Gazette Drouot - C apencheres

THE MAGAZINE AUCTION RESULTS
Louis Vuitton packs up the prizes
Originally from the Jura Mountains, Louis
Vuitton (1821-1892) started out as an
apprentice with Maréchal, a famous
trunkmaker of Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
He then established his own factory in
1854 on Rue Neuve-des-Capucines, where he packed
the belongings of Empress Eugénie. To facilitate his
work, he invented flat trunks that could be stacked
easily. Vuitton artistically transformed these useful
objects into stylish pieces of luggage, which would
become the worldwide symbol of his Malletier business.
The success of the Vuitton label was immense
during the Belle Époque, and so was duly rewarded
with various gold medals. After Louis’ death, his son
George took over the business. Losing out to counterfeit
goods, he created the “monogram” fabric in 1896, a
charming flower pattern inspired by Art Nouveau,
which became the emblem of the brand. As the official
supplier of royal courts and a prestigious clientele,
74 GAZETTE DROUOT INTERNATIONAL I N° 19
Louis Vuitton, cabin trunk, coated fabric and leather,
reinforced with wood and a brass frame,
c.1935, 56 x 112.5 x 55.5 cm.
USEFUL INFO
Where ? Quimper
Vuitton adapted his creations to the needs of travel,
When ? 10 October
Who ? Hôtel des ventes de Bretagne Altantique
auction house. M. Jamault.
How much ? €12,720
whilst maintaining a touch of comfort and refinement.
This trunk, delivered on 13 August 1939, bears a
Compagnie Générale Transatlantique label referring to
a South America cruise that stopped off in Colombia.
Convenient, functional and in a good state of conservation
with its original keys, the case comes from a
regional estate. It was predicted around €6,000 and
packed in the fans, before being bought by a French
individual for double the estimate. Chantal Humbert