A collection put together by a trunk enthusiast, with over 100 specimens, each piece is emblematic of an era or style. The collection constitutes a true anthology of the trunk Louis Vuitton.
The trunk as a unique travel companion that evokes adventures, discoveries and distant connections
In the history of trunks, the Maison has quickly risen to the rank of myth luxury items. By adopting a flat shape that allows luggage to be stacked and favoring lightweight, waterproof linings, Louis Vuitton creates the first luxury trunks. From its founding in 1854, to contemporary iterations, including creations designed during the tenure of the late, celebrated Virgil Abloh, these trunks are a testament to the exceptional know-how of more than five generations of expert craftsmen.
The trunks in the collection bring together different materials such as zinc, copper, wood, leather and canvas
Combining robustness and timeless sophistication, each is designed to appropriately respond to the travel needs of its time. The diversity of the models presented illustrates the evolution of design, satisfying the changing needs of an elegant clientele constantly seeking practicality. The processing of the slats and rounded brass nails makes each chest as unique as the lock it is equipped with. Among the most notable pieces of the sale, a wardrobe trunk, from 1900, is made with a copper exterior. This rare and exquisite material was used to offer protection from the elements – including heat, humidity, and humidity – as the traveler traveled to remote locations. The famous Ideal Trunk in cowhide and brass locks stores shoes, hats and scarves in special compartments. The compartments inside the trunk open to reveal contents like a toolbox – perfect or “ideal” for a week's business trip.
From 1896 the famous Monogram canvas was introduced, which succeeded the checkerboard, or Damier, and Rayee, or striped canvases. This model from the 20s-30s is notably equipped with stationery compartments and a folding table. The legendary model is called the Stokowski Trunk, as it was initially designed for the conductor Leopold Stokowski to adapt it to his work and travel habits. Year after year, the charm of the trunks continues uninterrupted and the successive creative directors perpetuate the tradition of the Maison by adding touches of modernity. Thus, in 2021, Virgil Abloh offers his version of the emblematic Courrier Trunk, with a yellow monogram canvas proposed in a limited edition.
Some trunks embody ingenious solutions to satisfy a luxurious clientele
Un alligator trunk opens to reveal a set of caviar with four shot glasses; or a monogram canvas Malle is equipped to hold a birthday cake, including a cake cutter and a set of forks; or for the summer, limited edition, 2004, the rare Croquet Malle hides inside everything needed to pay for a game of Croquet for eight players.
The collection also highlights collaborations and special editions
Inspired by the concept of the ideal trunk, Louis Vuitton created a travel library trunk for books. L'Hemingway Library Trunk, first designed in 1927 by Gaston-Louis Vuitton for Ernest Hemingway, is the most iconic example of a travel library. Available in different variations, one of these versions is presented on this occasion, a yellow Vuittonite bookcase trunk with drawers and space for a typewriter. Among the special orders there is also a mail chest from the collection of French banker and philanthropist Albert Kahn, who has dedicated much of his life and legacy to traveling the world to document and promote cultural diversity. The sale presents one of the trunks purchased byactor John Moffat, aka Hercule Poirot, from the 30s. This monogrammed canvas trunk armoire has six drawers and hangers and prominently features a monogrammed exterior.
The 1920 Lily Pons shoe chest holds 36 pairs of shoes and is named after the famous opera singer
She was famous for her performances at the Met in New York, her front-line appearances with Marlène Dietrich, and her iconic presence on the balcony of the Opéra Garnier on May 8, 1945, in front of a huge crowd.
The collection will be presented to the Parisian public from 19 to 24 June at 9 avenue Matignon. The exhibition, characterized by a dedicated scenography, will precede the online sale from 19 June to 3 July.
