Louis Vuitton Unveils Extraordinary Trunks From Past

LV’s long history of trunk making is currently on display at the Grand Palais and some truly weird and wonderful trunks with unexpected uses are included.

The prestigious trunk maker, Louis Vuitton, cares to share some of their exquisite creations from their fashion-rich history. Company founder Louis was the first modern trunk-maker and also the first to design trunks with flat top. The French luxury house is celebrating “Volez, Voguez, Voyagez – Louis Vuitton” at the Grand Palais till 21st February 2016. Curated by Olivier Saillard, this exhibition retraces Louis Vuitton’s great journey from 1854 till today, through depictions of the Maison’s founding members and those who create the Louis Vuitton of tomorrow. Founder, Louis Vuitton’s great-great grandson, Patrick-Louis Vuitton uncovers some extraordinarily extravagant pieces fashioned for elite clients in the Asnières workshops.

Tea Case Trunk

While Louis Vuitton’s earliest trunks were designed to store sports gear, hats, silverware, jewelry, wine and more, this Tea Case Trunk stands out for its uniqueness.

The tea case in grained leather, a forerunner of Épi leather was created in 1926 for the Maharajah of Baroda, who wanted to take it with him on hunting expeditions. Patrick-Louis Vuitton states that every morning, in his vast palace, a valet would offer to take them out for a ride in a Rolls-Royce, on horseback, or on an elephant.

Watercolor Box

Exclusively made to house the painting tools of his grandfather Gaston-Louis Vuitton, the Watercolor Box, is one of Patrick’s most treasured possessions.

He explains that extravagance is in the objects one transports and adds, ” You can see the simplicity of its design, the principle of a wooden frame covered with coated cotton canvas or leather, protected by brass corners and locks, and carried by a handle. Every type of leather has a precise function.”

Flower Trunk

This trunk is actually a miniature cabin trunk and features monogram canvas, brass hardware and Iozine leather trim. These were filled with flowers and given as gifts to top customers.

“It is magnificent, filled with peonies and roses in a made-to-measure zinc tub. For me, the flower trunk is more jewelry than luggage. I made the ten last 20 years ago, with accessories recovered from our workshops, and gave them to a number of very beautiful women. When the flowers wilted, they could bring the trunk back and we would transform it into a box for sewing or for cigarettes!” said Patrick.