Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks

By Pierre Leonforte, Éric Pujalet-Plaá, Florence Muller, et al.

Trains and steamships transformed travel in the nineteenth century--and Louis Vuitton transformed how the world packed.

Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks traces the origins of the iconic travel trunk, from the maison's early innovations in lightweight, stackable design to its enduring place at the center of luxury and mobility.

Authors Pierre L onforte and ric Pujalet-Pla curate 100 of the finest trunks the Louis Vuitton company has produced on commission, including pieces made for movie stars from Douglas Fairbanks to Sharon Stone and couturiers from Jeanne Lanvin to Karl Lagerfeld, as well as cases designed for Ernest Hemingway, Leopold Stokowski, and Damien Hirst.

Illustrated with more than 600 images from the Louis Vuitton archives and new photography created for this volume, this book presents a comprehensive view of these personalized objects at the intersection of practicality and luxury.

Drawing from the Louis Vuitton archives, this richly illustrated volume presents 100 exceptional trunks, each created for a specific purpose and client. From wardrobe trunks and writing desks to custom travel pieces, every trunk reflects a distinct balance of craftsmanship and utility.

Featuring detailed commentary, the book explores the technical and aesthetic innovations that defined Louis Vuitton's legacy--from the introduction of the flat-top trunk to the development of signature materials and locking systems--showing how design responded to the needs of a changing world.

More than a history of objects, 100 Legendary Trunks is a portrait of a cultural icon. Elegant, substantial, and deeply visual, it is an essential volume for readers interested in fashion, design, and the evolution of modern luxury.

A preface by Patrick-Louis Vuitton, a descendant of the founder and longtime steward of the house's heritage, provides a personal perspective on the legacy behind these creations.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810982471
• ISBN13: 9780810982475
• Release Date: December 2010
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 7.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.5" x 9.8" x 12.5"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary