Louis Vuitton Just Made the Petite Malle Bigger, Softer and More Affordable

Louis Vuitton gives ‘packing for the day’ a whole new meaning with the Malle de Jour. Translating to “day trunk” — the new Fall-Winter 2026 handbag — not to be confused with the Side Trunk — takes the House’s trunk-making heritage and gives one of its most recognizable silhouettes a softer, more relaxed attitude.

Image courtesy: Louis Vuitton

First unveiled for Fall-Winter 2014, the Petite Malle quickly became one of Louis Vuitton’s defining modern designs, distilling the hard-sided construction and hardware of the Maison’s historic trunks into a compact handbag. For Fall-Winter 2026, that familiar formula gets a softer treatment.

For the Malle De Jour, soft Monogram canvas is framed by classic Vachetta trim, with reinforced corners and gold-toned studs continuing the trunk-inspired aesthetic. The traditional clasp closure is something of a  trompe-l’œil here, with the bag instead opening via a practical top zipper.

That shift in construction also makes room for a more practical interior. Inside, a microfiber-lined interior provides enough room for the day-to-day essentials, including a 6.7-inch smartphone, card holder, keys and lipstick, while a slip pocket keeps smaller items organized. Measuring 9.4 x 5.9 x 3.1 inches, the Malle De Jour is noticeably larger than the Petite Malle, which measures 7.9 x 4.9 x 2.4 inches.

Image courtesy: Louis Vuitton

Integrated directly into the body of the bag, the strap forms part of the Malle De Jour’s design rather than being detachable. Adjustable from approximately 7.9 to 15 inches, it can be lengthened or shortened to alter the drop while maintaining its distinctive streamlined silhouette.

Louis Vuitton’s Malle De Jour retails for $4,950 in Monogram canvas, compared to $6,600 for the Petite Malle. Ultimately, it means a larger bag for less, but at what cost? If you love the Petite Malle for its hard-sided, trunk-like construction, the Malle De Jour’s softer approach may not scratch quite the same itch.

Leave a Reply

Published: August 24th, 2026