Louis Vuitton, Pharrell Reveal ‘Speedy’ Bag NFT with IRL Claim

Louis Vuitton, the renowned luxury fashion house, unveiled a modern interpretation of its iconic Speedy bag, named the Speedy 40 VIA, on July 17. This collaboration with Pharrell Williams introduces the bag as a digital collectible that can be claimed currently, while the physical version will be made available in January 2024. The release of the Speedy 40 VIA marks Louis Vuitton's inaugural VIA journey, and it is exclusively accessible to Treasure Trunk NFT holders, which are the fashion brand's access tokens released in June.

Pharrell Williams, who serves as the Men's Creative Director for Louis Vuitton, has been collaborating with the luxury fashion house since his return in February. This partnership follows his previous successful collaborations with Louis Vuitton in 2004 and 2008. Among Louis Vuitton's highly recognizable styles, the Speedy bag holds a special place and is considered one of the brand's most coveted offerings, as noted by Vogue.

The Speedy bag, originally named "the Express," draws inspiration from the travel revolution and the rapidly changing lifestyles of the early 20th century. Its popularity soared when Audrey Hepburn, in the 1960s, made a special request for a smaller version of the bag, which became known as the Speedy 25. Since then, the Speedy bag has become a sought-after accessory for numerous celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa, finding its way into their high-profile wardrobes.

VIA, Louis Vuitton's innovative creative strategy and venture into the world of Web3, introduces the VIA Treasure Trunk as the brand's first step into the digital realm. It aims to redefine luxury travel by blending Louis Vuitton's iconic history and product line with today's digital culture. The Treasure Trunk, which debuted on June 8, carried a significant price tag of €39,000 (approximately $43,780 at the time of writing) and included a limited physical edition. Owners of the Treasure Trunk have the opportunity to acquire digital keys that grant them access to future "phygital" Louis Vuitton NFT collections, which showcase a sophisticated fusion of luxury travel and fashion.

Since Pharrell Williams appeared on Louis Vuitton's runway show during Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024 in June, he has been frequently seen with his eye-catching bright yellow Speedy bag, priced at a staggering $1 million.