In a sense, any handbag designed now, must aspire to be the mother of all It bags – the Louis Vuitton Speedy. Created in the 1930s, it was the first handbag the French maison ever created. The Speedy combines history, practicality, and timeless appeal and has evolved into one of the most recognisable luxury bags in the world, with new “flankers” and styles added to its name with every passing fad.
The look: A structured handbag with a signature barrel shape, distinctive spacious interior and top handles, it is designed for functionality. The original width came in at 30cm, but at Audrey Hepburn’s request, Louis Vuitton introduced a smaller version: 25cm wide, which is still its most popular size today. In 2011, the Speedy Bandouliere was introduced, giving the handbag a sling-strap. Last year, Pharrell Williams created a large-sized Speedy made just for men. And so a classic lives on.
Why it’s special: Originally created as a travel bag, it was based on the brand’s larger Keepall bag, scaled down to a more compact size. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the Speedy became a global phenomenon, thanks to the endorsement by Audrey Hepburn, who was photographed carrying a Speedy in the 1960s, catapulting it into the mainstream. Since then, it has remained a staple in Vuitton’s collections, with various limited-edition collaborations with artists such as Stephen Sprouse, Takeshi Murakami and Yayoi Kusama among others, keeping it relevant and desirable for new generations. It has appeared in different finishes, but its most iconic iteration remains the Monogram toile, a design patented in 1896. The Speedy is instantly recognisable and is a true investment piece; it remains as fashionable today as it was when it was first introduced.
Who it suits: Carried by a diverse array of celebrities, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts such as Kate Moss, Faye Wong, and Rihanna, the Speedy elevates any ensemble – and any personality type, endowing its wearer with an ineffable nostalgia.
MIU MIU ARCADIE: COOL GIRL CLASSIC
