Louis Vuitton: these collector’s trunks are going crazy at auction
Hundred-year-old Louis Vuitton trunks fetching top dollar? That’s what Christie’s achieved in Paris with its “Legendary Trunks, Part II” sale.
A collection that rewrites the history of luxury
Christie’s Paris recently orchestrated a rare event in the auction world: the second part of the sale “Legendary Trunks: A European Private Collection”, dedicated to the world of Louis Vuitton. The result? A world record, with a total of 24 million euros ($25 million), positioning this session as the most important sale ever made for a trunk collection.
Each piece tells a piece of travel history, from iconic cabin models to shoe trunks, dressing tables and portable desks. More than mere objects, these trunks are seen as timeless witnesses to French savoir-faire, blending design, utility and refinement.
Why these Louis Vuitton trunks are still so fascinating
The rarity of the models, their exceptional state of preservation and theaura of heritage that surrounds Louis Vuitton contribute to this phenomenon. Collectors, often from the world of art or design, are not mistaken: these objects are no longer mere luggage, but true works of art.
Some pieces, such as the monogrammed brass desk-trunk, far exceeded their initial estimates, sometimes reaching several hundred thousand euros. Proof that antique luxury, when so emblematic, becomes a safe haven for discerning connoisseurs.
Luxury as cultural heritage
This sale is part of a growing trend: the inclusion of luxury goods in a museum context. The trunks sold could just as easily be displayed in the showcases of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris or the MoMA. Louis Vuitton, a heritage brand par excellence, sees its legacy strengthened here by a spectacular public valorization.
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