Michael Kors and Louis Vuitton are luxury handbag manufacturers and major rivals in the fashion industry. When it comes to high-quality designer handbags, these two brands sure have a thing or two to say about it.
When you enter the world of fashion, you will find these two brands among dominating brands in the market. If you can afford to invest in both brands, excellent, otherwise, you’ll need to compare them to choose the better brand.
“Better” is a relative term when it comes to luxury brands – it depends on personal evaluation of design and price. These brands don’t offer the same products or operate by the same values and they don’t have the same style.
However, there are a few factors we can compare and that includes their ages, reputation, and quality, etc. This comparison guide can help you make an informed decision if you’re considering either Michael Kors or Louis Vuitton.
Michael Kors vs. Louis Vuitton: Which Brand Is Older?
Let’s start this comparison with the history of these two iconic fashion labels; Louis Vuitton is older than Michael Kors. Michael Kors was founded in 1981 by a genius American designer, Michael Kors born Karl Anderson J. Kors. He changed his name when he was five years old to Michael David Kors, which was also when his designing journey started.
Michael Kors developed an intense passion for fashion at a very young age – he designed many clothes through high school.
The Michael Kors brand is known for its combination of highly sophisticated and chic designs, which encompasses every MK piece. The brand’s vision is all about making fashion enthusiasts sexy and sporty simultaneously. The MK brand offers a wide range of products from which you can find the perfect piece that suits you best.
Meanwhile, Louis Vuitton’s story started in 1854 – it is one of the oldest brands in the fashion industry. The LV brand started as a luggage trunks brand and became a prominent name in the fashion industry soon after its creation. It has evolved through the years, becoming a family legacy that has passed craftsmanship and unique designs down through generations.
The brand is well-known throughout Europe and worldwide, partnering and collaborating with world-renowned brands. The Louis Vuitton brand has made a name for itself through its outstanding signature designs. Most LV designs, especially the handbags and wallets, are easily recognizable in the fashion market.
Louis Vuitton vs. Michael Kors: Which Brand Has a Better Reputation?
Louis Vuitton is undoubtedly more reputable than Michael Kors, even though the latter is also a well-respected brand. Louis Vuitton has a world-renowned brand name and handbags such as the Speedy and Neverfull that are globally popular.
The handbags are easily recognizable by their distinct monogram, which also makes them a status symbol. Michael Kors and Louis Vuitton have similar styles, but if you want a brand with a better reputation, LV is the choice.
Michael Kors is known for its luxurious handbags, but it isn’t as world-famous as Louis Vuitton. Moreover, Michael Kors is better referred to as a premium brand or affordable luxury brand. The Michael Kors brand has faced accusations of copying designs from higher-end luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton.
A good example is the similarity in the design of LV’s Keepall bag and MK’s Bedford bag.
Additionally, Louis Vuitton offers more exclusivity – Michael Kors are considered too affordable to be called “exclusive.” Comparing style may not make your decision easier because both brands have similar styles – it typically comes down to reputation.
Do Louis Vuitton Bags Have Higher Quality than Michael Kors?
Louis Vuitton bags have better and higher quality than Michael Kors, not to mention the top-notch craftsmanship. Louis Vuitton handbags are made in the United States, Germany, France, and Italy – places known for their high standards. The handbags feature exotic materials such as canvas, taurillon leather, and cowhide leather, giving luxury consumers various choices.
Louis Vuitton bags are durable, feature superior craftsmanship, and are arguably some of the best-quality designer bags on the market.
Conversely, the Michael Kors brand also has high-quality handbags, but its craftsmanship – not so much. Michael Kors handbags are manufactured using op quality materials, including lamb leather, pebbled leather, coated canvas, and calf leather.
When it comes to ruggedness, we’d say Michael Kors takes the cake – the bags are hard-wearing and perfect for everyday wear. On the other hand, Louis Vuitton bags will typically show scuffs and marks easily – especially the light-colored ones.
Both brands have great-quality fashion pieces, so you can either choose MK’s hardwearing epi leather or LV’s durable canvas. Also, bear in mind that LV’s higher-grade materials come at a price – a much higher price.
What Are the Major Differences Between Michael Kors and Louis Vuitton?
Michael Kors is a younger brand with a style similar to Louis Vuitton’s, but also a little different. For example, Louis Vuitton bags are more elegant and sophisticated while Michael Kors bags are chic and bold.
Additionally, when it comes to class and refinement, Louis Vuitton takes the gold – although Michael Kors isn’t bad either. Their price point is one of the most obvious differences as Louis Vuitton is more expensive than Michael Kors.
You can find affordable and simpler design options among Michael Kors’ collections, which are suitable for casual and everyday wear. However, Louis Vuitton products are more expensive, elegant, and anything but simple.
Louis Vuitton bags also feature better quality – you’re more likely to worry less about damaging a Louis Vuitton handbag. Michael Kors handbags are also beautiful and well-made, but their quality is way below LV’s.
Additionally, LV bags have better resale value than MK brands, making it the better option for fashion investment. If you want a designer bag you can resell at a price higher than you bought it, you’re better off with an LV handbag.
Conclusion
From our analysis, we’d say Louis Vuitton is the better brand between these two. However, like we always say, your budget, style preference, and overall perception will determine your choice.
Michael Kors is the better brand if you want versatile and bold handbag and outfit styles. Conversely, Louis Vuitton is the better brand if you want a bag that fits any occasion and complements any outfit nicely.