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 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 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.
Style the vintage Louis Vuitton Papillon 30 for coffee dates, gallery visits and dinner in town. Its iconic Monogram and sleek, cylindrical silhouette add polish to denim by day and a little black dress by night—perfect for city breaks, lunches and relaxed evenings out.
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 typically fits inside the Louis Vuitton Monogram Papillon 30? A: With approximate measurements of 30 × 14 × 14 cm, it comfortably holds a long continental wallet, smartphone, keys, a small cosmetics pouch, a sunglasses case and a compact umbrella or a 500 ml water bottle laid horizontally. It is not designed for laptops or full‑size tablets; small tablets such as an iPad mini can fit depending on the case.
Q: Can the Papillon 30 be worn on the shoulder or crossbody? A: The classic Papillon 30 is designed for hand or crook‑of‑arm carry via its rolled leather handles (approx. 15 cm drop as listed). Some users can slip it over the shoulder, though it is a snug fit. It has no D‑rings for a strap, so crossbody carry is not part of the original design and add‑on clips are not recommended as they may stress the handles.
Q: Is the Papillon 30 still produced by Louis Vuitton? A: The traditional Monogram Papillon 30 is considered a vintage/discontinued style and is not part of the current core collection. Louis Vuitton has released modern reinterpretations inspired by the Papillon, which differ in size, structure and features.
Q: Did the Papillon 30 ever come with a small pouch? A: Some earlier Papillon 30 sets were sold with a small cylindrical pouch. Inclusion varies by production year and by listing. Please refer to the product information on this page for exactly what is included; for this piece, the product information notes a dust bag.
Q: How durable are the materials? A: Monogram canvas is a coated material that is hard‑wearing and water‑resistant. The vachetta leather handles and trim are natural and untreated, so they develop a patina over time and are sensitive to water, oils and hand sanitiser. Avoid rain and direct contact with liquids to minimise spotting and uneven darkening.
Q: How should I care for and store this vintage Papillon? A: Wipe canvas with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Keep vachetta dry and wipe gently with a clean, dry cloth only—avoid soaps, conditioners or oils. Store the bag lightly stuffed in a breathable dust bag, away from direct sunlight and heat. To maintain the cylindrical shape and keep items from shifting, use small pouches or a slim organiser inside.
Q: Where is the date code and what does it mean? A: On vintage Papillon bags, the date code is typically stamped on a small leather tab along an interior seam or near the pocket and indicates the production location and date. Codes can fade with wear. From 2021 onwards, Louis Vuitton introduced internal microchips instead of visible date codes, but this vintage model may have a stamped code. At A Retro Tale, authentication relies on a multi‑point expert review rather than date codes alone.
Q: Will a water bottle fit, and does the bag roll when set down? A: A 500 ml bottle fits horizontally. Because of the rounded base, items may shift and the bag can roll when empty; packing with pouches and placing heavier items at the bottom helps it sit more securely.
Q: What should I know about this specific item’s condition? A: Please review the condition notes and photos. This piece shows a developed patina with visible wear, darkening and some cracking on the handles, marks inside, and scratches/dullness on the hardware, consistent with a well‑kept vintage item.
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 offers free shipping to most EU countries. Click here to see the full list of eligible countries.
The shipping fee will be clearly shown during the checkout process. In some cases—such as during promotions or depending on your delivery location—shipping costs may vary. If no special rates apply, the standard international shipping fee of $49 will be charged.
We ship all orders from Sweden. Depending on your country’s import regulations, your order may be subject to customs duties, VAT, GST, or other local taxes upon arrival.
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.
If you have any questions about customs, duties, or taxes, feel free to contact our customer service team — we’re happy to help!
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.
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.
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.
/ Louis Vuitton
/ Bags
/ Handbags
• Monogram canvas with Vachetta leather trim
• Gold-tone hardware
• Dual flat leather handles
• Brown cross-grain leather lining with one main compartment
• Top zip closure
• Vintage
Customs fee and local taxes may apply upon delivery
Fast delivery, fully insured and traced
Export deal 15% off sitewide
Delivered with
dustbag
Made in
France
Product number:
865-20509
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.