«Volez! Voguez! Voyagez!» literally translates as «Fly! Sail! Travel!». Those three words written across a vintage Louis Vuitton advertisement poster summarize the spirit of the brand and are the title of an upcoming exhibition that will take place at the Grand Palais from 4th December 2015 till 21st February 2016.
Curated by Olivier Saillard, this exhibition retraces Louis Vuitton’s great journey from 1854 till today, through depictions of the Maison’s founding members and those who create the Louis Vuitton of tomorrow.
Monsieur Louis Vuitton
The Grand Palais was constructed in 1900 during one of the most spectacular Universal Exhibitions in Paris which welcomed 48 milllion visitors. At this turning point of the century, George Vuitton was in charge of organizing the entire section dedicated to “Travel & Leather goods“.
The Louis Vuitton booth, surprisingly in the shape of a merry-go-round, presented the Maison’s most innovative luggage and elegant bags and was the center of attention.
“Louis Vuitton has always been at the avant-garde of creation. More than a century after,
if Louis Vuitton remains at the helm of fashion, it’s because we continously inspire ourselves from
the past while anticipating trends of our times. For this exhibition, Olivier Saillard has immersed
himself in the archives of our Maison to decode its secrets. He delivers a fresh vision of our past, present and future“, says Michael Burke, CEO of Louis Vuitton.
The thematic journey conceived and designed by Robert Carsen navigates through 9 chapters, opening with the absolute symbol of Louis Vuitton: an antique malle. An innately modern design, it foresaw what were to become the Maison’s emblematic codes and epitomised Louis Vuitton’s audacious spirit. The exhibition presents objects and documents from Louis Vuitton’s Patrimony
as well as a selection of pieces lent by Palais Galliera, Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
A section dedicated to Craftsmanship closes the exhibition.
SUMMARY OF THE 9 SECTIONS OF THE EXHIBITION
I. THE TRUNK OF 1906, an innovative design
II. WOOD, a gateway to freedom.
The roots of the Louis Vuitton house
III. THE CLASSIC TRUNKS, a catalogue
of refined canvases, shapes and locks
IV. THE INVENTION OF TRAVEL:
– The rise of yachts, a taste for cruises.
The inauguration of the Steamer bag
– The motor cars, speed at one’s fingertips
– The train, outbound travel
V. THE ABSENT HOUR,
fine writing in line with Louis Vuitton
Artist Cindy Sherman with the colorful trunk embellished with hotel labels she designed for Louis Vuitton.
VI. THE PORTAIN TRUNK,
a conversation with art
VII. ECCENTRIC/CURIOUS TRUNKS.
Gaston-Louis Vuitton’s antique personal collection
VIII. FASHION AND BEAUTY
– Beauty essentials, fine fragrances,
delicate jewellery boxes
– Celebrity luggage. Superstar trunks
– Elegant dandies, the men of today.
Examples of masculine luggage
– Fashion and design, a mirrored present day
IX. THE MUSIC ROOM.
Special orders, dreams are made of these
EXHIBITION DETAILS
GRAND PALAIS 4th December 2015 till 21st February 2016
Salon d’Honneur, Entrée Square Jean Perrin, Champs-Elysées, Avenue du Général Eisenhower,
Paris 8th
Monday, Thursday and Sunday, from 10am – 8pm
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 10am – 10pm
Closed on Tuesdays except during school holidays
Free admission
AUDIO GUIDE
A mobile phone application allows visitors to enrich their tour.
As a big fan of the House of Louis Vuitton, I am truly looking forward to this exhibition.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: ©Archives Louis Vuitton Malletier
