Let’s be real for a second. When Zendaya showed up at the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2023 show in Paris wearing those tiger-print shorts, the internet didn't just break; it basically imploded. But it wasn't just the outfit. It was the confirmation of a rumors that had been swirling for months. Ever since she parted ways with Valentino, everyone knew a "Louis" era was coming.
People think the Zendaya Louis Vuitton bag story is just about a celebrity getting a paycheck. It’s not. It’s actually a massive shift in how the world’s biggest luxury house is trying to stay relevant with people who weren't even alive when the brand had its first major "cool" moment in the early 2000s. If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen her clutching everything from a tiny Capucines to a bright, multi-colored Speedy.
There’s a lot of noise out there. Honestly, most of it misses the point. Here is what is actually happening with Zendaya and the house of Vuitton in 2026.
The Capucines: Not Your Grandma’s Handbag
The first big move was the Capucines. This bag is named after the Rue Neuve-des-Capucines, the street where Louis Vuitton opened his first shop back in 1854. Historically, it’s been the "serious" bag. It’s the one you see on the arms of corporate power players or old-money socialites.
Then came Zendaya.
Shot at the Eileen Gray-designed E-1027 villa on the French Riviera, the campaign made the Capucines look... young? It sounds weird to say about a bag that costs upwards of $6,000, but she gave it this breezy, "I just threw this on to go to the beach" vibe. Law Roach, her long-time "image architect," was behind the styling, and he didn't miss. He took a bag that felt stiff and made it feel like a necessity for a Gen Z icon.
The Capucines BB in black with the gold LV hardware is the one you’ll see most often in the ads, but Zendaya has been spotted with the wicker version lately too. It’s a total shift from the heavy leather versions of the past. It’s lighter. It’s more textured. It’s basically the ultimate "quiet luxury" piece, except Zendaya doesn't really do quiet.
The 2025 Murakami Resurrection
If the Capucines was about class, the 2025 relaunch of the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collection was about pure, unadulterated nostalgia.
Remember the early 2000s? The Monogram Multicolore? Paris Hilton?
For a decade, that look was considered "tacky" by the high-fashion elite. But fashion is a circle. By January 2025, Louis Vuitton brought it back with Zendaya as the face of the "Re-Edition" collection. We’re talking over 200 pieces, including the iconic Side Trunk and the Speedy 25 drenched in those 33 different colors.
Seeing Zendaya with a Murakami Zendaya Louis Vuitton bag felt like a full-circle moment for fashion nerds. She was actually spotted carrying a vintage Murakami piece months before the official announcement. Most people thought she was just being "retro," but it was a calculated teaser. Now, in early 2026, those bags are the hardest things to find on the planet. The resale value for the "Zendaya-approved" multicolor Side Trunk has already cleared the $5,000 mark on platforms like Rebag and Vestiaire Collective.
Why the Side Trunk is winning
While the Speedy is the classic, the Side Trunk is what Zendaya actually wears when she's out and about. It’s boxy. It’s structured. It looks like a miniature version of the brand’s historic trunks but has a softness that makes it work as a crossbody.
- The Hardware: It’s got the S-lock and metallic corners.
- The Vibe: It’s a bit "tougher" than the Capucines.
- The Practicality: Honestly, it doesn't fit much more than a phone, some lip gloss, and maybe a small camera—which is exactly what Zendaya told British Vogue she looks for in a bag.
What She Actually Wears (The Airport Style)
Campaigns are one thing. Real life is another. If you want to know which Zendaya Louis Vuitton bag is actually worth the hype, look at her travel photos.
She’s been seen multiple times with the Low Key Hobo. This bag is the polar opposite of the flashy Murakami stuff. It’s just a big, slouchy, grained leather bag in colors like "Cognac" or "Limestone." No loud logos. Just a small padlock detail.
It’s the bag for people who want the quality of Vuitton without looking like a walking billboard. She usually pairs it with an oversized trench coat and some loafers. It’s the "off-duty" look that every fashion influencer has been trying to copy for the last year.
Then there’s the Diane. This is a re-edition of a 90s classic. It’s got that nostalgic satchel shape but comes with a wide jacquard strap. It’s sporty. Zendaya has been wearing it since mid-2024, and it’s become a staple because it’s one of the few LV bags that actually feels "rugged" enough for daily use.
The Law Roach Factor
You can't talk about these bags without talking about Law Roach. Even though he "retired" from celebrity styling, he still works exclusively with Zendaya. He’s the reason she isn't just another face of a brand.
Roach understands the "archival" trend better than anyone. By having Zendaya wear vintage-inspired LV pieces—like the Diane or the Murakami re-issues—he’s bridging the gap between the brand's history and its future. It’s a strategy. It makes the new bags feel like they have a soul. It’s why you don't just see a bag; you see a "moment."
Is It Worth the Investment?
Look, let’s talk numbers. A Zendaya Louis Vuitton bag isn't cheap. The Capucines will run you $6,000 to $10,000. The Murakami pieces are starting at around $3,000 for small accessories and going way up from there.
Is it a good "investment"?
Historically, certain LV bags hold their value. The Diane, for instance, is reportedly selling twice as fast on the resale market as other models right now. The Murakami pieces are a bit more volatile—they’re "trendy"—but because this is the first time they’ve been re-released in 20 years, the scarcity is real.
If you’re looking for a bag that will stay in style for 20 years, the Capucines or the Low Key Hobo are the winners. If you want the bag that defines 2025 and 2026, it’s the Murakami Side Trunk. Period.
How to Get the Look (Without the $7k Price Tag)
Most of us don't have a "Dune" sized budget. If you love the aesthetic Zendaya is bringing to Louis Vuitton but can't swing the price of a used car for a handbag, there are ways to play the game.
- Search the "Second Wave" Vintage: Everyone is looking for the white Murakami pieces. Try looking for the "Cherry Blossom" or "Cerises" (cherry) patterns from 2005. They are just as iconic but haven't seen the same massive price hike—yet.
- The Small Leather Goods (SLGs): A Zippy wallet or a bag charm in the Murakami print gives you the vibe for a fraction of the cost.
- Rent it: Platforms like Vivrelle or Bag Borrow or Steal have been stocking the Zendaya-fronted collections. It’s a way to wear the "it" bag for a month without the commitment.
Basically, Zendaya has managed to do something very difficult: she made a 170-year-old luggage company feel like the coolest thing on TikTok. Whether she’s dancing on a rooftop in the South of France with a Capucines or walking through JFK with a slouchy hobo bag, she’s proving that the bag is only half the story. The rest is how you carry it.
Your Next Moves for the Zendaya Aesthetic
- Identify Your Style Profile: Are you "Riviera Glam" (Capucines) or "Y2K Maximalist" (Murakami)? Don't try to do both at once.
- Check the Hardware: If you're buying pre-loved, the gold-tone hardware on the newer Zendaya-era bags is slightly more "champagne" than the bright yellow gold of the early 2000s.
- Focus on Proportions: Zendaya often goes for either "micro" or "oversized." The "medium" sized bag is currently the least trendy option in her rotation.
Focus on the slouchy, effortless shapes if you want that modern Zendaya look. The brand is moving away from stiff, structured bags and toward pieces that move with the body. Keep an eye on the "Low Key" line—it’s the sleeper hit of the year.
