Louis Vuitton Ellipse MM Monogram Black Trim 1997 That iconic sculptural Ellipse shape — but with a black-trim makeover that makes this 1997 beauty look ridiculously good for her age. 100% Certified Authentic | Includes COA * Brand: Louis Vuitton * Item Type: Top Handle Bag * Collection/Model: Ellipse MM M51126 * Collection Year: 1997 * Color: Brown Monogram / Black * Material: Monogram Coated Canvas / Leather Trim * Pattern: LV Monogram * Hardware: Brass / Gold-Tone * Closure: Wraparound Double-Zip Closure * Handles: Dual Rolled Leather Top Handles * Exterior: Structured sculptural body with curved front and rear panels * Interior: Brown Textile Lining with Interior Slip Pocket * Size: 15.5” x 12” x 5.75” * Handle Drop: Approx. 4” * Date Code: MI1917 * Production Year: 1997 * Made In: France * Included Accessories: Certificate of Authenticity / COA * Special Details: The original leather trim and handles have been professionally dyed and sealed in black, giving this vintage Ellipse an incredibly sharp contrast against the classic Monogram canvas. ⸻ • Why You’ll Love It There is just something about an Ellipse. That dramatic rounded silhouette makes it instantly recognizable from across the room, and the MM gives you the statement-making shape without sacrificing actual usable space. This one gets even better because of the black leather. Against the warm brown Monogram canvas, the professionally finished black handles and trim completely change the personality of the bag — a little moodier, a little more modern and incredibly easy to wear. The exterior is honestly stunning for a bag approaching 30 years old. And unlike the endless sea of Speedys and Neverfulls, the discontinued Ellipse has that unmistakable vintage-Louis-Vuitton look that feels genuinely different. ⸻ • Excellent Vintage Condition The exterior of this bag is absolutely beautiful, especially considering its 1997 production year. The Monogram coated canvas presents exceptionally well with beautiful color and definition, excellent structure and no exterior flaws significant enough to call out. The professionally finished black leather handles and trim look polished and striking against the Monogram canvas, and the hardware complements the bag beautifully. The one noteworthy flaw is safely tucked away inside. Mistakes can happen when giving a vintage beauty her makeover, and unfortunately this one came away with a little “battle scar” from the dye bottle — an isolated dark dye mark on the interior lining. Thankfully, it is entirely inside the bag, cannot be seen while carrying it and does not affect the structure or function whatsoever. * Note: The leather trim and handles have been professionally dyed and sealed to refresh and protect the leather while maintaining the integrity of the bag. This process was performed to improve overall appearance, provide a more uniform finish, and help preserve the leather for continued use. The leather presents cleanly with a polished appearance and has been conditioned and sealed following the restoration process. Please review all photos closely as they are included as part of the item’s description ⸻ • Collector & Reseller Notes: Introduced during an era of wonderfully architectural Louis Vuitton designs, the now-discontinued Ellipse is named for its distinctive elliptical silhouette. Its dramatically curved body has also earned it the affectionate collector nickname “bowling ball bag.” This is the larger and more practical Ellipse MM M51126, featuring the classic Monogram canvas, structured curved construction, rolled top handles and distinctive wraparound zipper. Even better, date code MI1917 identifies this as a French-made 1997 example. The Ellipse has been having a very deserved vintage comeback. Its unusual silhouette feels unmistakably Louis Vuitton while being considerably less common in the wild than the house’s staple Speedy, Alma and Neverfull shapes. The black professional finish gives this particular example an individual look while retaining the original Monogram canvas and structure.