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
Perfect for a polished weekend escape or short city breaks, this limited edition Louis Vuitton West End GM in Damier Ebene complements smart or casual looks with ease. The spacious silhouette keeps essentials organised while lending timeless elegance to your travels.
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 much can it hold? A: The West End GM measures approximately 44 × 35 × 18.5 cm. It comfortably fits a weekend’s wardrobe, A4 documents, a toiletry pouch, and a 13–15 inch laptop in a protective sleeve. Capacity depends on how you pack; please refer to the Measurements on this page for exact sizing.
Q: Is it carry-on compliant for flights? A: At around 44 × 35 × 18.5 cm, it sits within the cabin size limits of many airlines that allow up to about 55 × 40 × 20 cm. Requirements vary by carrier and aircraft, and the flap and buckles add structure, so please check your airline’s rules before travelling.
Q: What makes the Centenaire edition special? A: The Centenaire is a limited edition created around 1996 to mark a centenary celebration. Unlike later Damier Ebene pieces with dark chocolate trim, Centenaire models feature natural vachetta leather trim that develops a patina and can show watermarks, giving each bag a unique vintage character.
Q: What does the date code SP1916 mean on this bag? A: SP indicates manufacture in France. For pieces from the 1990–2006 era, the first and third digits denote the month and the second and fourth denote the year. SP1916 therefore indicates November 1996, aligning with the Centenaire release period.
Q: Does this bag come with a shoulder strap and what is included? A: Yes, this item includes a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap and a luggage tag, and it comes with a dust bag. Everything included is listed under product information on this page.
Q: How does the bag close and is the interior organised? A: It has a flap top with dual buckle closures and gold-toned hardware. Inside, there is a spacious main compartment lined in brown textile with one internal zipped pocket for valuables.
Q: How should I care for Damier canvas and the vachetta trim? A: Wipe the coated canvas with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. For the natural vachetta trim, avoid water, oils, and alcohol-based products; exposure may cause spots or darkening. Store away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain an even patina. For deeper cleaning, consult a professional leather care specialist familiar with vachetta.
Q: There are light watermarks and an uneven patina on the leather—are these normal? A: Yes. Natural vachetta leather is untreated and will develop a patina with use and exposure. Watermarks and tonal variation are common on vintage Centenaire pieces and part of their charm.
Q: Will a 16-inch laptop fit? A: Slim 16-inch laptops may fit under the flap depending on the model and sleeve thickness, but most 15-inch laptops fit comfortably. Compare your device’s dimensions with the bag’s opening and the listed measurements for certainty.
Q: How should I store the bag when not in use? A: Store it loosely stuffed to support its shape, with the strap detached, in a cool, dry place inside the breathable dust bag. Avoid humidity and prolonged direct light. You can place soft cloth between hardware and leather to minimise impressions.
Q: The listing notes a light vintage odour—what’s the best way to reduce it? A: Air the bag in a dry, shaded room and place odour-absorbing sachets like activated charcoal nearby (not in direct contact with leather). Avoid spraying perfumes or harsh deodorisers onto the materials.
Q: Is this style unisex? A: Yes. The West End GM is a classic travel design with a timeless silhouette that suits any wardrobe.
Q: How does A Retro Tale authenticate its items? A: Every piece is thoroughly inspected by our in-house experts using multi-point checks of materials, stitching, hardware, stamps, and date codes. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can provide additional 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 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.
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
/ Weekend bags
• Damier Ebene canvas with Vachetta leather trim • Gold-toned brass hardware • Single top handle • Detachable and adjustable shoulder strap • Brown textile lining with one internal zipped pocket • Flap top with dual buckle closures • Limited Edition 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.
