Last year, I went to Hawaii, not knowing I’d come back home with a new Louis Vuitton bag. I finally brought the Louis Vuitton Bella Mahina out of the vault and finally unboxing it for use.
Kind of an interesting story; I went to the Hermes store while strolling through Ala Moana. I’ve wanted the Picotin bag for a while, but the Associates would always tell me it was not available for me. That’s fine. I walked over to Louis Vuitton, and Nic was so welcoming even though I initially wanted to look around. After looking at a few bags, one clicked with me; the Bella Mahina.
Per the Louis Vuitton website:
Louis Vuitton unveils the Bella bucket bag in Mahina calf leather with its perforated Monogram pattern. The bag’s small size and the attached round coin purse, featuring a miniature version of the perforated Monogram motif on one side, make it modern, desirable, and trendy. The sophisticated leather and metal mixed handle associated with a removable leather strap brings versatility.
This bag checked everything I was looking for; a cute bucket bag that can fit enough things without it being a tote bag. I’ve been thinking about trendy vs. timeless bags. There are some designs that are obviously for a season, while others are for a lifetime. When I look for bags, I prefer something a bit youthful that I can carry for years.
My first bag was a monogram canvas. I’ve outgrown the monogram canvas a little, but it still has its benefits. It’s very durable and easy to maintain. Although I love leather, this bag pays homage to the Louis Vuitton monogram design.
I love the detail of the bag. The shoulder strap features a braided chain; far classier than the Cluny Mini’s strap. The bag also comes with a crossbody strap, and you can dangle the braided chain as a decor piece. As an added bonus, a coin purse is included. Even though I don’t carry cash or coins with me, I can put small items like lipstick or even a few cards.
The bag features a monogram design that is lasered through the calfskin leather. There is no interior lining within this bag, so with the right lighting, you can see the monogram design shining through the inside. Drawstrings are added to the bag to close the opening.
I usually recommend using a bag organizer. You can also make this work by using mini pouches. I never put myself at risk by dealing with compact powder that suddenly opened and spilled in the bag.
I didn’t know that there is special pricing for certain brands and product lines in Hawaii. I am not sure why, but probably to compete with Asia’s market. I went to Hawaii for the first time in 2017, and I was debating over a Kate Spade bag. In 2022, I went and bought a Louis Vuitton bag just like that. I’m thankful for all of the opportunities along the path that got me here today. Never forget your roots.
The Louis Vuitton Bella Mahina is gorgeous all around. I wouldn’t recommend wearing this as a crossbody, even though there is a strap for it. I love tucking in the coin purse, pulling the drawstrings in to close the bag, and holding from the braided strap. Bucket bag activities.
PS. Check out my Etsy store for the cutest stickers!
The Comments
Michelle
I think the LV Bella Mahina is perfect for Spring and Summer since the colors can be easy to blend with a bit of pop of colors or go full neutral when it comes to clothes.
Charlotte
This is a beautiful bag, Thank you for sharing.
CYNTHIA Thomas
Beautiful bag i WOULD love to own it
Waikiki Travel Guide • Cold Brew Vibes
[…] Of course, I quickly got rejected at Hermes and then was treated like VIP at Louis Vuitton right across. Forget playing the Hermes game, my loyalty is with Louis Vuitton. Yes, I returned to the mainland with a baby I didn’t plan for. My Hawaiian love child. […]
Chanel Wallet on Chain • Cold Brew Vibes
[…] was a bit strategic about the next bag. The last bag I bought was the Louis Vuitton Bella Mahina, which was a literal bucket bag. I don’t have an appetite for a tote bag at this time and […]
Karen Howell
Love it what’s price
nancy
Karen HowellI purchased this for $3800 before HI tax
Vic
Came across this blog because I was googling for Bella Mahina reviews. Any updates? How do you like the bag? Does it stay cinched/closed? I read some people say it doesn’t stay closed. Why wouldn’t you wear it crossbody? Love the color you have. Mahina is such a beautiful leather. Can’t wait to hear your feedback. Thanks
nancy
VicHi Vic! Thank you so much for coming by!
+ An absolute stunning bag, I still love this bag to this day. Because of this purchase, I really don’t crave for the Hermes Picotin anymore. Haven’t had regrets. I keep thinking of the Bella as a bougie girl’s Noe hehe. Great bag, fits a lot of things (makeup pouch, sunglasses, etc), and super unique. If you put a light inside, the bag turns into a floating monogram (like I did here https://coldbrewvibes.com/the-lifestyle-edit-iii/)
+ The cinch does not stay closed, so treat this as a true “bucket bag”. It looks nicer half-closed :).
+ The Bella Mahina is such a wide bag that it sticks out too much. I just love holding it by its handle. When I think of rocking a crossbody, I think of a thinner bag, like https://coldbrewvibes.com/louis-vuitton-cluny-mini/ or https://coldbrewvibes.com/louis-vuitton-new-wave-chain-bag/ (tho with the new wave, I tied the chain on the inside to make it a huge shoulder bag, whoop). BUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That’s just me lol. You and anyone can rock it as a crossbody. You make the bag what you like in your style!!