Marc Newson Designs for Louis Vuitton
Last spring during Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile, Louis Vuitton presented a collaboration with the designer Marc Newson at the Palazzo Serbelloni. In a standalone mirrored architectural space, Newson’s latest project for the luxury house was a musing on the iconic Louis Vuitton trunk, which the designer named Cabinet of Curiosities. Throughout the presentation environment were sleek, rounded doorways and minimalistic interiors. There, variations of the trunk-cum-cabinet were on display, its rectangular trunk body tipped vertically on its side, revealing a collection of cubbies and cubicles made for holding objects, goods, and treasures—much like a traditional cabinet of curiosities.
“The trunk is an object that retains incredible iconography,” said Newson. “I wanted to reverse the context: It is not about the piece traveling, but the items displayed in the trunk having traveled and meaning something to you.”
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
Marc Newson’s Design Is Inspired by Historic Collecting Traditions
A tradition dating back to the 16th century in Europe, the cabinet of curiosities—also known as a wunderkammer—originated as a means of personal collecting, which saw the owner filling a trunk, cabinet, display case, or even a small room with any number of artifacts, artworks, or objects. Often containing items accumulated through travel or holding some significance to the owner, a cabinet of curiosities, while quite literal in its title, was also a unique reflection of the owner, each individual’s cabinet and collection being as singular as their personality.
It was years after this practice rose to popularity that Monsieur Louis Vuitton began the journey within his newly formed label, founded in 1854, of the creation of its first trunk, in 1858. Over the coming years, the newly formed maison became renowned for its durable, luxurious trunks, which, much in the fashion of a cabinet of curiosities, could be made special for the owner. From the start, the design featured a flat top and bottom for easy transportation—a novel concept at the time—and quality materials like aluminum and various types of leather, making them both airtight and waterproof. In step with technological advancements and a rise in travel, they were often customized with features specific to the traveler’s wardrobe and needs, even designed for certain modes of transportation, like particular automobile models or to fit the cargo carriage on hot air balloons.
While Louis Vuitton as we know it today has many facets, from apparel and handbags to design objects and high jewelry, its roots in the original trunk have not been forgotten. In fact, we’ve seen various presentations exalting the momentous design throughout the years. In 2015, “Volez, Voguez, Voyagez – Louis Vuitton” opened at the Grand Palais in Paris, outlining the house’s evolution from its origins with Monsieur Vuitton’s trunks. And just last year, on the occasion of the founder’s two hundredth birthday celebration, “200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries” presented an expansive immersion into the story of the iconic trunk through collaborations with creative visionaries, who each reimagined the design through their own gaze.
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
The Designer is a Repeat Collaborator with Louis Vuitton
No stranger to creative collaborations, Louis Vuitton frequently invites guest artists and designers to add their touch to its most beloved designs—Newson being a repeated collaborator. Leading up to the “Cabinet of Curiosities” presentation in Milan, he has added his touch to the maison’s savoir faire in various instances, including the recent “Pégase” collection of lightweight rolling luggage, a suite of fragrant candles in beautiful ceramic pots, a monogrammed backpack with color-blocked shearling (his first collaboration in 2014), and Louis Vuitton’s now-staple fragrance packaging, which was first conceived by Newson in 2016.
“Combining my design expertise with the savoir faire of the Louis Vuitton brand, it’s a great honor to be asked to design a range of products that really fit within the core of the brand,” said Newson of past work with the house.
Marc Newson’s Cabinet of Curiosities Poses an Elevated Display Solution
Newson’s latest project, Cabinet of Curiosities, features the uncomplicated yet elevated body synonymous with the original Louis Vuitton trunk, along with functions and design options aligning with its history and that of a traditional cabinet of curiosities. The outer shell of the elegant display case features the signature LV monogram and fine details like smooth leather trim and brass hardware. Sitting about waist-high vertically, it opens to reveal a configuration of 19 cubes and cubbies covered in the most supple leather, which comes in three colorways: a vibrant yellow, an understated natural nude, and a tri-color offering with navy, green, and red.
With the option to keep it on display or close it neatly for easy transportation, the owner of Newson’s Cabinet of Curiosities can choose from over one thousand configurations for its interior modules, which include a mix of open cubes, covered enclosures, and even the occasional secret pocket for storage. Whether the owner is a collector of books, jewelry, ceramics, or other small baubles, the Cabinet of Curiosities is the perfect blend of history, design excellence, and savoir faire to personalize one’s space. Limited to just 40 pieces, it is now available to purchase through Louis Vuitton’s concierge services.
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
