Louis Vuitton has maintained it's lead amidst the steep rise in popularity of backpacks in the Singapore work scene by launching distinctive and varied models. So despite the explosion of designs from top luxury brands, all ranging in the thousand dollar mark and over, LV continues to stand out. And with the Michael Backpack, I believe they have one of the best and most versatile design to date.
The Louis Vuitton Michael Backpack isn't the latest but I've only seen it in Singapore recently. And it's an exciting addition to LV's range of models. What sets it apart?
The sleek and minimalist design exclusively using zippered compartments and no flaps and front straps immediately stands out. You'll note also that it has a narrow width, making it look small and tall. The clean lines match well with the LV Damier Graphite canvass and black full leather accents. The use of bright silver zippers add to the clean look. The trim appearance conceals the fact this is a full sized bag designed to conveniently carry a notebook computer and all your city gear! The slim lines are achieved through having two (and only two) separate compartments, the one in front being smaller and just right for items you need to access quickly and frequently. There are generous interior pockets for organising your precious stuff, so you won't misplace any of them. And the zippers have eyelets that allow you to place small locks for added security when travelling. The back material is a breathable, strong yet soft nylon / fabric. This is smart and very functional as it won't stain or smear as compared to a canvas backing. It will also contribute to somehow making you less sweaty as compared to a full leather or canvas backing. The addition of a generous full leather section with the Louis Vuitton logo at the top quarter is elegant and ingenious as it does not affect the breathable backing, as this area seldom is in direct contact with your back the overall effect is that the city pedigree of this backpack is not compromised with an outdoorsy appearance because of functionality. Stitching of the top handle and shoulder straps are strong and secure. The top strap has a leather section and feels comfortable to grip. No issues carrying this bag for long distances using the top handle. The length of the shoulder strap is generous even for those who like to carry their bags low, like me. This is often a deficiency in many bags, and reduces the ways you can carry the backoack (for example, with one shoulder strap and the bag hanging under your arm, for greater security when walking certain areas). The padding of the shoulder strap is again generous, making the bag feel light to carry. Even the straps attached from the padded section to the bottom of the bag is wider than any other luxury backpack I've seen. This again addresses a design weakness in many backpacks. The overall result is a backpack that is visually and physically strong. A very well designed bag with superior build. Now the price. The Louis Vuitton Michael Damier Graphite sells for SGD 3350. This is quite steep, but considering it is lower than the LV Christopher, and considering all the design elements, I would say this is a reasonably good purchase as long as you can afford it. I've said it before and it's worth repeating... Don't push to buy this if it will stretch your budget or put you in credit card debt. No need to impress anyone, and you can delay personal gratification until you've fulfilled responsibilities and have saved up. If you can shell out the amount without issue, this is a great buy.
For those searching a full leather version, the good news is it's available - the Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite Embossed. It's essentially the same but leather replaces the canvas material. The zippers are a dull grey instead of shiny silver, and there are leather strips at the ends of the zippers.
The material is softer so it won't keep shape alone as well as the canvas. It will also be less water resistant. The back is still breathable material, and the bottom section of the shoulder straps use nylon with the LV name instead of fabric (as pictured above). The overall effect to me is that the full leather version looks a bit more relaxed, more casual, while the canvas looks a bit more proper, more formal. Price for the full leather LV Michael backpack is SGD 4900.
So there it is, in my opinion the best built and most versatile Louie Vuitton backpack that can carry a computer. Check it out if this is the one for you.
Then let me know what you think.
God speed and God bless on your daily travels!
Post blog evaluation of the Michael Backpack.
This backpack is really nice, very classy, with a sturdy construction.
Upon closer review, I noticed that unlike most backpacks the bottom straps are sewn oriented inwards, rather than the straps pointing outwards. This results to a somewhat awkward feeling for me at the waist when wearing the backpack on my shoulders. Contributing to this are the broad and thick cloth straps at the base of the shoulder straps. So watch out for this and try the bag on repeatedly before you buy it. May not be a concern for taller and more slender guys, but check it.
I look forward to this bag being released again by Louie Vuitton but with some slight yet meaningful upgrades.
Happy Shopping!
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