Born in the 1930s, Louis Vuitton’s Speedy bag quickly emerged as an unparalleled travel companion, designed to meet the needs of pioneers in aviation and the nascent automotive era. With a timeless aesthetic, this compact and elegant bag has captivated the world with its iconic design. The distinctive monogram canvas, crafted by Louis Vuitton to counter counterfeiting, has become a signature emblem of the brand. The intertwining “LV” and the flowers of the monogram evoke a strong and distinctive DNA specific to the house, anchoring the Speedy in the annals of luxury bags.
Available in a range of sizes from Speedy 25 to Speedy 40, each iteration offers a unique travel experience, suitable for both city escapes and more distant adventures. Material evolutions, from natural leather handles to modern treated leathers, testify to the ongoing adaptability to the changing needs of the clientele. Over the decades, the Speedy has embraced creativity and artistic expression. Collaborations with visionaries such as Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami, and Yayoi Kusama have added unique touches to the bag’s narrative, reflecting the commitment of the French luxury house to art.
The latest transformation, led by Pharrell Williams as Artistic Director for Men since early 2023, injects new energy into the iconic Speedy with the creation of the “P9”. Skillfully merging iconic heritage with ultra-luxurious materials and vibrant explosions of red, yellow, and green, these unprecedented creations, tinted with Pharrell’s distinctive style, write a new chapter in the history of the Speedy.
In this contemporary reinterpretation, the bag embraces the spirit of Canal Street in Lower Manhattan, New York. The new P9 elevates its status on the luxury scale by adopting a structure of supple grained calf leather lined with the finest lamb’s skin. The inherent flexibility of this design allows the base of the bag to slightly collapse and drape naturally, adding a touch of fluidity to its architecture. The iconic Monogram, screen-printed in a blurry fashion, gives the impression of being hand-drawn, recalling the symbolism of craftsmanship and expertise within historical houses like Louis Vuitton.
Thus, while preserving its essence, the Speedy continues to evolve with the times and with Pharrell Williams’ modern brilliance. An icon that, over time, remains a timeless expression of luxury and elegance, captivating fashion enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
