Vuitton lifts prices of classics up to 9 pct-source

PARIS, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Louis Vuitton (LVMH.PA) has raised prices for monogram handbags and other leather goods considered classics by as much as 9 percent in the euro zone, a source familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

The increase reflects the rise in raw material prices such as leather and cotton, the source added.

"The increase will be of between zero and 9 percent, depending on the bag," the source said.

The increase in Europe does not affect the price of items from new collections, the source said.

Louis Vuitton declined to comment.

Louis Vuitton, which contributes half of LVMH's operating profit, had already raised prices by 2 percent in July. (Reporting by Astrid Wendlandt; Editing by James Regan)