This year has been filled with all sorts of fashion comebacks, from denim maxi skirts to ballet flats. One redux I didn't see coming, though, was the return of the Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag. The iconic barrel-shaped satchel was originally introduced in the 1930s and has been steeped in nearly a century of history ever since. While I wouldn't say the bag was ever "out," it certainly underwent a significant rise in popularity in the early '00s thanks to collections like Multicolor and Stephen Sprouse's Graffiti. It should come as no surprise, then, that the Speedy is experiencing yet another spike this year with the return of all things Y2K. The data doesn't lie.
We spoke to Landyn Tedrick, site merchandising specialist at Fashionphile, who noted that online searches for Speedy bags on the platform have experienced a remarkable threefold increase, with searches tripling (a 240% increase) in 2023 when compared to 2022. Similarly, Rebag shared with Who What Wear that interest in the Speedy handbag has experienced a substantial shift this year, with searches increasing 300% month over month. They added that mid-sized models, such as the 25 and the 30, are the most in-demand styles this year—likely due to their versatility and comfort—closely followed by the Speedy Bandoulière.
Here, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis carries her Speedy bag at the airport in 1980.
As to why it's experiencing a renaissance now, well, it's not hard to see that there's a strong revival happening across vintage designs that capture the nostalgia and allure of past eras. As Y2K trends continue to reemerge, Tedrick explains that "the Louis Vuitton Speedy perfectly embodies this sentiment, making it an appealing choice for consumers seeking both timeless elegance and a touch of historical charm. The bag's unique blend of classic design and historical significance, coupled with its association with Y2K fashion, has led to a renaissance of interest in the Speedy style, positioning it at the forefront of contemporary fashion once again."
In the height of the '80s—an era when Louis Vuitton was an especially buzzy label to own—my mom bought a Speedy Bandoulière 25 in signature LV monogrammed canvas and left it in mint condition in storage ever since. That was until my sister and I caught wind of the bag and promptly lifted it to share between our closets. Years went by when I wasn't in the mood to don such a logo-filled handbag, no doubt influenced by the rise of the quiet-luxury aesthetic. With the fashion world beginning to shift gears toward the nostalgia and charm of the early '00s, however, carrying my mom's Speedy has never felt more right.
I'm not the only one who has been gravitating toward the Speedy, either. Plenty of celebs, including Rihanna, Bella Hadid, and Sophie Turner, have been reaching for the top-handle style in recent months. Collaborations with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama have contributed to the bag's renaissance, as her signature polka-dot print and pumpkin designs breathe new life into the classic bag.
On Celebrities
Rihanna was spotted doing some shopping in L.A. earlier this year toting a red polka-dot style from Louis Vuitton's latest collaboration with Kusama.
No stranger to a throwback bag, Hadid is a fan of the Speedy too. Hers is a rare Louis Vuitton Graffiti Speedy that was released in 2001 and was the first Speedy to be part of a limited-edition release from the French house.
For a date night, Turner grabbed her miniature Speedy adorned with Kusama's colorful pumpkin doodles.
On Instagram
Another archival Speedy that's in high demand on the secondhand market right now is the mini version from the brand's 2003-era Monogram Multicolor collection.
Miniature sizes are on the rise, too, with Nano Speedys commanding some of the highest resale value.
Despite the allure of the logo monogram, some fashion insiders are drawn to the timelessness of Louis Vuitton's Epi leather. This finish was quietly discontinued in 2012 and remains increasingly harder to source.
On the Street Style Scene
On the street style scene, fashion people are reaching for the duffel shape to lend a touch of retro appeal to their streetwear looks.
With an endless assortment of color, texture, size, and print options to choose from, there's a Speedy style for every person and style.
The Nano size and ballet-pink hue feel especially sweet.
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