Question: When is a Louis Vuitton piece of luggage, not a Louis Vuitton piece of luggage? Well, hunnnnnney…. that’s a trick question – a Louis… is a Louis… is a Louis.
But, why should we pack away our Louis Vuitton luggage and only visit it when travelling? I mean, come on, my philosophy is ‘If we have it, enjoy it!’
In 1854, French designer Louis Vuitton
introduced high-end steamer trunks and wardrobes. When these rare vintage
examples are found in mint condition with all interior parts intact, prices are
high.
What Is It? Parisian box maker Louis Vuitton began designing
luxurious compartmental trunks. By 1858, Vuitton impressed his wealthy
clientele by introducing the first flattop slat trunk. Prior to his new design,
trunks featured dome lids, which were hard to stack aboard ships. The flattops
incorporated poplar frames, embossed coated canvas, and brass hardware with a
patented tumbler lock, and they were customized with a client's initials.
What Is It Worth? Styles include (photo top
to bottom): monogrammed canvas steamer trunks (c. 1920; $28,000), orange-fabric
cabin trunks (c. 1900; $9,500), monogrammed canvas wardrobes (c. 1920; $20,500).
I am not a 'collector' per-say
of anything really but, well, hmmmm, I could do this! Debra Manning, vice
president of Hermitage Antiques in Dallas says "Purchase
trunks from a reputable antiques dealer who can highlight any special features
or restorations on a vintage trunk." Condition is key, because examples
were used for travel. Many still contain the original hangers, drawers, and
storage boxes. In 1922, a wardrobe was on sale for $115 to $150. Today prices start
at $1,500 for vintage trunks in mediocre condition and $7,000 for ones in good
shape.
So, back on task - I was ‘surfing the web’ last night (do they still say that, surfing the web?), just randomly looking and googling when I came across this amazing picture
(above) that just spoke to me: the color/the warmth/the wear/the back story…
You know what I mean; I stopped and felt something deep down inside. Oh my
goodness, I just got lost for a while. (Don’t you love when that happens? It’s
like you aren't really alone out there in that big world called the Internet… other
people have your taste too!) Well, true to myself, if one picture can make me
feel that good, imagine how many others are out there just waiting for me to
find… so off I went on my quest and look what I found!
Louis Vuitton + Home
Furnishings = A Match Made in Heaven
Here’s my inventory
just waiting to furnish my home… just kidding!
Got a set of old Louis Vuitton luggage (well
any brand would do, but if you are going to do it – do it right!) lying around
gathering dust? There are so many ways to reuse those old suitcases in home
decor for storage and decoration. There is no need to hide them away in the
attic. Vintage suitcases can be in full display and look great.
This steamer trunk
was actually designed to hold books for travelling… but, wow, what a great
addition to any room in your home, right?
And then there is
this little gem… a shoe trunk - a perfect addition to any closet organizer!
What about in the
bedroom? …a cute bedside table
…or maybe some
storage at the foot of your bed?
What about in the
living room? …the perfect end table
Everyone has used an
old trunk for a coffee table at one time or another in their home furnishing
life, right?
Of course, we are
talking Louis Vuitton, so trust me, it can randomly sit anywhere in your home!
The new trend in
home furnishings is the Bar Cart (well, not new but definitely back in the
limelight)… so how about setting it up with a Louis?
Now this is what I
call a Home Entertainment Center
Ok, yes, this
doesn't have anything to do with Home Furnishings, but I just had to share it
with you. Isn't it the cutest?
