What an interesting post! I was in LV a few months ago, at their flagship store in Paris. We were talking to our SA for some time, and we talked about the rich history of the brand. She told me that people keep coming to LV for a reason. She said that their bags wear like iron, and last a long time. Their workmanship is impeccable. I must say, although I'm new to the luxury handbag world, I find that she is right. I have the goyard version of the neverfull (St Louis tote?) and it's super flimsy compared to the neverful. Maybe that's why there are like 200 neverfulls for every goyard bag you see. Plus, I think a lot of LV's iconic designs really never go out of fashion. What about the speedy? The Alma? the neverful? I have an alma in vernis now, and I admit, it's just so solid to carry around. It will last for decades.
When it comes to "prestige," I hadn't ever given it too much thought. If a stylish woman walks in with a Balenciaga, then one with an Alma, followed by another one with a Birkin, they all look fabulous, you know? In my city, I see a lot of luxury bags, and I think they are all fabulous. It's just how you wear it!
But to the original poster's point, I agree that there is a great bang for the buck with LV. It's recognizable (which is fun.. "I love your LV!" I hear all the time), it is a brand with timeless designs, and it wears like iron. What's not to love?
