The Return of an Icon: Diving into the Louis Vuitton Atlantis Bag and Size Guide
, by Jiaxin He, 4 min reading time
First gracing the runway in a highly memorable debut and then making an even bigger splash with its recent return, the Louis Vuitton Atlantis bag has captured the hearts of luxury enthusiasts worldwide. With its distinctive, yet effortless "grocery bag" silhouette, it offers a perfect blend of high fashion and practical functionality.
Let's dive into the history, evolution, and sizing of this captivating Louis Vuitton classic. And discover why the original Atlantis still enjoys a big following on the preloved market, years after its discontinuation. The favoritism only increased after the release of the second generation.
📅 The First Wave: Atlantis Version 1
The Louis Vuitton Atlantis bag was first revealed on the runway for the Fall-Winter 2016 ready-to-wear collection.
This initial version introduced the unique shape—a soft, unstructured tote with cinched handles—that became instantly recognizable. While the design was relatively short-lived in the brand's main lineup, it achieved cult-favorite status, making it a highly sought-after piece in the pre-loved market for years after its discontinuation.
🌟 The Second Generation: The Relaunch
The Atlantis made a triumphant return, confirming its status as a timeless piece, beginning in 2023. It was featured as a star companion bag in the Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2023 show in Seoul and subsequently reappeared in the Cruise 2024 collection.
This relaunched version is considered the second generation of the Atlantis bag, modernized to appeal to today's luxury consumer who values both style and substantial carrying capacity.
⚖️ V1 vs. V2: What's the Difference?
While both versions share the signature slouchy, tote-like "shopping bag" silhouette, the second generation (2023/2024) introduced key updates that set it apart from the original (2016) model:
| Feature | Version 1 (2016) | Version 2 (Relaunch 2023/2024) |
| Monogram | Often featured the classic Monogram canvas. | Widely released in the classic Monogram canvas and the trendy Monogram Reverse canvas. |
| Structure | Known for a very unstructured, floppy look, emphasizing the "paper bag" inspiration. | Less slouchy or supple, often appears slightly more refined and substantial in material. |
| Strap | Typically featured a single, thick leather shoulder strap or no strap other than the handles (depending on the exact model). | Includes a removable and adjustable strap, significantly enhancing its versatility for crossbody or shoulder wear. |
| Internal Features | No removable pouch. | The current version often includes a removable internal zipped pouch for organization and a removable name tag. |
The Verdict
The original Atlantis still enjoys a following on the preloved market thanks to its supple texture and the slouchier look.
📏 Sizing Up the Atlantis
The Louis Vuitton Atlantis is primarily available in two sizes in its current iteration, catering to different needs from a daily carryall to a statement micro-bag.
Here are the details for the most prominent current models:
| Model Name | Dimensions (L x H x W) | Use & Capacity |
|
Atlantis GM |
34 x 34 x 13.5 cm (Approx. 13.4 x13.4 x 5.3 in) | The largest size. Perfect for work, travel, or an overnight bag. Can comfortably fit a 9-inch tablet and all daily essentials. |
|
Atlantis PM |
25 x 25 x 10cm (Approx. 10 x 10 x 4 in) |
The small size of the 2016 version. |
|
Atlantis BB |
19 x 20 x 8 cm (Approx. 7.5 x 7.9 x 3.1 in) |
The smallest size, often used as a micro-bag or for essentials (phone, wallet, keys, lipstick). Ideal for a stylish grab-and-go option. |
The GM (Grand Modèle) is the direct successor to the original Atlantis's largest size, staying true to the oversized, functional tote concept. The BB (Baby Bandoulière) is a newer, scaled-down addition that taps into the current trend for mini-bags.
Whether you're drawn to the vintage appeal of the 2016 original or the updated convenience of the 2023/2024 relaunch, the Louis Vuitton Atlantis bag is a true testament to the brand's ability to turn an everyday silhouette into a luxurious, enduring statement piece.
