Forget about quiet luxury. Millionaire Speedy is as flashy as its name suggests.
Louis Vuitton bags are made from crocodile leather and come in five colors, including red, yellow, and blue. Diamonds are attached to the gold hardware.
The bag will reportedly be made to order.
The Guardian reports that it will cost US$1 million (S$1.36 million) and will only be available to select Louis Vuitton customers.
The bag is the work of American musician Pharrell Williams, who was appointed creative director of the brand in early 2023.
At Paris Fashion Week this summer, he was spotted wearing a yellow version of the Speedy.
Several social media accounts on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, reshared a video of Williams showing off a bag with a diamond-encrusted lock.
Louis Vuitton’s “Millionaire Speedy 40” by Pharrell is a $1,000,000 duffle bag consisting of crocodile, gold and a diamond lock 💎 pic.twitter.com/ZHIJsXRWdP
— SAINT (@saint) June 23, 2023
But not everyone is clapping along.
Many people criticized the singer for being “out of line”, pointing out that an ordinary person would not be able to pack the goods into a bag.
Some have accused Williams of forgetting his more humble roots.
Criticism has also been leveled at the bag’s exotic materials.
In a post on X, animal rights group Peta said using animals for fashion is not beautiful and is abusive. The group is also said to have sent Mr Williams a letter inviting him on a tour of the crocodile farm.
Creative director of @LouisVuitton's menswear, @Pharrell, should know that selling crocodiles' skin for $1 million isn’t “luxury”— it’s cold-hearted 🐊 pic.twitter.com/EvTq7bF27n
— PETA (@peta) November 8, 2023
In response to the Millionaire Speedy, eco-luxury brand Elvis & Cresse has released its own version called the “Million Pound” bag.
“All proceeds will be donated to our charitable partners,” the company said on its website.
Elvis & Kresse said its bags are unique because they are made “all from rescued materials” and “impossible to make two.”
“When you rescue materials, you can’t control what comes in. And the golden stripe on the top of this bag is made from extremely rare golden leather, making it one of a kind. ,” the company said in the article. The website added: “Luxury needs to be more than just flashiness.”
As a contrast to the perverse Millionaire Speedy Bag made of crocodile leather from Louis Vuitton, you can also purchase this Million Pound Bag from Elvis & Kresse by donating a million pounds to a charity — good counter, but what a world…https://t.co/jw1IyDqX34
— Christian Cerboncini🌍🇪🇺🇺🇦✊ (@ChristianCerbo2) November 9, 2023
Other luxury bags on the market include Chanel’s classic “flap” handbag. The lambskin version costs around £9,000 (S$15,000).
There’s also The Row’s “Arlo Bag,” which is made from “polished alligator.” Price is £26,860.
Also read: Cats are slaughtered and sold as mutton and pork in China. Over 1,000 people rescued by activists
this article First published in The Straits Times. Permission is required for reproduction.