It’s not every day a handbag looks like it’s ready for takeoff, but the Louis Vuitton Airplane Bag by Virgil Abloh was never meant to blend in. First seen on the runway during the Fall/Winter 2021 menswear show, this piece is one of the most audacious and unforgettable designs from Abloh’s time at Louis Vuitton. Shaped exactly like a jet – cockpit windows, tail, engines, and all – it’s a physical representation of the brand’s century-long association with travel, turned into a literal and surreal accessory. Crafted in LV’s signature Ebene Monogram coated canvas and finished with silver-tone hardware, the bag is lined in black textile and comes with practical additions like a shoulder strap, handle connector, luggage tag, and its original dust bag.
Back when it first appeared, the $39,000 price tag shocked more than a few people online. Social media lit up with reactions, jokes, and disbelief. Someone even compared it to buying an actual vintage aircraft. Despite the online roasting, the bag had its fans – including Chris Brown, who once claimed he owned the only one in the United States. But beyond the memes and hot takes, this bag marked a moment. It was part of Abloh’s ongoing commentary on luxury, design, and meaning, bringing his “tourist vs. purist” philosophy into the spotlight again.
Fast forward to today, and the same bag has resurfaced at Sotheby’s with a new price: $60,000. The condition is near-mint, the shape still bold, and the timing – now that Abloh is gone – makes it feel even more like a collector’s item. Whether you see it as art, irony, or simply high fashion doing its most outrageous trick, there’s no denying this airplane bag is a time capsule from one of the most influential creative minds in fashion. And don’t forget to check Louis Vuitton’s Easter Chocolate Collection.
