We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence | About us
Ideal for coffee dates, gallery visits and city evenings, this vintage Louis Vuitton Papillon 26 in Damier Ebene lends refined structure to everyday looks. Compact yet practical, it keeps your essentials secure with its zip-top design, making it a chic companion from day to night.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What are the measurements and how does it carry? A: The Papillon 26 is approximately 26–27 cm in length with a diameter/height around 13–13.5 cm, and a handle drop of about 14–15 cm. It is designed to be carried by hand or in the crook of the arm rather than as a shoulder or crossbody bag.
Q: What typically fits inside the Papillon 26? A: Everyday essentials such as a large smartphone, compact wallet, keys, lipstick, and sunglasses in a slim case fit comfortably. Thanks to its cylindrical shape, a 500 ml water bottle can fit horizontally. Flat items larger than A5 are unlikely to fit neatly; using small pouches helps organise the space.
Q: Does this model come with a shoulder strap or a mini Papillon pouch? A: No. The classic Papillon 26 has fixed top handles and no strap attachments. Some Papillon 30 versions were sold with a small “mini Papillon” accessory, but the 26 typically was not. Everything included with this specific piece is listed under Accessories; this listing notes no accessories.
Q: Is this vintage Papillon 26 still produced today? A: No, this exact 26 cm barrel style is no longer part of the current Louis Vuitton line-up. The House reintroduced the silhouette in recent years as the Papillon BB, which has different proportions and usually includes a strap/chain; it is not the same size or construction as the vintage 26.
Q: What is the material and is it OK in light rain? A: It is crafted from Damier Ebene coated canvas with treated brown leather trim and gold‑tone hardware. Both the coated canvas and treated leather are durable and more tolerant of light rain than untreated vachetta; however, it is not waterproof. Wipe dry promptly if it gets wet and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture or heat.
Q: Where is the date code and what does it tell me? A: On most Papillon 26 bags, the date code is stamped on a small leather tab inside the bag, often along a seam or near the interior pocket. Date codes indicate where and when the item was made, but on their own they do not authenticate a bag.
Q: Any tips for packing and daily care? A: Place rounded items along the length of the bag to suit the cylindrical shape and avoid overfilling to reduce stress on the zip. Clean the canvas with a soft, slightly damp cloth only; avoid alcohol-based products, harsh chemicals, or abrasives. Store the bag lightly stuffed in a breathable dust bag to help maintain its shape.
Q: What is the interior like on Damier Ebene Papillon 26 pieces? A: Many Damier Ebene Papillon 26 bags feature a terracotta or red‑brown cross‑grain leather lining. Shades may vary slightly by production batch and year, which is normal for vintage pieces.
Q: How does the Papillon 26 compare to the Papillon 30 for capacity and wear? A: The Papillon 30 is 4 cm longer and holds noticeably more; many find the 30 slightly easier to wear on the shoulder. The 26 is more compact, secure for essentials, and is best carried by hand or in the crook of the arm.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale is registered for UK VAT. All prices on the website include shipping, customs, and VAT for deliveries to the UK.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
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Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
/ Louis Vuitton
/ Bags
/ Handbags
697 £
61%
off retail price
• Damier Ebene canvas with brown leather trim
• Gold-toned hardware
• Dual top handles
• Terracotta-coloured lining with one main compartment
• Top zip closure
• Vintage
The authenticity of this bag has been checked and verified by our experts who have over 10 years of experience in vintage and luxury bags. We also use a well established 3rd party authentication tool to verify our bags.
