A little while ago, I lusted after the Louis Vuitton Empreinte Artsy MM. The Empreinte Monogram leather is a new leather by LV – pricier (and in my view better quality) than Epi leather but more affordable than say, Mahina! I’ve gone back a couple of time to fondle the new leather and it really is lovely and I’m told, very hard wearing too.
I stopped paying attention after I learnt (much to the relief of my bank account) that the Artsy MM was too large and too heavy for me. But recently, I’ve had 2 bag enablers (LeGeeque and AnT I’m looking at both of you!) not so gently push me in the direction of the new Speedy Bandoulière 25.
This is basically the iconic Speedy 25 done up in empreinte leather, with a detachable strap that allows you to wear it on your shoulder or cross body. The zip is a double zip with gold hardware, reminiscent of the Alma style of bag closure.
I went to have a fondle and gawk at it in store a couple of days back and I have to say, it looks much better in person. It helped that I was served by a very friendly and lovely SA, Syed at the Starhill boutique. I’ve always had better reception at the Starhill LV boutique compared to the ones in The Gardens or KLCC. I detest KLCC the most – it feels like a bar or market in there so I’ve only ever gone there once. The Starhill boutique feels the most luxurious, and the staff there have always been friendly and welcoming, whether I buy anything or not, and no matter how I dress. I have a nasty habit of dressing down when I go to these luxury boutiques. Its a good test of their level of service 😉
The Speedy Bandoulière is an upgrade of the Speedy design, and I happen to love the shape and design of the Speedy. I loved how the empreinte leather feels, and the Speedy isn’t as heavy as the Artsy. I was concerned about the size however. I own the Speedy 25 and over the years, I’ve learnt that its a wee bit small for me. Granted, if I stopped trying to stuff the kitchen sink into all of my bags, I could survive with it, but I was a little concerned nonetheless.
I must say that I was prepared not to like the bag with the strap on. It looks like there’s too much going on doesn’t it? Yet, when I slung it on my shoulder, it just looked right. The strap is adjustable and I could have it hit against my hip, where I can also wear it cross body, or even longer.
The 25 size looked perfect for my height and size. I had to agree with Syed that if it was a 30, it might actually be a bit too large for me. Also, you don’t really want to stuff too much into the bag, because it can get heavy and that plays merry hell with your shoulder and arms.
2 more improvements to the Speedy that I liked were – feet, and the zipper. Feet, being self-explanatory. The new zipper, instead of opening straight across as in the Epi and Canvas versions, now open partway down the sides. What this does, is make the opening larger, so its easier to access the inside of the bag! Why didn’t they do this earlier?!
Personally, I have my eye set on Orient, a lovely bright burnt orange. Other colours are Infini (a dark blue that looks black), Aube (a dark purple), Aurore (a dark, almost fuchsia pink) and Terre (dark chocolate brown).
Does anyone own anything in Empreinte? Is it as hard wearing as they say it is?
I like the look of the leather. I was all about Epi before, but I’m happy to have Empreinte bridge the gap between Epi and Mahina. Also it looks better made. Other than the Artsy, I wasn’t too keen on the other designs. So I guess I’ll have to sleep on it 😉
Paris B
Is it too much to wish that they’d do the Neverfull in Empreinte Monogram leather? (If that’s ever possible.) 😛
I’ve been lusting over a Neverfull for the past one year. But the fact that there’s so many people carrying them these days is a bit off putting.
The speedy is very nice, even better in the Empreinte Monogram. The one gripe I have with the speedy is that it’s so hard to access the contents of the bag. I like my bags to open up wide, so that I can easily “dig” through it. LOL. 😛
I have never liked the neverfull, and after Paris posted about what goes on behind a brand (from a book), I know I will never choose a Neverfull.
Yes, the Neverfull is really quite overdone, to me. I was told (in confidence by an LV SA) that it’s not a good idea to get it, because the straps are too thin, so even if the bag can fit a ton, you can’t carry a ton or it’d snap. Its apparently happened so she told me not to get it! LOL You don’t see that happening a lot eh? 😉 I have a feeling they’ll keep the Neverfull to canvas because it looks better that way (and it is one of their bestsellers) If you’d like a bag that isn’t as common but opens up wide, take a look at the Empreinte Lumineuse or Artsy (also comes in canvas) Classier, IMO 😉
Snapped straps?! The horror! That’s it, I’m striking the Neverfull from my lust-list.
The Empreinte Lumineuse is too “complicated” for me. For me, I like bags with a clean design, no crazy zippers or pockets every where. 😉 The Artsy looks perfect, but I’m a bit wary of the weight. Personally, I steer far far away from heavy bags. I’m lazy to carry heavy bags. Hahaha.
And on second thought, this Speedy Bandoulière 25 Empreinte Monogram looks good too. 😉 Do you mind if we become bag buddies? LOL! Talk about fast recovery. 😀 I now have my eyes on the Infini. Love the addition of the crossbody strap and “feet”.
I might have to start saving now (due to the lust-list upgrade). Hope this is not LE though.
And probably conjure up the courage to walk into an LV store to check this out. I’m a bit shy to visit an LV store, cause: 1) it’s intimidating, 2) I know I’m not prepared to buy it just yet, and 3) I usually go shopping in shorts and sandals. LOL. 😀
I know! The straps are so thin and its so big, everyone stuffs it to the brim so I guess at some point, something has to give! Of course I don’t mind being bag buddies! 😀 Then if we meet up our bags can meet up too LOL! For something with clean lines, look at the Alma and Lockit or Wilshire 🙂 These are hand held but aren’t heavy at all.
As for visiting an LV boutique, I suggest you go to the one in Starhill. Walk in there like you know what you want, ask for a bag by name and the SA understand if you have to think about it, because its a big ticket item! p/s On weekends, I’m there in my shorts and slippers too LOL! 😛
hii… i stumbled across your post while researching the empreinte speedy bag on google 🙂 i ‘ve had the neverfull MM in Damier azur for 3 years now and absolutely LOVE it! its casual and classic at the same time, goes with everything, great for shopping and specially for traveling! I stuff it with absolutely everything, and as heavy as it gets, the straps are super strong and nowhere close to ripping. and I mean… i carry like 3 iphones, 2 ipads(mine and husband’s), magazines, make up bag, wallet…. so much stuff! my shoulder may hurt but the straps are very reliable! i can say the one thing that bugs me is that you can’t close it 100%. it fits perfectly under the seat in front of you. did i mention i love my bag?! lol..
That’s great to know Sabrina 🙂 Whilst the design doesn’t attract me, I can understand why its a very attractive bag for many people – its very handy in terms of size and what it can hold. Thanks for sharing your views on this!
Love the Orient colour, it really stands out! I think I would like Aurore too, I don’t seem to particularly like the really dark colours for this bag.
I feel the same way you do. I love the Artsy in Infini, but it doesn’t work on the Speedy. Brighter colours do look much better!
Look. If you like it, you should. I learnt it the painful way with the Passy. Sigh. It is a gorgeous bag and your pair of speedys and mine can take a family portrait 😀
LOL!! Yeah, who knows what could happen in the next week or so 😛
I need to warn you abut just one thing, it will sag. After first light rain or a month of wearing the leather gets softer. I didnt even think to it when buying my Lumineuse but it doesnt look the same as on LV site when worn. I dont know how about speedy because I didnt see it in person but if its stiff and you like it stiff then better if you know that it will be soft 🙂
I have speedy in canvas and its my go-to bag, very elegant and iconic shape 🙂 One more thing- if you carry really, reaaaallyyyy heavy things, on the side of the strap is like lacquered/painted edge- it might crack (just the paint, not the leather) Mine did but they changed and gave me new one- Lv has amazing service!
I forgot to add that the leather is basically scratch-proof (I cant imagine what would need to be done to scratch it) unlike box leather (shiny, without grain, completely smooth). It doesnt transfer colour (unlike vernis can) rain doesnt leave marks (unlike exotic leather) and is not common even in Paris (more canvas and even vernis than empreinte). I could talk about bags all day long… Sorry 😀
Some day, Catherine, when/if I ever make my way to Paris, you and I will have to sit down and have a good long chat about bags 😀 I can talk about them all day long too! LOL! My first love 😉 You are making me want the Empreinte even more now. I was looking at the Lumineuse and Citadines but they look a bit casual, although I love how there’s an additional pouch included with the Citadines! Bonus! LOL!
Catherine! Its so wonderful hearing from someone who owns something in Empreinte! Thank you for the warning that it will sag. I’m not crazy about very structured bags, so I’m guessing the Speedy will not stand up to being stuffed with heavy items. I guess its not quite like the Epi then, that holds it shape fairly well even with wear? I do love my Speedy too (Sentimental reasons for me, because it was my first luxury item bought with my hard earned savings!) but I now wish I bought it in 30 and not 25. That said, since its made to sag, maybe it sags gracefully then? 😀
LOL! Sorry dearie! Didn’t know that you dislike the strap but nevertheless it’s detachable 😀
You finally went to see it in person? The Orient is beautiful right? 😀 Unfortunately mine is in Terre 🙁 Just got to be contented since it’s a gift and a blessing 😀
Have a blessed Sunday!
xoxo
Haha no, its not that I dislike it, but in the photo, it did look a bit busy. Once I wore it though, it looks so nice! I was very taken by Orient and Terre is such a gorgeous chocolate but I felt it made the bag look a bit smaller than I liked. That said, you should never look a gift in the mouth, you lucky lucky girl! 😀
Thank you dearie. Perhaps 10 years later I will get one myself in Orient, the 30 😀 LOL!
I’m sure you won’t have to wait 10 years 😉 Just 2 maybe? hehe… I might cave for the Orient. Back in the day, I wanted an orange Epi Speedy but didn’t get it. It was discontinued and I’ve regretted it ever since. So this is like payback HAHA
Phwoaaaaaarrrr …. that’s a gorgeous bag. I’m not a fan of monograms but I’ll get that one 😉
Its even more gorgeous in person /drool
Although I am currently over my LV craze, I did fondle this bag a couple of weeks ago. It is beautiful and my favourite is Aube. I don’t mind the long strap because it is convenient when travelling or shopping. But I would have preferred it in 30 (since I’m a big girl and all).
The service at KLCC has always been rather appalling. I very much prefer the Starhill branch and the folks there are friendlier.
On a side note, I am kind of on a bag ban. I’m so proud that I only purchased one expensive bag this year and a wallet (birthday treat). But I’ll wait for the year end Ferragamo sales and see if I go crazy again.
I’m over LV too but I think the Empreinte line is drawing me back in. Damn! 😛 I read that there maybe a 30 coming out and I do think it would look better on anyone taller than 5’3″ to be honest. It would otherwise look like a toy.
I went to KLCC once but I hated it so much I will never return. Its like a pasar malam in there, yuck! Gardens is marginally better, but they tend to do the up-down look thing that I hate. So I stick to Starhill 😀 Good on you for being on a bag ban. I put myself on one for 2012 and have been a good girl. No new bags this year, and I’m appreciating what I own, plus although I have come across a couple of bags that I almost fell off the bandwagon for, I managed to resist every time. Well, better not speak too soon! 😉 p/s let me know about the SF sales. I want shoes! 😀
For real? I’ve never touched an LV bag before, so it’s news to me that the 25 would look small on anyone taller than 5’3″. Then maybe I should wait a while to see if they’d come out with a 30 in the same print? 😉 Hehe. More time to save up.
And on the customer service subject. I’ve had Coach Pavilion sales person did the up-down look thing on me. And I’m carrying one of their latest collection (which I bought in the states)! Even a bra counter sales person did that to me once, which makes me even more self conscious about my flat front (not that I’m not confident about myself and all). Maybe it’s just cause I like to go shopping in shorts and sandals. 😛
Its a matter of preference, I feel. If you like smaller bags, then the Speedy 25 is perfect. But if you are tall or bigger boned, then it will look a bit small. There are rumours about the 30 but I’m not certain. As Catherine has pointed out, the Empreinte leather will soften and may sag so a 30 may not hold its shape as well as the 25 🙂 Coach sales people are really up their butts. I have never had good service here at all. Its no wonder I don’t buy anything from them LOL!
Oh no 🙁 I am taller than 5’5″ 🙁 If you see a Toy AnT strolling around with this bag, that gotta be me 😛
Fortunately mine not in Orient, otherwise might looked like a Giraffe with a little Speedy! 😀 LOL!!
Well, still, I do feel very contented and it’s going to be for a long long time 😀
Hahaha no lah, its a personal thing to me. Some people can really swing the look and I bet you could 😀
Hahaha! Thanks dearie 😉
By the way, the SA said the 30 might be a bit large for you? Perhaps you can wait till next year when it arrives. You will never know until you see it in person again 😛
Yeah, may just wait it out and see if the want blows over 😛
Wow, this Speedy is really a beauty. Got my knees weak 🙂 I’ve always loved the shape of Speedy. This one looks perfect and love the enhanced design too.
Hiya Jennifer! The Speedy is such a classic and is so perfect dressed up or down. If there’s one bag to aspire to, I think this is it!
I still don’t remember the name of the bag after reading your post. 😛
In any case, its a nice bag. 🙂
LOL Its the Speedy 😉 Yep, its a nice one!
I think it’s gorgeous. (In fact, my next window open will be LV). I love that the zipper opens more, it’s a downfall of my black Epi Speedy (where you need a torch to see into).
Get one!!
Yes! Epi Speedy in black is quite literally a black hole isn’t it? LOL I was told by the SA that because its leather, this one looks a bit larger than the canvas Speedy. Believe me, I’m tempted 😛
I’ve been wanting to get a Speedy for years but somehow, didn’t manage to. I also liked the Neverfull bag but like what Sze Ling pointed out, so many people are carrying it these days, it’s really a turn off.
Of all brands, I like Coach. I’m not a very ladylike person and so, my leather has to be sturdy and if it does get damaged, at least my heart wouldn’t ache as compared to a more expensive brand. ^^
The last time I looked, I ticked out 5 LV bags I’m interested in. FIVE! Let me go play my games instead… *sigh*
I think the Speedy is a lovely bag – so get one! It was quite popular once, but isn’t as popular these days plus I love how it comes in a variety of material so you don’t have to get canvas if you don’t want to 😀 Coach is making quite nice designs these days, thank goodness. At one time, they were really running to the dogs 😛
First of all, I think it’s absolutely gorgeous! Secondly, i’ve always loved gold hardware. Thirdly, i love LV. 4th, I am not on a bag ban haha. The only issue would be its price… After that great family vacation and me getting my new baby, I am not sure when I can indulge in a luxury item such as this. But it’s really gorgeous lah. Dammmmnnn…
LOL!! its permanent, Juan!! Next year, birthday/Anniversary gift? 😉
The Orient is such a gorgeous shade, and can spot you from afar!
Yes! Perfect for when I’m missing in a crowd!
Wow that is one gorgeous bag! I was never really attracted to LV bags but this one sincerely makes me interested. But it is way above my budget (for now) 🙁
Hang in there, Pinkcloud, someday it’ll be yours! 😀
Hmm.. someone mentioned sagging – good point. If you’re worried about it, then get the SC (Sofia Coppola). OMG so bloody pretty can die on the spot and foam at mouth! It’s shaped like the speedy, comes in myriad of colours and leathers (suede, calf) and the seasonal colours are to-die-for. They recently released a turquoise one for the previous spring and only 5 came to Australia – my sister grabbed one (hate her). And also it comes with a shoulder strap so you get the best of both worlds. AND, if you’re not a fan of mono, this is as plain Jane as can be. No one knows it’s an LV unless they know bags 😛 Have fun! No need to thank me for adding more bag lusts to your list xxx
Empreinte and Sophia Coppola bags are made of calf leather, though Sophias one is more thick and smoother- it will get softer and sag too. Also interior is suede so its more heavy than empreinte speedy. Strap might stretch if you overload it 😛
Its more luxurious but also more expensive. 🙂
Erm, sorry la, the SC range is waaaay out of my budget 😛 I’d go gawk and play with them though 😉
Phew – I am not an LV fan. Pretty but this has not converted me. Hooray!! I am safe! (*mini touchdown sports wave*/Self wallet preservation cheer here)
LOL!! So which brand is your poison then? 😉 I stopped looking at LV for ages, but this new leather is really doing it for me. Darn!
Etienne Aigner – although this was some time ago. Aigner was simply because it was rarer (then?) to find anyone lugging a knock off. Call me an insecure snob or whatever, but I am put off by the thought of me paying a bomb for the genuine thing and seeing next to every other person on the street carting a knock off. Nowadays, no particular poison for bags. I tend to stick to carrying the same old (outdated) Tods day in and day out. (Too lazy to change handbags ;-p )
I love the Empreinte Speedy and have gotten mixed reviews regarding size vs.price! I too wish it were a 30 but I think the orient may not be as cute in that size…(just my opinion) I have the Empreinte Artsy in infini and Love it to bits. I was told that this bag transforms from day to night very well from a few people who have it. Just one thing I’m 5’8 and I think it looks very nice on me! Sure it could always be a little bigger (since I like big bags) which would equal more bag for my money but I Love this bag and am planning to get it soon before another price increase happens. I think this will be my last LV bag for a while. It was love at first sight for me (Orient just pops! it’s my 1st and only choice… So if you Love it Go for It and Good Luck deciding!!!
Hi KE, thanks for sharing your thoughts and I will have to agree with you. The Speedy or even Orient wouldn’t be as nice in 30 as it is now in 25 🙂 I love the Artsy in Infini – looks so classy! 😀 I am also a bit wary about the impending price increase. Sigh… I guess its a yes then? 😉
I’m thinking to get the Speedy B in Monogram. But can’t decide on the size (25 or 30)? Which do you think will look nicer? I’m 5’3 and 50kg.
Its hard to say Yiing. I think size wise the 25 is very cute. But it will depend on what you carry in it. I personally find the Monogram 25 a bit small for my daily needs so I wish I’d gone for the 30. Also note that the 25 sags less than the 30 unless you put in a base 🙂
Hi I’m from Mexico and heading to NY next week, do you think I can find it there? Or do you recommend to call first? I like the Orient and Aube…
Thank you!
R
Hi Regina, I’m not sure what stocks or policies are like in NY since I’m not there. To be safe, you might want to call them and see if you can place a reservation?
oh! this is so cute! hmm…wasn’t even thinking about louis vuitton bags so now i need to look at this!
If you aren’t planning to buy one, better leave your credit card at home or you might just be so mesmerized, you’d hand it right over 😉