The Row Margaux 15 Bag vs Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandoulière 25: which one should you buy?

Where they differ

The The Row Margaux 15 Bag wins on soft structured top-handle with belted sides, in suede or saddle leather. The Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandoulière 25 answers with monogram canvas that survives rain, with a detachable strap. Material: Saddle leather or suede on the The Row Margaux 15 Bag, Monogram coated canvas on the Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandoulière 25. Size: 38 x 25 x 17 cm on the The Row Margaux 15 Bag, 25 x 19 x 15 cm on the Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandoulière 25. Hardware: Brass on the The Row Margaux 15 Bag, Gold-color brass on the Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandoulière 25. Made in: Italy on the The Row Margaux 15 Bag, France or Spain on the Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandoulière 25.

Reasons to buy the The Row Margaux 15 Bag

No logo, Holds a laptop or tablet, Superb leather. What to accept: suede marks in rain, waitlists. Usual price: $5,400–$6,200. Our verdict: buy. Read the full The Row Margaux 15 Bag review.

Reasons to buy the Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandoulière 25

Coated canvas is very durable, Strong resale, Strap included. What to accept: logo-heavy, vachetta handles darken. Usual price: $2,100–$2,400. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandoulière 25 review.

Neither one?

Our list of the best top-handle bags has every other piece with its own call. Leather: calfskin and grained leathers (Togo-style, Saffiano, grained calf) hide scratches far better than smooth lambskin, which marks quickly.

Also consider the Loewe Puzzle Bag Small ($3,800–$4,300): geometric panels that fold flat, carried four ways from top handle to crossbody. Buy it if you want a design-led bag you can carry by hand, shoulder or crossbody.

Also consider the Lady Dior Medium Bag ($6,900–$7,600): cannage-stitched lambskin with D.I.O.R. charms and a structure that keeps its shape for years. Buy it if you want a recognizable top-handle icon that works for weddings, work and evenings.

Buyer tip

Luxury houses raise bag prices once or twice a year, usually in January and in spring, so buying before an announced increase saves more than waiting for a sale that rarely comes.

Buying in Europe: European prices include VAT (around 20%), while US prices exclude sales tax, so a bag can look cheaper in Paris or Milan than it really is. Visitors from outside the EU and UK can often claim a VAT refund on purchases made in the EU, which is why many Americans buy Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermès while travelling.

Luxury prices move in a different rhythm from everyday shopping. The great houses (Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Rolex) raise prices once or twice a year, often in January and in spring, and almost never discount their icons. Seasonal pieces, colors and many shoes, coats and knitwear drop 30–50% in the end-of-season sales in January and from late June. Watches from brands such as Omega, TAG Heuer, Longines and Breitling, and most fragrance, see the best prices around Prime Day and Black Friday. Judge any deal against the usual price we show.