The debate between Michael Kors vs Louis Vuitton is a popular one, and we’re here to settle it.
Handbags are great because they’re functional accessories. Most accessories are just there to enhance your outfit, or merely “tie it together.”
A good handbag should make it easier to store and carry stuff, just like a backpack, and be stylish. Michael Kors and Louis Vuitton are two of the most recognizable handbag makers today.
Their successes are commendable, but we’re here to talk about who’s the best. Michael Kors vs Louis Vuitton is a popular debate, and we’re ready to squash it once and for all.
Who is Michael Kors?
Michael David Kors was already showing signs of impeccable taste at the early age of five! His mother recalled him telling her to cut the bows off her wedding dress, a decision that made her love it even more.
By high school, he was selling his designs out of the basement of his family’s home under the name “Iron Butterfly.”
At 21, in 1981, he launched his eponymous brand and showed his collection of luxury women’s sportswear at Bergdorf Goodman.
Michael Kors got it. He understood women wanted to be comfortable, but they still wanted to look good. The Michael Kors brand was an instant hit.
He added a women’s ready-to-wear collection, menswear, accessories, fragrances, and shoes.
Michael Kors was creative director at Céline (1997-2003) and launched Michael Kors Mens and MICHAEL Michael Kors (yes, double Michael).
The Michael Kors brand isn’t owned by Michael Kors anymore, but that’s not bad news. Lots of brands sell out to parent companies, plus Michael Kors is still the creative director for the brand.
Capri Holdings owns Michael Kors as well as Versace, and Jimmy Choo.
World’s Second Oldest Luxury Fashion House
Louis Vuitton (LV) is the second oldest luxury fashion house in the world (Hermes is the first). The namesake brand was founded in Paris by Louis Vuitton in 1854 during the time of horse-drawn carriages, trains, and travel trunks.
For 17 years, he was able to work under the most reputable box-making and packing companies, honing his skills.
By the time his workshop (the Asnières) was open, he already had a solid client base. He knew what people liked, and he knew how to make it happen.
The Louis Vuitton brand changed the way people travel. LV is credited for the first water-proof flat-top trunks and the “unpickable lock” that not even Houdini could escape.
Customers could trust LV bags to keep their belongings safe, and away from thieves. The bags were lightweight, stackable, and stylish too.
The company was handed down to Georges Vuitton after his father passed away. He saw the success of his father’s vision and knew it was time to expand.
LV got its current logo, and had its most recognizable features, such as the iconic monogram canvas, patented.
Georges remained at the helm till 1936. Louis Vuitton stayed within the family until 1987. The LVMH group was created when Moët et Chandon, Hennessy, and Louis Vuitton merged to create a luxury goods conglomerate.
This decision launched the Louis Vuitton brand into even greater success. Today, LV is still a part of LVMH and is led by creative director Nicolas Ghesquière.
Michael Kors vs Louis Vuitton: Best-Sellers
Battle of the Handbag Legends
Michael Kors and Louis Vuitton are two of the most counterfeited brands in the world, especially their handbags.
That says a lot about the popularity of their designs. But, how do Michael Kors v. Louis Vuitton bags stack up against each other?
Michael Kors designer handbags are known for being modern and trendy. MK’s Jet Set Line is one of its best-selling lines.
MK bags in this line are meant to be optimal for travel and capable of holding a lot without being too bulky or in the way.
The Grayson Logo Satchel is designed for the stylish traveler who wants to be practical. You can spot LV bags by the monogram canvas.
The Keepall bag, or ‘globe trotter’, is easily one of the most popular Louis Vuitton bags. It was the first to feature the unpickable lock and is still trusted to deliver to Louis Vuitton’s high standards.
The Speedy bag was meant to be a smaller version of the Keepall until Audrey Hepburn wanted an even smaller one, i.e the Speedy 25.
The LV bucket bag, or Louis Vuitton Noé, was actually the second design released by Louis Vuitton. It was designed to carry up to 5 bottles of champagne without breaking but was later sized down to what we have today.
The most popular recent handbag release since the Keepall and Speedy is the Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag. These tote bags come in three sizes, are reversible, and have matching Louis Vuitton pochettes.
Compare honorable Michael Kors vs. Louis Vuitton mentions:
- LV Capucines
- MK Karlie Bag
Accessories are everything, and MK and LV have them
Accessorizing with Michael Kors will give you modern designs, bold logos, and standout pieces. At one point, everyone was wearing MK logo earrings.
They’re just as popular as the MK logo belt. MK is also known for its trendy belts, scarves, and sunglasses.
With Louis Vuitton, it’s all about the details, even down to the LV leather bag charms and key holders. The most popular LV accessory is easily the reversible LV Initiales belt for men.
Look to the Blossom Collection to discover LV’s rich jewelry heritage reflected in its iconic flower monogram..The Truck Lock Pendant Necklace and Brooch are still the perfect gift for the perfect lady.
Life is a runway, dress nicely for it
Designers make clothes, they don’t make style. At the end of the day, it’s about how you put it together, and make it unique.
The Michael Kors collection has exclusive pieces and is the type of clothing that would be featured during New York Fashion Week.
MICHAEL Michael Kors designs are catered to a younger audience and are meant to be more relaxed, and of course, more affordable.
Take the best-selling Matte Jersey Tulip Dress versus the MICHAEL Michael Kors Chain Embellished Stitch Dress.
Louis Vuitton is more focused on high-end fashion garments. Expect a blend of classic and avante-garde styles from its ready-to-wear line.
The Crossover bust dress is the type of little black dress (LBD) that has the structure to say you mean business during the day, but you can make an outfit out of it for drinks after work.
Both menswear lines feature tailored clothes such as pants and jackets, overcoats, and trousers. LV takes a more formal and poise approach, as expected, but MK will always have that relaxed, no-fuss appeal.
Fashion Watches vs Luxury Watches
MK watches are made by the Fossil Group, the same people responsible for Fossil and Marc Jacobs watches. MK is most popular for two-tone designs, take the Bradshaw men’s watch for example.
Like the MK logo earrings, the MK Runway Collection was a huge trend, especially the bracelet rose-gold and gold watches.
Michael Kors makes fashion watches. Luxury fashion brands like Louis Vuitton have always combined luxury with Swiss watchmaking expertise.
However, LV is relatively new to the industry, launching its first watch, the Tambour in 2002. We got several variations of that, the Spin Time, the Evolution, the Moon, etc.
The latest Tambour redesign has made waves for its timeless, sleek appearance. There’s even a smart-watch version.
Of its 23 designs, none drew as much attention as the Carpe Diem, which continues to captivate. Its face features a snake coiled around a skull, with a push-piece on the side to “lift the snake on the face to reveal the hour, while the tail oscillates to show minutes.”
But that’s not all. The eye turns to a monogram flower, and the skull’s mouth opens to reveal the words ‘carpe diem’. It’s priced at $440,000.
Quality matters, a lot
We can safely say both brands prioritize quality and craftsmanship in their products. The Michael Kors collection is crafted with attention to detail, particularly their Saffiano leather handbags.
A step down from the runway collection is MICHAEL Michael Kors, and below that in terms of price is Michael Kors Outlet.
Louis Vuitton has always been known for their exceptional craftsmanship. This hasn’t changed in over 169 years!
LV bags stand the test of time thanks to high-quality luxurious materials such as coated canvas and Epi, Vernis, Vachetta, and Taurillon leathers.
Luxury brands are expensive
Price is always going to be a major deciding factor for luxury brands. Louis Vuitton products are consistently more expensive than Michael Kors.
Michael Kors is meant to be an accessible luxury. The least expensive bag from the Michael Kors collection sells for $990.
Made with python-embossed leather, the Monogramme tote bag fitted with gold-toned hardware and suede interior is a fan favorite.
At the higher end of the MK price range is the Italian-made Campbell Weekender bag, for $2990. For reference, the Capucines, the latest trend Louis Vuitton bag retails for $7,450.
The LV Urban Satchel retails for $150,000, and is made up almost entirely of garbage! The controversial bag was the subject of intense bidding wars and social commentary.
Michael Kors vs Louis Vuitton: What celebrities wear
Every major brand leverages celebrity endorsements to enhance their visibility, such as Dior’s partnership with Jimin and Burberry’s collaboration with Shakira.
Michael Kors takes a more inclusive approach to the way it markets its products. In fact, it was one of the first international fashion brands to introduce plus-sized clothing in its collections.
Solange Knowles, and Kate Hudson, have all served as the face of MK at some point. Their latest ambassador is K-Pop superstar Dahyun.
Louis Vuitton seeks out endorsements from celebrities that mirror their sophisticated heritage. Fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, Madonna, Paris Hilton, and Princess Diana kept LV in the media.
Alicia Vikander joined the Louis Vuitton family in 2015 as a brand ambassador, followed by actresses Sophie Turner, Emma Stone, and Zendaya.
Showing us they care
Brands are expected to keep their pledge to sustainable fashion, and the people around them. The Kors Love badge on some Michael Kors products indicate they’re made with at least 50% recycled materials.
They’ve even collaborated with the United Nations Food Program with the “Watch Hunger Stop” campaign. Louis Vuitton’s commitment is seen through its Our Committed Journey plan.
This is an initiative to improve responsible sourcing, foster diversity, and inclusivity, and play their part in the climate fight.
At the end of the day, what works for one person isn’t necessarily the right option for another. A major factor is the price difference, and it’s obvious LV bags carry a higher price tag.
If it’s out of your budget, Michael Kors and other comparable brands such as Tory Burch and Steve Madden are great alternatives.
Michael Kors is considered everyday wear and is a great starter accessible luxury brand. If we had to choose Michael Kors vs Louis Vuitton, we’d go with the LV tag every time.
Michael Kors vs Louis Vuitton FAQs
Is Michael Kors considered luxury?
Michael Kors is considered an ‘affordable luxury’ brand. It’s not quite on the same level as a high-end brand such as Louis Vuitton, neither in price, status, resale value, nor craftsmanship.
Does Louis Vuitton own Michael Kors?
No, but this is a common misconception, as Louis Vuitton has held a ⅓ stake in the company. Michael Kors is owned by Capri Holdings, the parent company of Versace and Jimmy Choo.