The Iconic Louis Vuitton Trunk: A Design Frozen in Time
Our Inspiration: Transcendence of Design Categories
The Louis Vuitton trunk undoubtedly offers timeless style, but there are a lot of elements of a product like this that can be applied to design and interiors, whether it’s in the form of the literal integration of the product into spaces we design, or the inspiration that can be drawn from its history and story. We believe this product serves as an example of both.
John-Luke first saw a Louis Vuitton trunk at a client’s house years ago serving as a coffee table, and was instantly drawn to it because of the timelessly eclectic style it brought into the space. Designs of this nature live on in our eyes, transcending the lines of product categories, while achieving such a level of prestige and sculptural beauty that it compliments any setting or outfit. The Louis Vuitton trunk bleeds into the design world, by our standards, because of the multifaceted use of this iconic piece in almost any space. It adds a level of detailed, thoughtful, and out of the box luxury to any space you place it in whether as a bar table, coffee table, credenza, or a sculpture podium.
Its beauty aside, what is most important to us is our love for the history behind it as it is truly a story of how design vision, hard work, and perseverance can result in a timeless finished product. One of our favorite facts behind the creation of this trunk, as well as other iconic products that originated in Louis Vuitton’s family home and workshop, was that Louis Vuitton kept an extensive library of design and art books on site. This collection was made available to Louis Vuitton’s designers and artisans. This library provided a source of inspiration and education for the team, and helped to shape the brand’s distinctive aesthetic. Another principle we loved was the hands on approach of Louis Vuitton; because he wanted to be close to the production line, he took the second floor suite in his workshop as his family’s living quarters. Similarly, the unrelenting amount of iterations to the design that were made, both functionally and aesthetically, serve as another noteworthy source of inspiration. Records and records of minor proposed changes thought to streamline the design speaks to a relentless commitment Mr. Vuitton had to honing his craft. When designing a home, our approach is similar, thinking about changes that could be made throughout the process and never forgetting that there is always a better way. Of course, this “better design” can only be achieved through consistent exploration and deep thought about the subject. For this reason the Louis Vuitton trunk is a symbol of everything that is required to achieve timeless design, including outside inspiration, and drastic measures (such as living in your workshop) that are required to maintain design and operational excellence.
History of the Louis Vuitton Trunk
We all associate Louis Vuitton products with the wildly popular LV monogram. But there is a rich history of design innovation that transcends luggage. The iconic Louis Vuitton Trunk is not only a fashion statement, but a statement
piece in almost any space you place it in. In the past, this trunk has been used for carrying clothing, sports equipment, cigars, watches, exploration equipment, beauty supplies, and most recently has supported a game of chess between two of soccer’s greatest players Messi and Ronaldo during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton who was a trunk maker in Paris for almost 20 years before he started his own business, the brand initially focused on creating high-quality trunks and luggage, which quickly gained popularity among wealthy travelers. Louis Vuitton knew that with the innovations in train, ship, and soon car travel, significant improvements could be made to the popular forms of trunks. His first order of business was to create a flat top lid and utilize a rectangular shape that made it far more stackable than the curved lids of common trunks. In addition to this he utilized waterproof materials to coat the trunks lid, offering far more protection for a travelers belongings than other market offerings during that time.
Louis Vuitton created the infamous LV monogram pattern in 1896. At the time, counterfeiting was becoming a significant problem for the brand, and Louis Vuitton wanted to create a design that would be instantly recognizable as authentic. He turned to his son, Georges Vuitton, who came up with the idea of a monogram pattern featuring the letters “LV” interlocking with floral motifs.The resulting design was both distinctive and difficult to replicate, thanks to its intricate detail and the use of a special printing process. The LV monogram pattern quickly became synonymous with the Louis Vuitton brand, appearing on everything from trunks and luggage to small leather goods and clothing.
Over the years, the LV monogram pattern has been reinterpreted and adapted in many different ways, becoming a canvas for collaborations with artists and designers such as Takashi Murakami, Stephen Sprouse, and Yayoi Kusama. Despite these variations, the core elements of the design have remained constant, reflecting the enduring legacy of Louis Vuitton’s original vision.
The Louis Vuitton Family Home
In fact, his designs became so popular among the wealthy that he opened his first atelier or workshop in the town of Asnières-sur-Seine, just outside of Paris, France. This atelier was also his Art Nouveau family home. The home was built in 1859 by Louis Vuitton himself, and served as both his family’s residence and the location of the brand’s workshop and showroom.
The house, which is a combination of neo-Renaissance and neo-Gothic styles, was designed by French architect Jules Pellechet. It is situated on a large estate that includes a garden, a stable, and a small farm. In addition to the family’s living quarters. The house most importantly includes workshops where designers had a wealth of design resources and inspiration available to them, while craftsmen executed on their design vision. This unique home’s design also played an important role in the development of interior design. The workshop housed a team of skilled artisans who worked not only on the brand’s leather goods, but also on the creation of bespoke furniture and home decor
One of the most notable features of the Asnières workshop is the Art Nouveau-inspired design of the building itself. The workshop was designed by Louis Vuitton’s son, Georges, who was a passionate art collector and admirer of Art Nouveau. The building features curved lines, intricate ironwork, and other Art Nouveau elements, which were innovative and influential at the time.
Today, the Louis Vuitton family home is open to the public for tours, offering visitors a glimpse into the brand’s history and heritage. The house has been carefully preserved and restored over the years, with many of the original furnishings and decorations still in place. Visitors can see the family’s living quarters, as well as the workshops where Louis Vuitton artisans would create some of the brand’s most iconic pieces. The Louis Vuitton family home serves as a testament to the brand’s deep roots in French culture and craftsmanship, as well as its longstanding commitment to quality and innovation.
One of the key innovations that set Louis Vuitton trunks apart from others at the time was their lightweight design, which made them easier to transport. Vuitton achieved this by using a combination of canvas and leather, which made the trunks both durable and lightweight. Another innovation was the use of airtight and waterproof materials, which helped protect the contents of the trunk from the elements. Vuitton also incorporated innovative features such as modular compartments and internal straps to keep items secure during travel.
In addition to their practical features, Louis Vuitton trunks were also highly fashionable, with designs featuring the brand’s signature LV monogram and other decorative elements. This made them highly sought after by wealthy travelers and helped establish the Louis Vuitton brand as a symbol of luxury and quality.
A Timeline of the Evolution of the Louis Vuitton Trunk
Today, Louis Vuitton is one of the world’s most well-known luxury fashion brands, offering a range of products including handbags, clothing, and accessories, in addition to its iconic trunks and luggage.
The Louis Vuitton trunk has evolved significantly since its inception in the mid-19th century. While the brand’s signature lightweight design and airtight, waterproof materials have remained constant, other features and innovations have changed over time to adapt to the changing needs of travelers and fashion trends.
Here are some key milestones in the evolution of the Louis Vuitton trunk:
1. Mid-19th century: The first Louis Vuitton trunk was created in 1858 and featured a flat top and bottom to facilitate stacking, as well as a lightweight but durable canvas material.
2. Late 19th century: In the late 1800s, Louis Vuitton introduced the famous LV monogram design, which became a defining characteristic of the brand’s trunks and luggage.
3. Early 20th century: In the early 1900s, Louis Vuitton trunks began to incorporate more modular features, such as removable trays and compartments, to make packing and organizing easier.
4. Mid-20th century: During the mid-1900s, Louis Vuitton trunks and luggage became even more sophisticated, with features such as built-in drawers, hangers for clothing, and mirrors.
5. Late 20th century: In the latter half of the 20th century, Louis Vuitton trunks and luggage became even more fashion-forward, with designs incorporating bright colors and patterns, as well as collaborations with artists such as Stephen Sprouse and Takashi Murakami.
6. 21st century: In recent years, Louis Vuitton has continued to innovate with its trunks and luggage, incorporating features such as USB ports, Bluetooth speakers, and other tech-savvy elements to cater to modern travelers’ needs.
Throughout its evolution, the Louis Vuitton trunk has remained a symbol of luxury and quality, offering both practical features and stylish design elements for discerning travelers.
