Despite the fact that every luxury brand is unique, the never-ending comparison is an inevitable part of our lives. For most people, this is the only opportunity to weigh all pros and cons before purchasing an expensive product. Today, we are going to discuss two French fashion houses that have a long history and impeccable reputation and to answer the main question – which brand is better: Louis Vuitton vs Goyard.
This comparison will help you understand the ideas of each company, learn about the quality of their goods and price range. And of course, we will act as paparazzi and spot which A-class celebs choose one or another brand! Ready to see a great French battle?
Let’s get started!
Louis Vuitton vs Goyard: Brand History
When talking about luxury brands, it’s impossible not to mention their history. This is an important part of every designer fashion house, as it helps to understand the values and traditions that shaped throughout the time. Moreover, you are about to discover that these brands have a lot in common.
Louis Vuitton |
Goyard |
Established in Paris, France
Founded in 1854 (127 years)
Brief history: although the designer and founder was born in a small town far away from the capital of France, the roots of the brand are there. Before opening his own workshop, Louis Vuitton worked as an official trunk maker packer of the French Empress. Naturally, he knew a lot about the preferences of the wealthy clientele, that is why he soon became famous enough across the country. His durable and unusual for that time shapes (Louis Vuitton was the first brand to make rectangular trunks) quickly became the must-have of the French fashion society. Participation in the World Expos only increased the fame of the brand in other European countries. With big advertising campaigns and sticking to its traditions of quality and stylish goods, Louis Vuitton seems to reach every corner of the world right now. Working with the most talented designers and skilled artisans, manufacturing durable and timeless goods, the company is considered to be the most influential and valuable brand on the planet.
Monogram canvas: it appeared in 1896. The initials of the designer were combined with geometrical and floral ornaments. The fashion house releases plenty of color variations of the famous canvas.
Damier canvas: another iconic pattern was created in 1888. This checked motif is the biggest success of LV.
Style: posh, chic, elegant, timeless classics.
Major focus on: handbags. |
Established in Paris, France
Founded in 1853 (128 years)
Brief history: although officially established in 1853, the brand was known since the end of the 18th century. At that time, it was called Maison Morel and was an official packer of the French royal family. The company produced trunks, boxes, and cases from durable and waterproof canvas. In 1845, the company hired a young apprentice called Francois Goyard. 7 years later, the founder of Maison Morel died, and his skilled student became a new head of the company. The brand acquired a new name, “Goyard”. Thus, the official history of the fashion house started. Francois Goyard led the company for 32 years, establishing a reputation among French clientele. His son Edmond who took over the House of Goyard after the death of his father launched the first ad campaign and spread the fame of quality goods beyond France. The brand started to open offices in other European cities and participate in the World Expos. Eye-catching patterns and high quality of products made Goyard famous among celebrities and members of royal families. Goyardine canvas: just like LV, the House of Goyard can boast its own signature ornament that is known among fashion lovers. Introduced in 1892, it is still the only pattern that is used for purses. Consisting of multicolored dots, the pattern stands for the letter “Y” in the Goyard family name.
Style: casual, elegant, timeless classics.
Major focus on: bags and small leather goods. |
Conclusion:
- Both brands take origin from the very same place – the capital of France and the heart of global fashion – Paris.
- Goyard is 1 year older than Louis Vuitton. However, Goyard had another name at first.
- Both luxury fashion houses started as trunk-making workshops, gradually expanding their influence and range of goods.
- Louis Vuitton and Goyard are both proud of their signature canvas (what you like most is only a matter of preference, each of the patterns is a timeless classic).
- Goyard sticks to traditions of the past, as the canvas of this brand never changes. There are only color variations.
Louis Vuitton is known for brave and unusual collaborations that alter the design of the legendary motif on the canvas. You can find several most memorable illustrations in our article – Everything About Louis Vuitton Prints And Patterns And Popular Limited Edition Collaborations (With Photo Examples).
Louis Vuitton vs Goyard: Range of Items
Learning history may not be enough to make the choice of which brand is better: Louis Vuitton vs Goyard, especially considering they have lots in common. Now, we pay more attention to the present time and see what you can buy from each of the fashion houses.
Louis Vuitton |
Goyard |
Handbags Small leather goods Accessories (sunglasses, scarves, belts, gloves) Ready-to-wear Shoes Decor and furniture Fragrances
Major specialization: handbags. |
Handbags Card holders Long and compact wallets Pouches Bag accessories
Major specialization: handbags. |
Conclusion:
- Considering the number of goods offered, Louis Vuitton wins in this category. The selection of items is way bigger than on the Goyard website.
- In the best traditions of the French business model, Goyard doesn’t like multitasking. The fashion house has chosen its niche and focuses primarily on preserving traditions of quality manufacturing.
- If your aim is not a luxury purse or small leather goods, then your only option between these brands is Louis Vuitton.
And if you are the same bagaholic as we are, continue reading because, in the next part, we will be talking about the most pressing matter of all luxury goods – price tag.
Louis Vuitton vs Goyard: Prices
Even a small child knows that quality designer goods cannot be cheap. To make this comparison more accurate, we have chosen similar models of handbags and small leather goods.
Item* |
Official LV price, USD** |
Official Goyard price, USD** |
Classic canvas tote |
1,460 |
1,200 |
Travel bag (Keepall shape) |
2,150 |
2,470 |
Men’s long wallet |
1,360 |
925 |
Cross-body bag |
2,420 |
2,510 |
Card holder |
220 |
300 |
Clutch |
1,390 |
1,030 |
Small folding wallet |
720 |
790 |
* all items are from Women’s collection if not stated otherwise.
** all prices exclude the state tax.
Conclusion:
- On average, the cost of luxury goods is approximately the same. Some Goyard’s items are cheaper than LV’s goods and vice versa.
- Goyard doesn’t display prices for its goods on the website. It’s impossible to find any pricing catalog. However, we have all Goyard bag prices exclusively listed on our website for your convenience.
- Louis Vuitton’s bag prices are indicated on our website. They make timely updates as the cost of their goods only grows each year. It’s now the middle of 2021, so if you plan to treat yourself with a stylish accessory, time to hurry up. Check the full comparison in Louis Vuitton Increases Prices Worldwide in January 2021, it should inspire you to not delay the purchase.
- When it comes to the quality, the purse forums explode with controversial opinions. Most fashionistas state that LV bags are more durable.
Louis Vuitton vs Goyard: Style
For some people, fashion is not about prices, but about supporting a certain mindset and values. Both French companies are synonyms of elegance and chic, yet there’s a significant difference in their approach to the notion of style. Let’s find out which brand is better: Louis Vuitton vs Goyard when it comes to the style of handbags!
Louis Vuitton |
Goyard |
Style: every new release of the fashion house instantly becomes a hit. Louis Vuitton fans know that by getting a chic accessory once, they won’t lose any money, as LV purses will always be trendy. The brand is not afraid to experiment with colors and styles, that is why each model is unique.
Promotion: Louis Vuitton is known in the fashion world as the brand with the chic and luxurious advertising campaigns featuring the best actresses, singers, models, and influencers of the time. Every ad campaign is like a glamorous Hollywood movie that fans are looking forward to. Actually, one of the recent campaigns was made in the form of old movie posters and book covers. The visual part is the primary “weapon” of the brand. From vintage and retro vibes in 2010 to the gorgeous interiors of the most expensive Parisian hotels – every ad campaign of the brand is a paradise for the eyes!
Ambassadors: you don’t need to search for LV ambassadors on Google because each of them is already legendary in his or her sphere. In different periods of time, the brand worked with icons like Emma Stone, BTS, Natalia Vodianova, Uma Thurman, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Moss, Madonna, Pharell Williams. |
Style: the brand makes purses for different occasions: for daily use, for evening outfits, and for office. French simplicity is the key feature for Goyard, as the style of its accessories is not extravagant.
Promotion: as a complete opposite of LV, Goyard is known for its silence strategy. It means that you won’t find expensive e-commerce, advertising campaigns, or professional photoshoots with top celebrities. Keeping the enigmatic aura around the brand, the representatives rarely give any comments or interviews. From one of these exclusive talks, we could understand the policy of the brand. “Luxury is a dream, and revealing too much… would spoil the magic.”
Goyard seems to be consciously avoiding global fame and prefers to be known in limited circles only. Of course, such exclusivity only adds to the desire to own something from the brand. Moreover, buying Goyard items means joining the ranks of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Pablo Picasso, Jacques Cartier, Karl Lagerfeld, and many other iconic figures. |
Conclusion:
- Louis Vuitton pays a lot of attention and spends lots of money on advertising. Combined with its high-quality items, this fact has made the brand famous everywhere – from Alaska to New Zealand.
- Goyard made the aura of exclusivity its main motto. The brand doesn’t advertise its handbags, yet still, there are plenty of clients willing to make a purchase.
- Louis Vuitton respects the past but keeps up with modern trends. That is why it is widely known.
- Goyard doesn’t make loud announcements or hang banners on every corner. Such a “quiet elite approach” is appreciated by wealthy clientele (among them, there are members of royal families and top-rated celebrities).
- Louis Vuitton makes luxury fashion affordable for large audiences.
- Goyard is proud of the special treatment of its customers. Getting a chic accessory manufactured upon your request and preferences – isn’t that the synonym of true luxury?
These completely different approaches can give the final answer to fashion lovers which brand is better: Louis Vuitton vs Goyard. However, the most interesting part of our comparison is still ahead.
Louis Vuitton vs Goyard: Social Media
As we’ve already mentioned, Goyard doesn’t attract public attention and never makes large ad campaigns. So we assume fewer people know about the existence of this brand. How big is the barnds' social media audience? It plays an important role nowadays. Let’s compare the numbers!*
Louis Vuitton |
Goyard |
Instagram: 45.1m followers |
Instagram: 677k followers |
Twitter: 8m followers |
Twitter: 17.1 followers |
*data was gathered in July 2021. Current numbers may vary.
Conclusion:
- LV has a way bigger number of followers than Goyard on both social media platforms.
- Louis Vuitton is more active as well. The new posts and stories appear every day.
- Goyard’s SMM managers make new posts to notify the audience about new releases. There are no photos of models and runway shows – only the products. Sometimes, there’s a significant time gap between two posts.
- The Instagram account of LV is a marketing masterpiece – new collections, mesmerizing videos, beautiful models. It’s pleasant to scroll through this page. This account is a great addition to promotion.
- Both brands get a huge amount of likes and comments, yet neither of them interacts with the audience.
Louis Vuitton vs Goyard: Celebrities
Despite limited advertising, the wealthiest people on Earth know a lot about Goyard. Celebrities like it the same way they love Louis Vuitton. Let’s find out what actresses, singers, models, bloggers, and influencers prefer!
Louis Vuitton |
Goyard |
Paris Hilton Jennifer Aniston Hailey Bieber Usher Miley Cyrus Carey Mulligan Reese Witherspoon |
Meghan Markle Gwyneth Paltrow Alain Ducasse A$AP Rocky Kanye West Khloé Kardashian North West (Kanye and Kim’s daughter) |
Louis Vuitton vs Goyard: Where To Buy
Now, we have come to the most interesting part of our article. If you have already decided what purse you plan to purchase next, the time has come to find out how to get the coveted piece. Again, there are so many differences here. This matter may be a crucial moment for some fashion lovers.
Louis Vuitton |
Goyard |
In the boutiques of the brand across the globe Online on the official website Pre-loved in our shop |
In the boutiques (currently, there are 5 in the US) Pre-loved in consignment stores |
Conclusion
- The lack of opportunity to purchase Goyard’s bags online may be seen from two opposite sides: on one hand, it’s the inability to make big sales because people who don’t live near boutiques can’t get a coveted accessory. On the other hand, it creates a certain collaboration between the Goyard team and the buyer as you describe in correspondence what you like to get. Exclusivity vibes sound very luxurious and chic!
- Louis Vuitton purses are available for a wider audience: you can get them online, offline, and even save some money when shopping pre-owned. It is certainly a reason to love this brand because it doesn’t build too many obstacles for the customers.
- When it comes to pre-owned luxury, handbags of both brands can be found in consignment stores. Check our stock to choose your first LV bag.
Despite the prominent advantages, shopping pre-owned may be very tricky. We, at Bagaholic, carefully authenticate every purse before displaying it in our shop. However, we can’t say the same about all the consignment stores. There may be a chance to come across a counterfeit item on well-known resellers’ websites. Read our research Can You Buy a Fake Bag From a Reputable Consignment Store - to protect yourself from losing money.
And of course, always order independent authentication before transferring money.
If you need to authenticate a Louis Vuitton/Dior/Gucci item, please order one of the three types of authentication:
- good when you need a certificate for any reason,
Certificate of Authenticity $25
- good when you need a certificate for any reason, either to sell the bag with the peace of mind or to return a fake bag to the seller if you purchased a fake
- includes a permanent certificate on lvbagaholic.com
Certificate of Authenticity with a thorough explanation $50
- good when you need a certificate and you need to know why the bag is authentic/not authentic for any reason, either to sell the bag with the peace of mind or return a fake bag to the seller if you purchased a fake.
- includes a permanent certificate on lvbagaholic.com
- includes an explanation of why the item is fake (detailed pictures and comparisons with an authentic bag, more than 10 pics included)
PLEASE CHOOSE ONE OF THE OPTIONS BELOW
As we can see, fashion is full of surprises. Two French brands that seemed to be twin brothers, turned out to be unique and original in their policy and values. We hope that our guide was useful and helped you make a decision about your next luxury purchase. If you are still looking around and want to learn more about different fashion houses before buying a handbag, be sure to check other comparisons:
Which Brand is Better: Louis Vuitton vs Gucci
Which Brand is Better: Louis Vuitton vs Yves Saint Laurent
Which Brand is Better: Louis Vuitton vs Burberry
Which Brand is Better: Louis Vuitton vs Coach
If your mind is tearing apart between two iconic French canvases, and you are still in doubt which brand is better: Louis Vuitton vs Goyard, let your heart choose. Fashion is about what you really like, as it helps you express your true self!