What you need to know about the new Louis Vuitton Speedy bag, designed by Pharrell Williams
The iconic Louis Vuitton Speedy has withstood the test of time, first debuting in 1930. Pharrell Williams’ latest iteration of the bag dropped in Louis Vuitton Singapore boutiques on Thursday (Jan 4).
Lewis Hamilton, Naomi Campbell and Jackson Wang with the Louis Vuitton SS24 Speedy. (Photos: Louis Vuitton)
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The Louis Vuitton Speedy is one of the most iconic handbags in luxury fashion. Did you know that the bag first made its debut in 1930, and back then, it was called the Express, a moniker reflecting the era’s appetite for fast cars?
It was later renamed the Speedy and in 1959, the bag was launched in the supple monogram canvas that’s popular today. It was Audrey Hepburn that catapulted the Speedy to “It-bag” status. In 1965, the actress had requested for a smaller version of the Speedy (it was then only available in 30, 35 and 40) to fit her petite frame. Her wish was granted with the Speedy 25, a bag she was seen everywhere with.
Over the decades, the Speedy has seen various iterations – from Marc Jacobs’ graffiti-style letters painted against the monogram print, Takashi Murakami’s multicolour monogram to Yayoi Kusama’s infinity dots.
The latest adaptation is designed by Pharrell Williams, who was appointed creative director of Louis Vuitton menswear in February 2023. The bag is now available in an array of colours – red, yellow, green, orange and blue – and crafted from natural supple grained calfskin leather as well as fully lined with lambskin leather. This gives the bag a softened construction, allowing it to drape and bend through everyday use.
The Speedy is the first bag owned by Williams, and his design takes inspiration from the hustle culture of Canal Street on Lower Manhattan, New York City, where he first became acquainted with luxury.
The monogram is reproduced on the body of the Speedy in a high-end silk-screen printing technique, giving the bag a blurry, artisanal and almost hand-painted effect. It comes with a secured lock, hardware in polished gold as well as an exclusive plaque inside the bag. The plaque is specially designed for this Speedy SS24, featuring the season number, Speedy size and a quote from Williams.
In Singapore, there are three sizes available – 25, 40 and 50, with prices starting from S$13,300.
The new Speedy has already been seen on celebrities, from musician Jackson Wang, actors Dylan Wang and Jacob Elordi, race car driver Lewis Hamilton, basketballer LeBron James, supermodel Naomi Campbell and more.
