Must-Have: LV Speedy

Your bag collection shouldn’t be missing a Louis Vuitton Speedy, but if it is, we’ve got a few things you might want to consider.

1. In the world of designer handbags, they’re relatively affordable

Despite the fact that the price of a Speedy has gone up by over $100 over the year, they’re still something of a steal in the great scheme of designer bags. Speedies start at $665 for the 25 cm monogram version, and for an iconic bag from one of the biggest luxury companies on the planet, you’re not going to find a better deal. Bags with similar storied histories and famous followings will set you back thousands of dollars.

2. Don’t like monogram? There are dozens of other options

Monogram canvas may be the most popular material, but that’s certainly the only one. Damier and Epi leather options always available, as well as whatever graced the runways that season. Fall/Winter 2010 will be of particular interest to Speedy lovers – Vuitton showed nothing but dozens of different Speedies in a variety of leathers and exotics. If you want logos, Vuitton comes up with a new version practically every season – watercolor, roses, cherries, pop-art pandas, graffiti. You get the idea.

3. Louis Vuitton bags are practically indestructible

This one requires little explanation for a true bag lover – even people that aren’t Vuitton fans know that their bags are historically very well-made, particularly the traditional styles. Also, if your Speedy were to require repair, Vuitton has great service for those kinds of things.

4. The shape can fit in any woman’s wardrobe

Speedies range in size from petite to quite large, and if you’d rather not wear a bag on your arm, Vuitton offers a crossbody strap to keep you hands-free. The brand’s purists will caution against using it, but crossbodies have become so very modern in the past year that wearing a Speedy as a messenger might actually be a good way to update it. Once you’ve decided how to carry it, even the 25cm version has plenty of room for all of your daily essentials.

5. If it was good for Audrey Hepburn, it should be good enough for us

Grace Kelly may have been a fan of Hermés, but Audrey Hepburn was continually photographed wearing her favorite Louis Vuitton Speedy.

Some people may say that the bag is played out, but don’t let people who chase labels dissuade you from enjoying a bag that has an important historical place in the lineage of the luxury handbag. With all of the different size and design permutations, there’s a Speedy out there to suit every style.