Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami Speedy 20: A Joyful Collaboration
This Speedy 20 handbag is part of Louis Vuitton’s limited collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. The new collection beautifully blends Murakami’s iconic smiling flowers with LV’s classic Monogram elements, creating a playful springtime vibe.
Takashi Murakami: The Artist Behind the Design
Japanese artist Takashi Murakami (born 1962 in Tokyo) is known for blending traditional Japanese art, sci-fi, anime, and imaginative characters to create repetitive patterns that merge pop culture, history, and art.
Takashi Murakami
Contemporary Japanese Artist
- Born1962
- NationalityJapanese
- EducationTokyo University of the Arts
- StyleFounder of Superflat movement
“In Japan, contemporary art is a very minor subculture; but fashion is something that every Japanese person is very, very interested in.”
LV Spring/Summer 2003 fashion show and campaign
The Smiling Flower Motif
The Speedy 20 bag features Murakami’s iconic “Smiling Flower” merged with LV’s Monogram pattern. The colorful sunflowers transform into four-petal blossoms with personified smiling faces, rendered in vibrant red, blue, white, green, yellow, orange, and pink hues through silk-screen printing.
Murakami’s smiling flowers originated in the 1990s and remain one of the most popular pop art motifs. Behind their cheerful appearance lies a deeper meaning – they represent the artist’s message to atomic bomb survivors: “Even in pain, remember to smile and be brave.” Upon closer look, you’ll notice each smiling flower has teary eyes.
“Field of Smiling Flowers” by Takashi Murakami, 2010
The Iconic Speedy Bag
The compact Speedy 20 bag perfectly complements Murakami’s playful floral patterns. Measuring 20.5×13.5×12cm, it retains Speedy’s signature silhouette, zipper closure, and Toron handles while offering a more youthful appeal.
The classic Speedy travel bag was created in 1930 by Gaston-Louis Vuitton, originally named the “Express” bag. Inspired by the era’s fascination with speed and automobiles, it was a more compact version of the Keepall travel bag designed for everyday use.
In 1965, Louis Vuitton created a special Speedy 25 for Audrey Hepburn to suit her petite frame. With its timeless design, practicality, and accessible price point, the Speedy has remained one of Louis Vuitton’s most iconic and best-selling bags for nearly a century.
Audrey Hepburn with her Speedy 25 bag, 1960s
Adjustable Strap & Practical Details
The bag comes with a detachable, adjustable leather chain strap that allows for multiple carrying options – handheld, shoulder, or crossbody. The delicate chain links add a touch of elegance, while each hardware piece bears the Louis Vuitton logo.
What Fits Inside?
Despite its compact size, the Speedy 20 can comfortably fit an iPhone Pro, small notebook, folded umbrella, and daily essentials, making it perfect for everyday use.
The interior features a bright red fabric lining that complements the exterior floral pattern. A special leather label commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Louis Vuitton × Murakami collaboration, making this piece particularly collectible.
Product Specifications
- DesignerNicolas Ghesquière
- Dimensions20.5cm (L) × 13.5cm (H) × 12cm (W)
- Strap drop49 – 54cm
- Weight355g
- Retail price¥20,100
Louis Vuitton
Founded in 1854 in Paris by Louis Vuitton, the French luxury house merged with Moët Hennessy in 1987 to form LVMH, the world’s largest luxury group. Beyond its iconic luggage and handbags, Louis Vuitton now encompasses fashion, jewelry, eyewear, shoes, watches, and fragrances.
- Established1854
- HeadquartersParis, France
