speedy changes

The 2010 Fall collection at Louis Vuitton displayed pretty pairings of womanly frocks and sweet twists on the shape of its Speedy handbag, a Monogram Canvas classic.

(Images: Style.com)

The Speedy, a handbag version of the classic Keepall, is a remarkably versatile piece from Louis Vuitton first introduced in 1932. Over the years, the company has continued to launch new versions of the Speedy in various materials (Epi leather lovers, anyone?) and colors (or should I say art? Think Murakami). A step up from the plethora of small leather goods Louis Vuitton offers, the Speedy is an instant step into the fantastical world of luxury and high fashion. Prices for the Monogram Canvas line (of which the bag was first introduced in) range from $665 to$ 740, in four different sizes, making it a rather affordable piece of luxury. With Louis Vuitton’s latest Mon Monogram feature, your Speedy can be customized with your own choice of colors, stripes, initials, etc. at $940 for a Speedy 25.

Louis Vuitton’s website promotes the Speedy as one of its Essentials for women. Though a lifelong devotee to the house and designs of Givenchy, Audrey Hepburn was widely photographed with her Speedy.

As a teenager, I saved up my modest allowance over a year or two and purchased a Speedy 25 for my mother as a Mother’s Day gift. In college, my mother gifted a Speedy 35 to me as a reward for my academic excellence in school. Today, the Speedy is the bag I return to constantly for its simplicity in design and spaciousness. The leather handles on my mother’s Speedy have worn into a beautiful, luscious mahogany shine while mine have developed a shameful grayish stain from (over)use. I love this bag so much that when the handles finally turn charcoal I will dutifully bring it to the store and get the handles replaced.

and god created woman

Around three years ago analysts said that ready to wear made up approximately five percent of Louis Vuitton’s annual sales. When I first read that, I thought, what a small number for such amazing pieces showcased in amazing shows. Needless to say, the fact that Marc Jacobs is one of the most profitable designers out there makes the figure look almost accidental or mistaken. On a second thought, fashion shows for Louis Vuitton mainly seek to promote the designer and brand’s image, propelling sales of its leather goods to white collar and gold collar consumers (and those in between).

But everything about this season’s collection – from Marc talk to model talk – is being discussed online. Fashion bloggers are tweeting up a storm worldwide.

Not only has the silhouette, the model’s bodies, and the style attracted every one’s attention, but the elegantly styled outfits and womanly shapes are bound to send accessories sales soaring, if not for that of ready to wear as well.

Marc Jacobs has really created a truly wearable collection this season. These looks are for keeps. Even if the silhouette may not be for every woman, at least it may send a small message to H&M to manufacture tops with more bosom space for feminine figures. Yes, woman was a central theme to this collection, but above all, beauty reigned.

On a lighter note, observe Bernard Arnault’s expression. What a CEO – so fixated on the art.

(Images: Style.com)