Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 Monogram

Features

Why we love it

Description & history

A Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 in Monogram coated canvas · handles and trims in patinated dark caramel cowhide leather · gold-tone brass hardware · zip closure with leather pull tab · hand carry · padlock and key included · date code SP**** · Made in France · 1999 · 26 × 18.5 × 16 cm · grade B-.

The Speedy descends directly from the Keepall: in the early 1930s, Louis Vuitton reduced its volume to create a supple city bag, carried by hand and stored flat. Its name captures the era — that of the automobile and aeroplane, when speed became a promise. Three decades later, Audrey Hepburn asked the house for a version even smaller than the existing formats: this became the 25, the smallest in the family and by far the most worn ever since.

Its strength lies in the fact that it tries to be nothing else. No rigid structure, no complicated clasp: supple canvas, two rounded handles, a zip running from end to end with its leather pull tab, and a hanging padlock. It slouches slightly when set down, fills without losing its shape, and ages beautifully — that is precisely when it becomes interesting. Behind its compact format, the capacity is real: a phone, companion wallet, cosmetic pouch, passport, AirPods and keys all fit inside, with a slip pocket for smaller items.

The cowhide leather on the handles, trims and base, left untreated when it left the workshop, has developed a beautiful dark caramel patina over the years — the more frequently touched handles are naturally a shade darker, giving the bag its depth. The Monogram coated canvas is clean. Its date code SP**** and Made in France marking place its manufacture in 1999.

Good overall condition, grade B- — clean canvas, beautiful leather patina, light rubbing on the handles and pull tabs, deeper patina on the handles, clean interior with signs of previous use. One point to note: the leather pull tab on the slider has a slight crack, documented in the photos. No other major flaws. Sold with its padlock and key, a dust bag and the RARR Vintage certificate of authenticity.