Translated by Bethszabee Garner
Last January, Louis Vuitton and Formula 1 officialized their partnership, thus marking the start of a new ten-year sporting era. In the same thought, Louis Vuitton revealed its exceptional trophy trunk on February 18, during the launch of the new Formula 1 season. It was in the O2 Arena in London that the jewel was presented to an audience of drivers and excited fans.
A symbolic trunk grafted Louis Vuitton
To mark the union of the two giants, Louis Vuitton designed a trophy trunk made in the brand’s historical workshop at Asnières. The two front panels are hand-painted and crowned with a “V” for “Victory” and “Vuitton”, in black and white checkerboard, echoing to the Formula 1 banner, as well as the flag of the finish line. To protect the trophy, the interior is covered in smooth black leather, and on the exterior, lozines, LV’s signature borders, complete the case, adorned with angles, a lock, and clasps in fine gold, the same used by the brand since 1960.
©LOUIS VUITTON
A dive into time is necessary to understand the true stakes of this trunk that echoes to the first designed and manufactured by George Vuitton, son of Louis Vuitton, in 1897. Throughout the years, the brand has maintained close ties with sport, and more specifically the automobile. Always in an avant-garde spirit, George Vuitton developed a durable material baptized “Vuittonite” to replace leather, thus allowing the trunks to be exposed to the elements without hindrance. From now on, this fabric is the essential element in the production of these custom creations.
This object, born from Vuitton’s expertise, has become the ultimate symbol of victory in sporting competitions like the FIFA’s World Cup, the Golden Ball Trophy as well as the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Not surprising then, that Louis Vuitton and Formula 1 are joining forces today to serve the common values they share including victory first and foremost. After several years together, Louis Vuitton is ensuring that Formula 1 becomes even more legendary by confirming its proverb : “Victory travels in Louis Vuitton…”.
