Louis Vuitton Monogram Papillon 26 Bag

Q: What are the dimensions of the Papillon 26 and how does the cylinder shape affect capacity?
A: The Papillon 26 measures approximately 26 × 13 × 13 cm. Its cylindrical body comfortably holds daily essentials, but long, flat items can be snug due to the rounded sides. Packing soft pouches rather than rigid cases helps maximise space and keep the shape tidy.

Q: Is the Papillon 26 still in production?
A: The classic Papillon line, including the 26, was discontinued in 2009. Louis Vuitton has since introduced redesigns inspired by the original silhouette, but vintage Papillon 26 models like this one are no longer made.

Q: Can the Papillon 26 be worn on the shoulder?
A: It is primarily designed as a handheld or crook‑of‑arm bag. Handle drops on vintage 26s are generally short; this piece has an approximate 10 cm drop, which is typically too short for most to wear comfortably on the shoulder. Some owners can manage a shoulder carry depending on build and clothing, but it isn’t the intended wear mode.

Q: What typically fits inside the Papillon 26?
A: Think compact essentials: smartphone, small or medium wallet, keys, sunglasses in a soft case, a card holder, and a few beauty items. A 500 ml water bottle fits best laid horizontally. Larger tablets or A5 notebooks are usually too tall or awkward because of the curved interior—always compare your items with the measurements above.

Q: Did the Papillon originally come with a small pouch?
A: Some Papillon sets were sold with a mini Papillon accessory pouch, but it wasn’t included with every release. Everything included with this specific item is listed under Accessories; this piece is sold with no accessories unless otherwise stated on this page.

Q: What does the date code NO0944 mean on this bag?
A: For bags from the 1990–2006 era, the first and third digits indicate the month and the second and fourth indicate the year. NO0944 therefore decodes to April 1994, with “NO” denoting a French factory. Note that date codes are not unique serial numbers and, on their own, do not authenticate a bag.

Q: What materials is this Papillon made from and how durable is it?
A: The exterior is Louis Vuitton’s monogram coated canvas with natural vachetta leather trim and gold‑tone hardware. The canvas is hard‑wearing and easy to maintain; vachetta is untreated and will develop a honey patina over time, but it is sensitive to water, oils, and heat and should be handled with care.

Q: How should I care for this vintage piece?
A: Wipe the canvas with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Keep vachetta away from moisture and direct sunlight; blot water promptly and avoid harsh cleaners or alcohol‑based products. When storing, lightly stuff the bag to support its shape and place it in a breathable dust bag away from heat and humidity.

Q: Does the Papillon tend to roll when set down?
A: Because of its rounded base, the Papillon can roll on flat surfaces. Packing heavier items along the bottom and resting the bag against a secure surface helps it stay put. A small purse stand or placing it on its side can also improve stability.

Q: How do you authenticate this bag?
A: Every item at A Retro Tale is carefully vetted by our in‑house experts using multi‑point checks across materials, stitching, hardware, stamps, and date codes. We stand behind the authenticity of all items and can share additional photos or details on request.