I learned long ago that most DIY's are not for me.
But after do-it-yourself videos for how to turn an OG Louis Vuitton Speedy into a Soft Speedy -- with a shoulder strap -- started popping up on my social media feeds, I knew I had to try it.
I have a few Speedy bags in different sizes and varying canvas motifs (Epi leather, Damier, Damier Azur and Monogram). If you haven't done so already, and you're in the market for a Speedy yourself, I'd recommend checking out my comparison review of the Speedy 25, 30 and 35 HERE.
Originally called the Express bag, the Louis Vuitton Speedy was first introduced in 1930. Safe to say, it's a handbag silhouette with some staying power.
I decided to try this DIY on my Monogram Speedy 35. While the Soft Speedy that's available today typically comes in a size 30, this is one of my most-used of my Speedy bags, so I felt okay (not entirely okay, but somewhat) with the idea of punching a hole in it.
Here's how I did it:
What you'll need
-A Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag
-A pencil
How I did it
I've punched my fair share of holes in leather over the years, thanks to my years spent at the barn.
I'll be honest and say the fact that I already had three of the five things needed to complete this DIY (a pencil, leather punch and Speedy bag) likely contributed to my eagerness to try this one out for myself.
I first marked the place I wanted to create the hole on each side of my bag, right at the ends of the zipper. I chose to centre the hole to the leather tab on the ends, right where there's a triangle of reinforced stitching on the bag.
I then punched a test hole in a piece of cardboard in order to select the proper-sized punch for my project. You don't want to make a hole that's too big or too small.
After marking the spot, I punched the two holes. It was very easy.
Pleased with how well the D-ring hardware that I purchased matched the overall bag hardware, I screwed in the D-rings, clipped on the strap — AND THAT WAS IT!
3-month review
I can honestly say that, since adding the shoulder strap to my bag, I've been using it WAY more. It's just so functional! Side note: I use a felt organizer in my Speedy bags to help give them shape.
While I was admittedly a bit timid with the bag at first after its alteration, opting to keep things fairly light inside, I've since become much less precious about the whole thing.
On a recent weekend staycation, I packed it FULL (I'm talking makeup, hardcover book, water bottle, sunglasses etc.), and was pleased by how sturdy it felt. I've checked the hardware and areas where I punched the holes since that bout of heavy lifting, and I'm happy to report that all looks good as new!
So, would you try the Louis Vuitton Soft Speedy DIY?
