If you’re a fashion enthusiast, you must have heard of the legendary Louis Vuitton Speedy bag. The iconic bag has been around for almost a century and is still one of the most sought-after accessories in the fashion world.
However, if you are considering investing in a Louis Vuitton Speedy bag, one of the most commonly asked questions is whether it is made of leather or not. In this article, we’ll explore this question in detail.
What is the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag?
The Louis Vuitton Speedy bag was introduced in the 1930s and was designed as a smaller version of the brand’s Keepall travel bag. The Speedy is a hand-held satchel with rounded handles and a spacious interior that can hold all your essentials. It comes in various sizes, ranging from 25 to 40, and features LV’s signature monogram canvas.
Is the Louis Vuitton Speedy made of leather?
The short answer to this question is no; the Louis Vuitton Speedy is not entirely made of leather. While some elements of the bag are made from leather, such as its handles and piping, its body is made from LV’s signature coated canvas material.
What is coated canvas?
Coated canvas is a material that has been coated with a layer of plastic to make it more durable and water-resistant. It was first introduced by Louis Vuitton in 1896 as an alternative to traditional leather bags. Over time, LV has perfected its coated canvas material to become one of its signature materials used in many iconic designs.
Why does LV use coated canvas instead of leather for its bags?
LV uses coated canvas because it offers several advantages over traditional leather bags. Firstly, it makes their bags more affordable than a fully-leather bag.
Secondly, it makes their bags more durable, lightweight, and easier to clean. Lastly, it’s a unique material that sets LV apart from other luxury brands that mainly use leather.
What about the leather elements?
While the Speedy’s body is not made from leather, its handles and piping are made from Vachetta leather. Vachetta is a type of untreated leather that develops a patina over time. This means that as you use your Speedy bag, the leather handles and piping will darken and become more beautiful with age.
How to care for the Vachetta leather elements?
As mentioned earlier, Vachetta leather develops a patina over time. However, this means that it’s also susceptible to stains and scratches.
To keep your Speedy looking its best, you must handle it with care. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for extended periods as it can cause the leather to darken unevenly. Also, avoid getting water on the Vachetta leather elements as they can leave water stains that are challenging to remove.
In conclusion
The Louis Vuitton Speedy is not entirely made of leather but features some elements of Vachetta leather in its design. The use of coated canvas material offers several advantages over traditional leather bags while still maintaining LV’s signature style and quality craftsmanship. Whether you prefer a classic monogram canvas or limited edition designs, the Louis Vuitton Speedy remains an iconic accessory that’ll make any fashion enthusiast swoon!