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Two of Louis Vuitton’s most iconic patterns, both the Damier Ebene and Damier Azur canvas are an integral part of the French fashion house. The heritage behind these patterns paired with their minimalistic style has ensured both patterns remain integral to the Louis Vuitton brand.

Damier Ebene vs Damier Azur Canvas

Deciding whether to purchase a handbag with the Damier Ebene or Damier Azur canvas can be a difficult decision for anyone looking to add Louis Vuitton to their collection. Both resemble leather, however, they are a durable canvas fabric that has been sealed with a Polyvinyl Chloride coating.

Damier Ebene Canvas

Designed in 1888 by Louis Vuitton and his son, Georges Vuitton, the Damier canvas is the oldest pattern within the Louis Vuitton repertoire. It’s even older than the Monogram canvas that adorned the boxed luggage cases that became so synonymous with the Louis Vuitton brand. The original colourway was brown, however, in 1998 it was officially reintroduced as the Damier Ebene Canvas

Damier Ebene features:

The Damier Ebene canvas is a two-tone checkered pattern with a light and darker brown. Bags and wallets with this pattern usually feature a cherry red lining, which adds an additional classic flair to this iconic pattern.

Because of its darker colours, the Damier Ebene is usually paired with leather handles, trims and straps in a deep brown shade. However, lighter trims do appear on various bag models.

Damier Ebene benefits:

• Close to the original Damier colour way, the Damier Ebene canvas holds more value as a historic brand asset.
• The neutral brown checkered pattern pairs well with a range of outfits, particularly wintry or autumnal outfits and those including denim.
• A great pattern choice when buying a pre-loved Louis Vuitton handbag as discolouration and staining is less likely to occur, compared to the Damier Azur pattern.

Damier Azur Canvas 

This particular colour way was actually created in 2006. Although a younger fabric design, it still holds the timeless style of the checkered Damier pattern.

Damier Azur features:

The Damier Azur canvas is a white and navy checkerboard design. It is usually paired with light-coloured trims, like Vachetta leather and Rose Ballerine and Beige natural cowhide leather.

The interior lining is also usually a light-coloured textile, though the colour ways differ between bag styles. This usually matches the trim, so a light beige or ‘Rose Ballerine’ coloured fabric is used.

Damier Azur benefits:

• It’s a bright colour way that can add a bright twist to a handbag collection that often lacks colour.
• It’s a popular choice for an everyday summer bag as the white canvas pairs well with linens and light, warm weather clothing.

Because of its lighter colour palette, the Damier Azur canvas is often paired with lighter leather trim. Both the leather trim and canvas itself are more susceptible to stains and discolouration, which could be a factor that influences which Damier colour way you choose.

Damier Ebene or Damier Azur Canvas?

When investing in a Louis Vuitton bag it’s always worth choosing a classic print or pattern that transcends passing fashion trends. The Damier canvas fabrics, particularly the Damier Ebene, represent the heritage of this fashion powerhouse.

They’re a classic option, as opposed to a trendy one. They’re present in each new collection, season after season — a sign that the creative directors believe these patterns form a core part of the Louis Vuitton heritage.