An extraordinary single-owner collection of 37 pieces of Louis Vuitton luggage – including a bespoke trunk made for a large rubber duck – comes to auction this spring. The luxurious array of travel accessories, all covered in the iconic LV monogram canvas, form part of Sworders’ April 30th Design sale.
The duck trunk, measuring 34 x 24 x 27cm, is the only one in existence – the design and manufacture a collaboration between its owner and the senior design team at Louis Vuitton in Paris. It was made to house ‘Canard Willy’, a favourite 26cm yellow rubber duck, to ensure it travelled in the style to which it had become accustomed. Willy was a frequent flyer on Concorde between London and New York.
The trunk, ‘Canard Willy’ and a miniature version gifted to the owner by Louis Vuitton following its production, will be travelling to a new home with bids invited between £18,000-22,000.
Tribute
In the world of haute couture, few patterns or motifs can rival the instant recognition of the Louis Vuitton monogramed canvas. The design originated in 1896 under George Vuitton. He hoped a copyrighted design that paid tribute to his late father would put a stop to plagiarism of the firm’s state-of-the-art luggage. The canvas soon became a frequent sight on the glamorous ocean liners on which the social elite travelled the world.
The collection of modern LV luggage and paraphernalia offered at Sworders on April 30 comprises exceptional pieces, all professionally cared for by Louis Vuitton in Paris when not in use.
In addition to classic Alzer and Super President cases in a multitude of sizes (estimated at prices from £700-1800 each) are a series of bespoke items.
A travelling bar is a particularly special piece. The case opens to reveal a full complement of silver components custom-made by Christofle, Paris. Four beakers, an ice bucket, ice cube tongs, decanter and a garnish pot all carry the unique stamping ‘Christofle Pour Louis Vuitton’. Like many of the pieces in the sale it comes with its luggage tag and dust bag. Sworders expect such an exclusive one-off will command £18,000-22,000.
Trunks
Also made-to-order is a canvas valise à chaussures ‘Géminé’ shoe trunk, with compartments for 12 pairs of shoes (estimate £7,000-10,000) and a trunk for wristwatches (estimate £12,000-15,000). Inside the latter are three mechanised watch displays, two pull-out trays with cushions and compartments, and a hidden compartment containing a leather pouch for watch tools.
“With many pieces in the collection having waiting lists longer than a year, this is a fantastic opportunity to acquire rare and coveted pieces” says specialist Otto Billstrom. “Having been professionally cared for, this remarkable collection is ready for new adventures, ready to accompany you on many journeys across the world in style.”
See also: Julien’s Auctions Announces “Princess Diana’s Elegance”
