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Coach vs. Louis Vuitton: Battle of the Brands

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This post is part of our Battle of the Brands feature. Let us know which brand you prefer, and watch out for more Battle of the Brands posts.

Recently, someone told me that only 1% of all Louis Vuitton handbags in the world are authentic, which is quite surprising considering how many people, young and old, tote the luxury status symbols. I guess what most of them don't realize is that some of these bags are the real McCoy, while it seems a lot more are just reproductions. Several weeks ago, I posted Coach bags: You're just not worthy because Coach Inc. (NYSE: COH) was stepping up their luxury handbag game with a new, more exclusive line of bags priced from $10,000 to $500 and adding hoity-toity boutiques to bring in a more elite clientele.

While both Coach and Louis Vuitton (LVMH) (EPA: MC) already have classic and luxury goods status among many, it seems that both companies are grasping for the top rung of the handbag ladder. LVMH may seem to be ahead of the game, since A-list celebrities such as Uma Thurman, Naomi Campbell, Scarlett Johansson, and even rapper Snoop Dog often travel in style and are photographed with LV bags. In comparison, I can't even think of an instance where I've spotted a celebrity with a Coach bag. After a quick Google search, I did however find a picture of Jessica Alba holding a cute Coach Daphne Straw Top Handle Bag ($168), which surprised me because most women I see with Coach bags tend to be older and middle class. In fact, a budding fashionista once told me that Coach bags were "mom" bags. So then it's understandable that Coach would spring this new Legacy line on us in a not-so-veiled attempt to lose its "mom" status.

At the same time, both bags have made some considerable bad choices, as I see it. LVMH launched its Louis Vuitton Tribute Patchwork Bag, that sent the blogosphere running from: 1.) the monstrosity of its price tag, and 2.) its pure ugliness. The bag, hyped as a tribute to the brand, designed with the help of Marc Jacobs and priced at an unbelievable $45,352, had a lot of people shaking their heads in disbelief. In fact, most people I talked to thought I was pulling their leg. Oddly enough, all 15 of the "Frankenstein" bags sold out, leaving us to question the sanity and identity of these buyers.

Coach also made a bad move in attempting to upscale their clientele; consumers tend to be very loyal when they find a niche brand that speaks to who they are, so why move away from them?

If I had to choose between a Coach product or a Louis Vuitton, however, I would have to say I would probably go with an LV over a Coach bag, even though I have no loyalty to either. Even with the hideousness and silliness of their latest "tribute," the prestige of the brand carries on.

Be sure to vote in our poll for Louis Vuitton or Coach as your preferred brand, and let us know why you love it in the comments. Results of all Battle of the Brands match-ups coming soon.

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Last updated: November 13, 2009: 01:59 AM

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