The exhibit includes a trunk designed by BTS.
For Louis Vuitton’s 200th birthday, his eponymous French house pays tribute to his origin story through a display in Singapore Marina Bay Sands.
Titled “200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries: The Exhibition,” versions of LV’s steam trunks were designed by today’s influential artists, athletes, and musicians, including BTS, astronaut Alyssa Carson, designer Kim Jones, French paralympic swimmer Theo Curin, luxury architect Peter Marino, makeup artist Pat McGrath, and Marc Jacobs.
In the 1850s, Louis Vuitton began his luxury fashion legacy by crafting trunks as an expert luggage maker. He later acquired a clientele of the mid-19th century’s most influential people, including Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife, Empress Eugenie de Montijo. The Empress appointed him as her official packer and box-maker in 1853.
A year later, Vuitton ventured to open his own boutique in Rue Neuve des Capucines (the French boulevard, Capucines, is what one of LV’s leather handbag lines is named after).
The exhibition and tribute are led by Vuitton’s great-great-great-grandchild Benoit-Louis, who holds the post of LV’s director of art, culture, and patrimony.
“As a member of the Louis Vuitton family, it is a part of my legacy to always be thinking about creativity and innovation,” Benoit-Louis told CNA Luxury.
He adds that it’s in the Maison’s DNA to respect its heritage while looking to the future equally. “[We are] constantly looking towards newness and innovation in a way that serves the needs of its clients,” Benoit-Louis shared.
LV gave each selected personality a plain box measuring 50cm x 50cm x 100cm to create their own iteration. After the trunks are displayed until April 27, Sotheby’s will auction them in London to benefit LV’s scholarship program for supporting students in creative fields.
Out of the 200 trunks created for the tribute, we’ve winded them down to four of our favorites.
Susan Miller
Conceived by American author and astrologer Susan Miller, her iteration may seem like a plain black box. However, a look inside will reveal a miniature solar system designed after Vuitton’s birth chart.
Valentin Herfray
Paris-based artist and photographer Valentin Herfray uses his box to stand a 3D printed sculpture of Sophie Koella. His muse, a model and artist, is seen in an entangled position with a cat and wearing LV’s Pillow Comfort Ankle Boots.
Jean-Michel Othoniel
Inspired by a trip to India, visual artist Jean-Michel Othoniel embellished his box with glass bricks made in the country. Titled ‘Trunk Of Hope,” the France native got the idea from a dream he says everyone has—building your own home one day.
Theo Curin
If this installation reminds you of water, you’re not wrong. It’s made by French Paralympian swimmer Theo Curin who learned to swim despite his fear of water. Five years after learning to swim, Curin had to amputate all four limbs after getting infected with meningitis.
“I started in indoor swimming pools and soon became a Paralympic champion. Today, I’d like to bring my swimming to natural waters,” he told The Straits Times.
“My trunk represents water going from an indoor pool to open water, showing the transition from clear calm water to the natural waves, incorporating a range of blue shades and reflections.”
Images from Louis Vuitton and @ck.sg_travel on Instagram.
