Supreme X Louis Vuitton Backpack

Louis Vuitton and Supreme have both always operated with an absolute understanding of their customer. 

In the 19th century, Louis Vuitton created a waterproof canvas to protect the valuable contents of the iconic French luxury brand’s trunks used for intercontinental train travel. In the 20th century, Supreme founder James Jebbia hung merch on his first store’s walls instead of the selling floor, so that the fervid followers of the cult streetwear brand — which has long made the uncool cool and exhibited a subversive attitude — could skate in, unobstructed, from the street. Today Louis Vuitton x Supreme bags, clothing and accessories are the product of one of the most influential Louis Vuitton collabs.

For many years, these two worlds — luxury and street — were totally separate domains. But a bridge joining them developed steadily during the first decades of the 21st century. Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse edged the legacy brand toward the street, while Supreme’s 2012 collaboration with Comme de Garçons married street cred to high style.

Around 2016, rumors started. Jebbia was spotted in the first row at a Vuitton menswear show. Could it be? Could it be? It could. The collab hit the runway in 2017. “Come all ye hypebeasts,” announced Office magazine. “Today’s Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter menswear show featured official Supreme x LV items, and the internet is freaking out.”

“It was very exciting to see a subversive American street-style brand collaborate with an established high-fashion French brand like Louis Vuitton,” says Airee Edwards, owner and founder of Agora Vintage. “I think it proves how far American taste and style has come.”

Sales demonstrated the allure of the pairing: LVMH reported a 23 percent increase in profits in the first half of 2017, which it credited to the Supreme collab. Hardly surprising, as the hoodies, T-shirts, leather goods and general assortment of items that made up this pinnacle of all drops sold out immediately.

Find Louis Vuitton x Supreme bags, shirts and other items on 1stDibs.

Vintage and designer backpacks do more than carry our books, notebooks, electronic devices and other possessions to and fro. They are also a reflection of personal taste and style. Whether it’s an understated solid color — black backpacks will remain forever timeless — or it’s emblazoned with a dazzling graphic pattern or an iconic fashion house’s logo, a backpack makes a statement.

In 1908, decades before the JanSports and Eastpaks of the world materialized, Norwegian Ole Bergan crafted the first backpack, whittling and shaping a juniper branch to support a robust canvas rucksack on his back. Twenty-five years later, the patent on Bergan’s wildly convenient and functional accessory expired, and backpacks became popular with hikers, campers and other outdoor enthusiasts as other designers and companies scrambled to develop their own iterations. During the late 1930s, the first zippered backpack appeared — for students, it was a significant improvement over carrying their books with a leather belt.

Some designer backpacks are sleek and sporty, while others attract attention with flashy brass hardware and a textured exterior flap. While the innumerable handbag lovers of our modern times continue to gravitate toward iconic labels — classic bags still rule — today’s shoppers are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Backpacks designed by universally renowned brands such as Gucci, Dior and Burberry are similarly alluring when it comes to finding the perfect carryall.

Heavy-duty nylon backpacks or those made with polyester are likely the most common, but many alternatives can be found in canvas, leather and suede. The best backpack for you might be one that is modest in size and discreet, and thus ideal for carrying a few items. If that sounds like what you need, explore crossbody bags and messenger bags, as they’re a bit easier to access and you don’t have to remove the bag to get to its contents. Others may seek a bag that is spacious enough to fit all of the supplies for an overnight hike, in which case, a sturdy, structured backpack might be a better fit.

Whether it is for fashion, function or both, there is a backpack suited to every individual. Find yours in the extensive collection of vintage and designer backpacks on 1stDibs.