Inside Louis Vuitton's 'Volez, Voguez, Voyagez' Paris exhibition

By Eliza Cracknell|

"Le Voyage en Avion" by Therese Bonney

Since making its way down the Fall 2014 runways on the arm of Freja Beha Erichsen, Louis Vuitton's Petite Malle has remained one of fashion's most coveted handbags.

Inspired by the house's luggage making heritage, the "little trunk" was based around the notion that while travel essentials may have changed a lot over the years (less couture and hats, more iPhones and chargers), the objective remains the same: creating beautiful luggage that fits people's lives, whether they're travelling to a modern-day office or Paris' Grand Palais.

Left: A trunk created in 1904. Right: Damier Ebene Canvas Petite Malle autumn/winter 2014-15.

Louis Vuitton’s latest exhibition, 'Volez, Voguez, Voyagez' (which translates to 'Fly, Sail, Travel') explores the rich 161 years of history behind the brand's famed monogram luggage.

It's a love song to travel, but also a lesson that necessity truly is the mother of invention.

Louis Vuitton was founded in 1854 as a business to "safety pack the most fragile object", creating new ways for people to transport everything from clothes and cosmetics to artworks and musical instruments via ship, car or train.

"Train Ride" by Therese Bonney.

"New methods of transport allowed the birth of travel for pleasure and travel as adventure," writes curator Olivier Salliard.

"Louis Vuitton was to be the intimate partner of these new adventures."

With 180 pieces spread across nine rooms, visitors will feast their eyes on eccentric trunks, age-old beauty cases, leather goods and paintings.

Coiffeuse-fitted suitcase in crocodile leather belonging to Madame Wildenstein (wife of famous art dealer Daniel Wildenstein).

Highlights include a 1901 steamer bag designed to carry laundry, the library trunk of Gaston-Louis Vuitton (grandson of the original Louis Vuitton) and an extensive collection of hat and shoe cases that belonged to actress Lauren Bacall.

The free exhibition is open until February 21 at the The Grand Palais, 3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris, France.

No ticket to Paris? Take a virtual tour here instead.
