Painting on million-dollar luxury brand suitcases? Seeing is believing. A few days ago, Yoyo went to witness Louis Vuitton’s Savoir Faire static exhibition at Taipei’s Zhongshan Hall. It was a delight to see live painting on those million-dollar leather trunks! In French, Savoir Faire translates to ‘the art of craftsmanship.
At the exhibition venue, there were dedicated hand-painting artists demonstrating how to create artwork directly on hard cases. Coincidentally, I am also a fan of colorful illustrations. Just witnessing the live painting on the LV hard cases kept me captivated for a full two hours.
When it comes to the history of LV’s iconic hard-sided luggage, we can trace it back to 1854. The brand’s founder, Louis Vuitton, crafted these beautiful hard-shell suitcases with both practicality and elegance in mind, taking inspiration from the predominant modes of transportation at the time: trains and steamships12. These exquisite cases have stood the test of time, embodying a blend of functionality and sophistication.
After their initial release, these hard cases were astonishingly well-received. The factory, originally located in the heart of Paris, even underwent expansion due to this overwhelming demand. As a result, the subsidiary factory in Asnières became the primary production line from that time until today.
The edges and corners of Louis Vuitton’s exclusive hard-sided luggage are meticulously protected with a specialized material called Lozine vulcanized fiber. Then, using tiny iron nails, the material is securely fastened, requiring thousands of these small tacks to craft a single suitcase.
The stylish and distinctive hard-sided luggage comes in both rounded and rectangular shapes, and it’s so compact that it could even serve as a decorative flower box.
This jewelry and accessory box is perfect for storing beloved treasures. It features seven compartments, ideal for organizing rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more. Plus, it comes with a convenient travel storage pouch.
From large cabinets to coffee tables or desks, nothing poses a challenge for LV’s formidable team of artisans.
This hand-painted hard case, adorned with an oceanic world motif, is crafted from white poplar, birch, and red walnut. Its structural framework is meticulously shaped, and the exterior is enveloped in classic, high-quality leather.
At the Asnières factory, they uphold the time-honored French saddle stitching technique. Using two needles threaded with waxed linen thread, they meticulously secure the leather handles on luggage cases. Additionally, they expertly install the brass locks onto the suitcases. This method ensures both durability and elegance in their craftsmanship.
At the exhibit, I witnessed a plethora of captivating artworks. One standout piece featured the classic Monogram leather adorned with a stunning oversized diamond 💎—so lifelike and brilliantly sparkling!
In the corner, this particular white side backpack hard case caught my eye. Each case here, regardless of its size or shape, holds its own unique story.
The guest who customized this suitcase is a Hong Kong-based family—a young couple with a child. As they prepare to conclude their time in Taiwan and return to Hong Kong, they commissioned this case as a memorial to their life oversea.
Acrylic paint! It’s a widely used and versatile art medium that can be applied to leather, glass, and plastic materials.
Acrylic paint dries to be waterproof, which is why we often use it for various artistic projects. However, watercolor paint is limited to paper surfaces; it won’t adhere well to smooth surfaces, and even a slight touch of water can cause it to bleed or fade.
At the Louis Vuitton leather goods exhibit, the on-site artists employ the Stippling technique, inspired by Georges Seurat’s Pointillism. Using a slightly firm brush as their tool, it’s actually a versatile and straightforward method.
Mixing the paint on the palette, dot by dot, and layering colors allows for creating subtle blended effects on leather.
In the world of art, painting on a million-dollar suitcase is no laughing matter. Before embarking on this creative endeavor, a skilled illustrator typically preliminarily designs the desired artwork using computer graphics. Only after the design is confirmed does the actual painting process commence.
As previously mentioned, the painted scenes on the sturdy suitcase each tell their own story. This particular artwork captures a cherished memory of a couple standing beneath a Japanese cherry blossom tree, moments before they step into the wedding hall. Until the final product is delivered to the client, the handle area is meticulously protected with waterproof paper.
Before a skilled illustrator embarks on the intricate task of painting on a million-dollar suitcase, there’s no room for jest. The artist typically preliminarily designs the desired artwork using computer graphics, ensuring it aligns with the client’s vision. Only after confirmation, the actual brushwork begins, capturing the essence of the client’s request.
Drybrush Technique in Art: Adding Depth and Gradation
The skilled illustrator also employs the drybrush technique to infuse depth and gradual transitions into their artwork. Particularly well-suited for landscape paintings, this method involves applying paint directly to leather without diluting it with water. The result? Fluffy, ethereal cloud formations emerge, capturing the essence of the scene.
This technique can also enhance the base color with shadows or highlights. By first ensuring the appropriate amount of paint elsewhere, you can achieve natural brushstrokes.
The century-old LV luggage has long been synonymous with elegant travelers. Although it pioneered the trend of monogrammed initials, an increasing number of luxury brands now offer similar personalized services
The century-old LV luggage has long been synonymous with elegant travelers. Although it pioneered the trend of monogrammed initials, an increasing number of luxury brands now offer similar personalized services.
You can customize the design of LV hard-sided luggage with up to three abbreviated English letters, seven font sizes, and a choice of two stripe decorations.
Additionally, according to the specific requirements of each guest, our skilled artisans can hand-paint unique symbols such as personalized coat of arms or family emblems that you have designed.
At the location, you can even create personalized leather keychains with your own handcrafted English initials.
OKAY..I AM WORKING ON IT…
With its vibrant and diverse characteristics, along with dynamic decorative patterns, the brand has continuously enriched its iconic painted travel cases over the years through the craftsmanship of skilled artisans.
Acrylic paint and oil paint share similarities, but acrylics are less likely to emit a strong odor. Oil paints are mixed with oil and, once dry, become waterproof. However, they have a longer drying time. On the other hand, acrylic paints can achieve an oil painting effect without the extended drying period.
Louis Vuitton (LV) continues to employ the multi-tumbler bolt-action lock, invented by Georges Vuitton in 1890. Upon purchase, each piece of luggage is assigned a unique private lock number. For those concerned about memorization, it’s possible to request that all luggage be fitted with the same key for convenience.
LV hard-sided luggage stands out for its captivating feature: customization tailored to the traveler’s habits and purpose. Whether you’re carrying cutlery, teacups, suits, evening gowns, cosmetics, or high heels, LV has a magical way of ensuring perfect organization for all these items
Yoyo’s favorite: The Louis Vuitton Courrier Lozine 110 painted trunk, reimagined by Virgil Abloh, the creative director for LV’s 2021 Spring/Summer menswear collection, bursts with vibrant graffiti. This reinterpretation breathes new life into the classic Malle Courrier 110 hard-sided luggage, showcasing the masterful artistry of LV’s craftsmen.
Placing a sheet of glass directly on top of a grand hard-sided trunk instantly transforms it into the trendiest living room table or coffee table. The myriad hand-painted strokes, which defy conventional impressions, are undeniably exhilarating!
Cest partir!
