The Louis Vuitton Speedy is the most iconic Louis Vuitton bag of all time. Its two top handles, large rounded body and simple hardware are recognizable by even the most novice handbag fans. The Speedy is part of the classic Louis Vuitton bag icon collection.
If you’re interested in understanding the history behind the Speedy, what sizes the Speedy comes in, and what materials you can find the Speedy in, you’ve come to the right place.
Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag History
The Speedy was first created in 1930 in the 30cm size, which was then called the “Express” as an homage to the era’s travel revolution. The smaller 25 was added in 1959 at the request of actress Audrey Hepburn, who wanted Louis Vuitton to make a mini version of their Keepall duffle. Louis Vuitton obliged and created what is now known by fashionistas and handbag lovers as the “Speedy 25.” The Speedy didn’t become the iconic bag it is today until Audrey Hepburn’s Speedy 25 was introduced.
Louis Vuitton Speedy Retail Prices | Summer 2018
Louis Vuitton retail prices differ based on size and material. Use the guide below to reference current retail prices from LouisVuitton.com.
Monogram, Damier Ebene & Damier Azur Canvas
Speedy 25: $1000
Speedy 30: $1020
Speedy 35: $1050
Speedy 40: $1010
Speedy Bandouliere 25: $1430
Speedy Bandouliere 30: $1450
Speedy Bandouliere 35: $1470
Epi Leather
Speedy Bandouliere 25: $2160
Monogram Empreinte Leather
Speedy Bandouliere 20: $2300
Speedy Bandouliere 25: $2610
Speedy Bandouliere 30: $2900
The Anatomy Of A Speedy Bag
The silhouette of the Speedy has a structured, rounded body and tapers from a flat, rectangular bottom to a top that is slightly domed. The Monogram Speedy still holds its original design: one piece of classic canvas around the body of the bag with natural vachetta rounded handles and piping. Speedy bags, when purchased new from an LV boutique, come with a lock and key.
The design of Speedy bags can change depending on what material they’re made of and what year they were released. For example, Monogram and Damier Speedy bags can be found with simple canvas bottoms, while the Empreinte leather Speedy has additional stitching and metal feet.
Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag Sizes
The Speedy is made in four sizes: 25, 30, 35 and 40. The numerical size names refer to the width of the bag’s front panel in centimeters. Note, some limited edition styles will be named “Speedy” but the dimensions may differ from classic Speedy bags.
Size dimensions for Monogram Canvas, Damier Ebene, and Damier Azur Speedy bags:
| Size | Dimensions | |
|---|---|---|
| Speedy 25 | 9.84? L x 7.5? W x 6? H | |
| Speedy 30 | 11.8? L x 8.3? W x 6.7? H | |
| Speedy 35 | 13.8? L x 9? W x 7? H | |
| Speedy 40 | 15.8? L x 9.8? W x 7.5? H |
If you’re curious about the most popular size, it’s the Speedy 30.?
What Is A Speedy Bandouliere?
The Speedy Bandouliere (which means ‘with a strap’ in French) was introduced in 2011 in Monogram Canvas, Damier Ebene Canvas, Damier Azur Canvas, and Empreinte Leather. The Speedy was given a small makeover to include a long shoulder strap that can be worn on the shoulder or across the chest. The Speedy Bandouliere also has a two-way zip closure to make the bag easier to get into.The Speedy Bandouliere is sometimes referred to by collectors and sales associates as a “Speedy B”.
Pro tip: A quick way to tell a regular Speedy and a Speedy Bandouliere apart: the Bandouliere has an additional strip of leather trim running up the sides of the bag.
What Is the Difference Between a New Model (NM) the Old Speedy?
This is one of the more common questions our Merchandise team gets at Yoogi’s Closet. In 2015, Louis Vuitton redesigned the Monogram and Damier Speedy to accommodate its modern use.
On the old model, the bag’s chaps (the leather connecting the bag’s handle) are flat, and the stitching is visible below the brass rivet.
The Speedy New Model (NM) has a redesigned handle base (chaps), an interior zip pocket, and smooth leather on both sides of the zipper.
The new Speedy bag shows that the chaps are now puffier and the stitching goes around the brass rivet. Both Bandouliere and regular Speedy bags have been updated with these characteristics, but keep in mind that different material bags might have different features.
The Empreinte Leather Speedy and the Epi Leather Speedy have both undergone redesigns too.
Empreinte Speedy Old Model Versus New Model
2012-2015: Four metal feet,?long adjustable shoulder strap with strap extender, long leather zipper pulls, one zip pocket and two flat pockets inside
2016-present: No metal bottom feet, short leather zipper pulls, exterior front pocket, longer handles, no strap extender for shoulder strap, smooth leather exterior sides, one zip pocket and two flat pockets inside
Epi Speedy Old Models Versus New Model
1990-2006: Untreated leather interior, gold hardware, one outside side pocket, one inside patch pocket
2006-2011: Textile lining, silvertone hardware, one outside side?pocket, two inside flat pockets
2017-present: Shoulder strap, wider zip opening, diagonal Epi leather, Alcantara soft textile lining, two flat pockets
What Materials Does The Speedy Come In?
The Speedy comes in a vast array of colors and materials:
- Monogram coated canvas (brown with LV monogram and light vachetta leather)
- Damier Ebene (brown check with dark brown leather)
- Damier Azur (blue and white checkers)
- Monogram Empreinte embossed leather
- Epi leather
- Mini Lin/Idylle Canvas
- Denim
- Limited Edition styles like Stephen Sprouse Graffiti and Yayoi Kusama Monogram Dots
If you’ve got your heart set on a certain Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag, Yoogi’s Closet specializes in rare and hard-to-find handbags. Ready to find your dream Speedy? Shop for authentic Louis Vuitton Speedy bags.
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