Back to Classics: A Complete Guide to the Iconic Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag

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The Louis Vuitton Speedy revolutionized the handbag world when it debuted in 1930. Originally called the Express, it was designed for a fast-paced era where travel was becoming more accessible, thanks to the rise of commercial flight.

Speedy Size Guide

The Speedy was originally launched in the 30 size—a spacious design perfect for carrying daily essentials with room to spare. As its popularity soared, Louis Vuitton responded by introducing the 35 and 40 sizes, making the bag even more versatile and catering to those who needed extra space without compromising style.

Audrey Hepburn, a long-time fan of the Speedy bag, was often photographed at airports with hers in hand—the perfect example of its practicality and timeless elegance for jet-setters everywhere.

The Speedy reached iconic status in the 1960s when Audrey Hepburn requested a smaller, more practical version for her everyday use, resulting in the creation of the Speedy 25. This moment not only cemented the bag’s place in fashion history but also marked one of the first examples of celebrity influence shaping luxury design.

Is the Bandouliere the New Classic? Louis Vuitton thinks so!

When the Speedy was first introduced, it was designed solely as a handbag, with no side rings for a crossbody strap. Some clever owners improvised by attaching straps through the handle rings—a hack that often risked damaging the handles and distorting the bag’s shape.

In 2011, the Speedy Bandoulière made its debut, offering a modern, hands-free option. This updated version featured not only a strap but also a dual-zip closure, setting it apart from the Classic Speedy, which retains its single zipper and signature leather pull.

While browsing Louis Vuitton’s current listings for this post, I noticed something intriguing: aside from the Speedy 30 and 35 in Damier Ebene, all other sizes and models are now only available in the Bandoulière style. Is this a strategic marketing move? Or could it be a temporary shift with plans to bring the Classic Speedy back later? For fans of the original model, turning to the second-hand market might now be the only way to add one to their collection.

Material Variations

Example of a Speedy bag folded flat (Image: Inspiration MYCreation)

A common comment about the Monogram Canvas Speedy is how soft it feels—though not always in a good way. What many don’t realize is that there's a practical reason behind its malleable design. The Speedy was created to be easily flattened, making it perfect for packing into a suitcase. If you're looking for a versatile travel companion, grab a classic coated canvas Speedy, fold it up, and voilà—it takes up almost no space and is incredibly lightweight.

Beyond the classic coated canvas, the Speedy has been released in a variety of materials over the years. Many of these special editions are now only available on the pre-loved market, making them sought-after finds for collectors.

If you're unsure about the various materials and which one to choose, head over to our Guide to Finding the Perfect Pre-Loved Louis Vuitton and explore the "The Right Material for You" section to discover what fits your needs best.

The Multi-Faceted Bag for All Styles

94 years ago, when the Speedy was first released, no one could have predicted how iconic this piece would become. Initially offered in the classic Monogram and Damier Ebene, the Speedy evolved in the 1980s with the introduction of an Epi leather version. This added a more structured option and brought a wider range of color choices for those seeking something beyond the traditional canvas.

• Ultimate Classic

• Limited Editions

Not every Louis Vuitton collection is the result of an artist collaboration. In fact, many limited-edition pieces are designed in-house to complement the brand's current ready-to-wear collections, showcasing their unique vision and craftsmanship.

• Special Collaborations

Since Louis Vuitton collaborated with the American designer Stephen Sprouse in 2001, partnering with various artists has become a defining aspect of the brand’s identity. This approach seamlessly blends the house’s renowned savoir-faire with a contemporary artistic touch.

Marc Jacobs Changing Louis Vuitton's History Forever

Marc Jacob’s Louis Vuitton Fall 2010 Campaign featuring the Fleau de Jais Speedy bag

It’s safe to say Louis Vuitton entered a groundbreaking era when Marc Jacobs took over as creative director in 1997. He brought a breath of fresh air to the brand and introduced its very first ready-to-wear clothing line, forever changing its trajectory.

Jacobs also led the charge on some of Louis Vuitton’s most iconic collaborations, starting with American designer Stephen Sprouse, who reimagined the classic monogram with bold Graffiti designs in 2001. Not long after, Japanese artist Takashi Murakami brought vibrant energy to the monogram with his now-legendary Multicolore collection.

This marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Maison—one that showcased how heritage and tradition could harmoniously evolve with the times, attracting fresh audiences while staying true to its roots.

Speedy for life!—Is it still a good investment?

Hillary Duff and her Speedy Bandouliere from the My LV World Tour line

The Louis Vuitton Speedy is living proof that classic designs never go out of style. Nearly a century after its debut, it remains a staple in the fashion world, just as influential today as it was in its early days. With the growing popularity of second-hand luxury goods, the Speedy has cemented its place as one of the most coveted models on the market.

In fact, leading resale platforms like Fashionphile and Rebag reported a surge in searches for the Speedy bag—skyrocketing by over 200% in 2023 compared to 2022. While trends come and go at an insane speed, a timeless piece like the Speedy continues to shine as a smart and enduring investment for luxury enthusiasts worldwide.

Whether you’re drawn to the charm of its classic design or the versatility of the Bandoulière style, one thing is certain: the Speedy isn’t just a bag—it’s an icon. If you’re looking to own a piece of fashion history, there’s no better time to welcome the Speedy, brand-new or pre-loved, into your collection.

About the Writer

Amanda Ayabe is a fashion graduate based in Osaka, passionate about the luxury industry and hand crafted goods. She worked for 3 years as a live seller and buyer, sharing her knowledge and passion for designer bags to customers in various locations around the globe. Loves specialty coffee, long talks, traveling and photography.