We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence | About us
Ideal for weekend getaways or a polished day in the city, the Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy 35 keeps essentials close at hand. Its classic top-handle silhouette moves effortlessly from office hours to dinner, lending timeless vintage charm to any ensemble.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What typically fits inside the Louis Vuitton Speedy 35? A: The Speedy 35 is a spacious city bag, significantly roomier than the 25 or 30 sizes. It easily holds daily essentials—wallet, phone, keys, cosmetics pouch—along with larger items such as a hardback book, water bottle, umbrella, and an iPad or small tablet. Its generous 35 cm width even allows for a light change of clothes or gym kit, making it an excellent overnight or carry‑on bag. Please refer to the Measurements on this page for precise dimensions.
Q: Can I wear this bag on my shoulder? A: This classic Speedy 35 is designed as a handheld or crook‑of‑arm bag, featuring dual rolled leather top handles with an approximate 9 cm drop. Unlike the modern "Bandoulière" models, this vintage piece does not have strap attachment rings or an included shoulder strap.
Q: Why does the bag sag at the bottom? A: The Speedy is famous for its unstructured, soft‑sided silhouette, which naturally sags when weighted down. Many owners love this relaxed, vintage look. If you prefer a structured, flat base, we recommend purchasing a "base shaper" or bag organiser specifically designed for the Speedy 35.
Q: Is the Speedy 35 suitable for travel or hand luggage? A: Yes, it is a favourite for travel. Its size typically complies with most airline hand luggage (carry‑on) restrictions, fitting comfortably in overhead lockers or under the seat in front of you. Additionally, the canvas construction allows the bag to fold flat for storage in a suitcase when not in use.
Q: What does the date code SA 881 mean? A: Louis Vuitton date codes reveal the manufacturing location and time. For this specific piece, the code "SA 881" indicates it was crafted in France in January 1988 (88 represents the year, 1 represents the month). This confirms its status as a vintage item from the late 1980s.
Q: Why are the Monogram symbols upside down on one side? A: This is a signature feature of authentic Speedy bags. The main body is constructed from a single continuous piece of coated canvas that wraps from front to back, resulting in the Monogram pattern appearing right‑side up on the front and upside down on the back.
Q: How should I care for the vintage Vachetta leather? A: The Vachetta (cowhide) leather handles and trim have developed a honey‑coloured patina over time, which is characteristic of vintage Louis Vuitton. To preserve it, avoid contact with water, oils, and hand creams, which can cause staining. If the leather gets wet, blot it gently with a light‑coloured, lint‑free cloth and allow it to air dry.
Q: What accessories are included with this bag? A: Included items are always listed under the "Accessories" section on this page. For this specific vintage piece, no additional accessories (such as a padlock, keys, or dust bag) are included.
Q: How do you authenticate this item? A: Every item at A Retro Tale is rigorously vetted by our in‑house experts using multi‑point checks of materials, hardware, stitching, alignment, and production codes (such as the SA 881 date code). We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can provide additional details on request.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale is registered for UK VAT. All prices on the website include shipping, customs, and VAT for deliveries to the UK.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
/ Louis Vuitton
/ Bags
/ Handbags
/ Speedy Bags
• Monogram coated canvas with Vachetta leather trim
• Brass hardware
• Dual rolled leather top handles
• Brown canvas lining with one internal slip pocket
• Top zip closure
• Vintage
The authenticity of this bag has been checked and verified by our experts who have over 10 years of experience in vintage and luxury bags. We also use a well established 3rd party authentication tool to verify our bags.
