When Jagatjit Singh, the Maharaja of Kapurthala in Punjab, traveled around the world in the 19th century, he wanted his luggage to reflect his refined taste. As a Francophile, his palace in Kapurthala was modeled after the Palace of Versailles in France. Naturally, he turned to Louis Vuitton, commissioning over 60 bespoke trunks to accommodate his clothes, swords, turbans, suits, shoes, and traditional dresses.
The History of Louis Vuitton Trunks
Louis Vuitton has been creating luxurious trunks for the rich and famous since 1858. Their journey began with the introduction of the first LV trunk made from Trianon canvas, a waterproof and durable material. These trunks were flat-topped and bottomed, making them stackable and more travel-friendly than the rounded-topped trunks of the era.
In 1867, Louis Vuitton patented the Malle Courrier or the Mail Trunk, essentially the flat trunk that became iconic. Over the decades, they developed various canvases to make their trunks imitation-proof, with the monogram canvas introduced in 1897 becoming the most popular.
Trunks for Royalty and Celebrities
From the Maharajas of India to European royalty, Louis Vuitton trunks have been a symbol of luxury and sophistication. The Gaekwads of Baroda and Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir were among the many royals who commissioned special trunks for their travels. Singh, a polo aficionado, even had trunks specifically for his mallets.
Louis Vuitton and the Olympics
Louis Vuitton’s legacy continues with their involvement in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Olympic torch traveled in a bespoke Louis Vuitton trunk, showcasing the brand’s signature craftsmanship. The custom-made suitcase held the torch as it made its way to Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris before being handed to French football legend Thierry Henry.
LVMH, the parent company of Louis Vuitton, is a premium sponsor of the Paris Olympics, contributing $163 million. Their involvement includes providing wines for Olympic hospitality suites and designing the winner medals through Paris jeweller Chaumet.
The Tradition of Savoir-Faire
Louis Vuitton is renowned for their tradition of savoir-faire, or ‘knowing how to do.’ This expertise is evident in their special-order trunks made in Asnieres, crafted from materials like zinc, copper, wood, canvas, and various leathers. The brand also creates trophy trunks for prestigious sporting events, including the Grand Prix de Monaco, Australian Open, Davis Cup, Roland Garros, and FIFA World Cup.
A Timeless Symbol of Luxury
From Punjab to Paris, Louis Vuitton trunks have been a symbol of class, durability, and luxury. They have catered to the needs of royalty, celebrities, and athletes, cementing their status as the ultimate travel accessory. With a tradition of crafting exquisite trunks for over a century, Louis Vuitton continues to be a name synonymous with elegance and sophistication.