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.
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Perfect for polished daytime outings, this vintage Louis Vuitton Ellipse GM in Monogram canvas with Vachetta leather and gold-plated hardware transitions from city shopping to brunch to short weekend escapes. Dual shoulder straps and a secure top zip add ease while bringing timeless LV elegance to every ensemble.
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 Ellipse GM? A: With approximate measurements of 45 × 32 × 14 cm for this piece, the Ellipse GM is a roomy, structured shoulder bag that comfortably carries daily essentials: smartphone, long (continental) wallet, keys, sunglasses in a soft case, a cosmetics pouch, compact umbrella, an A5/A4 diary or documents, and a small water bottle. Capacity is generous but the curved zip opening reduces the usable width at the top—packing with a few pouches helps it keep shape and stay organised.
Q: Will it fit a laptop or tablet? A: Most 11–13-inch laptops and tablets fit, especially slim models or those without bulky cases. A 14‑inch laptop can be a snug fit due to the tapered top; compare your device dimensions with the Measurements listed here and feel free to ask us for a tailored fit check for this exact bag.
Q: What is the interior layout and does it have exterior pockets? A: The Ellipse GM (often referred to as the Ellipse “Shopping”) typically features a wrap‑around top zip for secure access, a brown textile‑lined main compartment and one interior flat pocket. Many GM examples also include a front zipped exterior pocket; please refer to our listing photos to see the exact configuration of this piece.
Q: Can I wear it crossbody? Are the straps adjustable? A: The Ellipse GM comes with dual Vachetta leather shoulder straps designed for shoulder carry; they are not adjustable and the bag is not intended for crossbody wear. If you’d like the exact handle/strap drop for this item, just ask and we’ll measure it for you.
Q: How secure is the closure? A: It has a top zip closure that runs along the curved frame, offering good everyday security. For valuables, we recommend using the interior pocket or a small zip pouch inside when commuting.
Q: Is this model still produced? A: The original Ellipse line debuted in the late 1990s and was discontinued in the late 2000s; Louis Vuitton reissued a modernised Ellipse PM in 2023, but the large GM “Shopping” version remains a vintage piece found on the pre‑loved market.
Q: What does the date code VI 0997 mean on this bag? A: For Louis Vuitton items made between 1990 and 2006, the date code uses two letters and four numbers where the 1st and 3rd digits indicate the month and the 2nd and 4th indicate the year. “VI” denotes France; “0997” decodes to September 1997—consistent with this piece’s “Made in France” heat‑stamp. Note: from 2021 onward, LV replaced physical date codes with embedded microchips, but vintage pieces like this one retain traditional codes.
Q: What materials and hardware does it have, and how durable is it? A: This model is crafted in Louis Vuitton’s Monogram coated canvas with natural (untreated) Vachetta leather trim and gold‑tone hardware. The canvas is robust and wipe‑clean; the Vachetta trim will develop a honey patina over time with use and exposure—this is a hallmark of the material rather than a flaw.
Q: How should I care for the Vachetta leather and canvas? A: Keep the bag dry and away from heavy rain; Vachetta is sensitive to water and oils and can mark if exposed. Wipe canvas with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry immediately; avoid harsh chemicals. For Vachetta, use a soft dry cloth and, if desired, a high‑quality neutral leather conditioner very sparingly and only after testing on a discreet area. Store stuffed, upright, in a breathable dust bag, with straps tucked and protected to minimise imprints and preserve the structured silhouette.
Q: What accessories are included with this specific item? A: This listing is sold as the bag only and includes no accessories. Some Ellipse GM pieces were originally supplied with a padlock and keys for the zip pulls, but if an accessory isn’t mentioned under “Accessories,” it isn’t included with this bag.
Q: How do you authenticate this bag? A: Every item at A Retro Tale is rigorously vetted by our in‑house experts using multi‑point checks of materials, stitching, hardware, stamps, date code and overall construction. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and are happy to share additional photos or details on request.
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.
Outside EU, Åland and UK: Please note that customers outside of EU, Åland and UK are responsible upon delivery for any import duties, goods and services tax (GST), value added tax (VAT), customs fees, and any other tax on top of the A Retro Tale listed price. Delivery delays may occur due to external factors such as customs clearance, holidays etc.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Europe: 1-4 business days.
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-plated hardware
• Dual Vachetta leather shoulder straps
• Brown canvas lining with one internal pocket
• 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.
