Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 Épi Black

Features

Why we love it

Description & history

A Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 bag in black grained Épi leather · matching smooth leather trims and handles · gold-tone brass hardware · zip closure with leather pull tab · padlock and key included · hand-carried or worn in the crook of the elbow · date code VI**** · Made in France · 1995 · 32 × 22 × 19 cm · grade B.

The Speedy descends from the Keepall: in the early 1930s, Louis Vuitton reduced its volume to create a soft city bag designed to be carried by hand. The 30 is the medium size in the family — between the very small 25 and the more travel-oriented 35 — and undoubtedly the most versatile: small enough to remain feminine, large enough to hold everything needed for a day.

This version comes in Épi leather, the material the house launched in 1985 under the direction of Marc Jacobs to offer an alternative to the monogram. Its name comes from the pattern embossed into the hide: fine parallel ridges evoking a wheat ear, created by embossing through-dyed cowhide leather. The result is a dry, dense, remarkably durable leather: it does not scratch easily, its colour does not peel, and it withstands the years without developing a patina or softening. It is the choice for those who want a Louis Vuitton without an obvious logo — the only visible sign here is a small LV discreetly embossed in one corner.

The deep black of this piece makes it a particularly easy bag to style. It goes with everything, from a suit to jeans, and the absence of a pattern makes it equally appropriate for the office or an evening out. Despite its compact silhouette, the interior has genuine capacity, fitting an iPad, diary, paperback book, cosmetic pouch, phone, continental wallet and glasses case — everything needed for a busy day. The date code VI****, located beneath the interior pocket, dates its manufacture in France to 1995.

Good vintage condition, grade B — clean Épi leather with no major flaws, leather zip pull tab present, zip closure functional, interior showing signs of previous use. In the interest of full transparency: light rubbing to the edges and corners, as well as a subtle light mark on the base, all documented in the photos. Sold with its padlock, key, dustbag and RARR Vintage certificate of authenticity.