cost. The value proposition for each is tied directly to your priorities. The Bond Street BB offers value through its timeless design and the option for ultra-durable Epi leather, making it a professional's workhorse. The Croisette’s value comes from its sheer versatility - it can adapt to almost any outfit or occasion, meaning you can get more daily use out of it.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are excellent bags, but they are designed for different priorities and lifestyles.

Choose the Bond Street BB if:

• You prefer a highly structured, minimalist, and classic look.
• You need a sophisticated bag for professional environments or formal events.
• Your personal style leans more towards polished and timeless ensembles.
• You want the option of the incredibly durable and luxurious Epi leather material.

Choose the Croisette if:

• You favor a versatile bag that can seamlessly transition from day to night and casual to dressy.
• You appreciate trendy-yet-timeless design details like the S-lock and tassel.
• You need a slightly larger interior for your everyday essentials.
• You love the iconic look of Louis Vuitton's coated canvas prints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Bond Street BB and the Croisette?

The main difference is styling. The Bond Street BB is more structured, minimalist, and classic, with a formal, boxy shape. The Croisette is more contemporary and versatile, with a slightly softer shape and decorative details like a tassel and S-lock.

Which bag holds more?

The Croisette holds slightly more. It's about a half-inch wider and taller than the Bond Street BB, giving it a bit of extra room for essentials like a full-size wallet or small cosmetic pouch.

Are the shoulder straps removable on both bags?

Yes, both bags come with a removable and non-adjustable shoulder/crossbody strap, allowing you to carry them by the top handle, on the shoulder, or as a crossbody bag.

Which bag is better for everyday use?

For most people, the Croisette is better for everyday use. Its slightly larger capacity and more relaxed style make it practical for a wide variety of daily activities and outfits, from running errands to meeting friends for lunch.

Does Epi leather scratch easily?

No, Epi leather, available on the Bond Street BB, is renowned for its incredible durability and scratch resistance. Its textured surface is designed to withstand daily wear, making it a great option for a long-lasting handbag.

Can you fit a full-size wallet in these bags?

Yes, both bags can generally accommodate a standard full-size continental wallet (around 7.5 inches long). It will fit more comfortably in the slightly longer Croisette, but it fits in the Bond Street BB as well.

Do these bags have metal feet?

No, neither the Bond Street BB nor the Croisette are designed with metal feet at the bottom. It's best to be mindful of where you set them down to protect the base.

Is one bag a better investment?

Both bags are from Louis Vuitton and hold their value well compared to other designer brands. The best investment is the bag that fits your personal style and that you will use and enjoy the most. The classic design of the Bond Street BB may have lasting appeal, while the popularity of the Croisette makes it highly sought after in the resale market.