Louis Vuitton has released a Shiba Inu-shaped handbag priced at 12.2 million won ($8,400), drawing mixed reactions from consumers. While some see the product as "unique," others dismiss it as looking like "a toy."
Shiba Inu Shape Doubles as Shoulder and Crossbody Bag
According to Louis Vuitton's official website on Wednesday (local time), the newly unveiled "Shiba Bag" is part of the brand's Pre-Fall collection. The design faithfully replicates the form of a Shiba Inu, using soft shearling material and featuring natural cowhide leather handles.
The bag includes a detachable and adjustable monogram canvas strap, allowing it to be worn as either a shoulder bag or a crossbody bag. It measures 21 centimeters wide, 25 centimeters tall, and 31 centimeters deep, and is available for purchase through Louis Vuitton's official website and offline stores. The price is 12.2 million won.
Louis Vuitton described the product as "an item with witty aesthetics and surprisingly generous interior space beyond that, allowing ample storage for daily essentials."
Consumer reactions were immediately divided upon release. Criticism focused first on the lack of practicality relative to the price. Comments such as "Can you really carry a Shiba Bag around in everyday life?", "It looks too much like a toy to inspire any desire to buy it," and "Wouldn't it be better to buy a different bag at the same price?" spread through online communities. Despite the price tag exceeding 10 million won, a common complaint was that the appearance felt overly frivolous.
On the other hand, many viewed the unique design as a strength. One online user said, "Even if the price is high, those who want to buy it will buy it," adding, "There may even be demand from people who find the unusual appearance attractive." Given that scarcity and individuality often drive purchasing decisions in the luxury market, some analysts suggested the controversy itself could serve to boost interest in the product.
Fish-Shaped Buns, Donuts, Croissants: Food-Themed Luxury Items Priced Over 1 Million Won
This is not the first time Louis Vuitton has released products with unconventional designs.
In December last year, the brand drew attention by releasing a keyring modeled after bungeoppang, a fish-shaped pastry that is a popular Korean winter snack, priced at 1.41 million won. At the time, Louis Vuitton described the item as "the LV Bungeoppang Bag Charm, a cultural tribute to the fish-shaped pastry," adding that it was "an accessory that can also be used as a pouch for storing small belongings." The brand has also released a series of bag charms shaped like donuts, croissants, chocolate, biscuits, and fortune cookies, all priced in the 1 million won range.
Currently, Louis Vuitton's official website lists the "LV Donut Bag Charm" at 1.41 million won, the "LV Croissant Bag Charm" at 1.36 million won, and the "LV Chocolate Bar Figurine Key Holder & Bag Charm" at 1.05 million won.
