Louis Vuitton - The Art of the Journey

A few weeks ago I told you guys about an amazing exhibition that was taking place in Louis Vuitton's London flagship store on New Bond Street - The Art of the Journey, a look at the history of Louis Vuitton trunks. While I like to think that we all have endless hours in the day, to visit far off destinations and look at amazing exhibitions, I realize that's just not the case. So, I thought I'd bring you a look at the exhibition itself, for those of you that couldn't make it to London for the grand event. And, just in case you are reading about all of this for the first time, and you are in London... today's the last day to see the exhibition, so get yourself down to the store and ask for an official tour (ends June 9th, 2016). Pictures can, of course, tell a great story, but there's nothing like standing in front of the real thing.

Let's start with a few facts about the exhibition. Louis Vuitton's The Art of the Journey was spread out over six rooms, ranging from "Heritage" to "British Summer." In these six rooms, viewers were introduced to exclusive trunks from around the world, brought together for one exhibition for the first time. We saw trunks you would expect to see - the standard (yet oh so beautiful) steamer trunks, the vanity cases and the wardrobe trunks. But then, there was so much that couldn't have ever been anticipated. Take, for example, the trunk that doubles as a desk, complete with an actual fold out table. Or how about a trunk that's a working casino? Not impressed? How about a trunk that was built to hold a 1000 cigars or a trunk put together for the enjoyment of champagne? And in case you were wondering what the reference to "British Summer" was set to include - there's a croquet set and a picnic set, each in, you guessed it, their very own Louis Vuitton trunk.

I came away from the exhibition basically believing that Louis Vuitton trunks can work to compartmentalize any part of your life - absolutely anything. It also has me thinking that all those Louis Vuitton trunks I always say in old pictures, of people in transit, most have contained more secrets than any of us could have possibly imagined. 

Now, it must be said that trunks weren't the only pieces on display. In honour of the theme of travel, Louis Vuitton also displayed several "Objets Nomades." These are all pieces that are meant to serve as luxury items for the constant traveller. They are, in short, pieces that travel well. 

And now, a look at what was on display. I don't want to show everything on the off chance that this exhibition returns or comes to a city near you. It is truly a display of art not to be missed. My love affair with Louis Vuitton continues....