Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 Monogram

Features

Why we love it

Description & history

A Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 bag in Monogram coated canvas · handles and trim in patinated dark caramel cowhide leather · zip closure with leather pull tab · hand-carried · padlock and key included · date code MI**** · Made in France · 1990 period · 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 soft 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 carried ever since.

Its strength lies in the fact that it tries to be nothing else. No rigid structure, no complicated clasp: soft canvas, two rounded handles, a zip running from end to end with its leather pull tab, 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 comfortably, with an interior slip pocket for smaller items.

This one is a fine example. The cowhide leather on the handles, trim and base, left untreated when it left the workshop, has acquired a beautiful even dark caramel patina — the more frequently touched handles are naturally a shade darker. The Monogram coated canvas is clean. Its date code MI**** and Made in France marking place the piece in the 1990 period: a bag over thirty years old, with all its vintage character intact.

Good overall condition, grade B- — clean canvas, corners very lightly rubbed, beautiful even leather patina, handles in good condition with a slightly darker patina, zip pull tab slightly weakened at the rivet, clean interior. The overall condition is documented in the photos. Sold with its padlock and key, a dust bag and the RARR Vintage certificate of authenticity.