Earlier this year, Louis Vuitton presented its eye-catching Cruise 2023 at the Salk Institute in San Diego, California. It was a perfect day; bright, breezy, and blue skies. The space was the ideal backdrop for this cruise show, which continued Nicolas Ghesquiere’s ongoing tradition of staging the brand’s Cruise shows at some of the world’s most impressive architectural structures. The collection itself was inspired by the clean lines of the space, and it was a truly artful collection that oozed both innovation and style.
As for the bags, there were many, and collectors will love a few things about the Cruise collection. For starters, there’s the LV Book Chain Wallet, which quite literally looks like you’re toting around a vintage book, but with a twist, it’s functional. Then, for the real limited-edition lovers out there, the Cruise 2023 show teased its upcoming collaboration with famed Japanese dots artist Yayoi Kusama, but the real standout debut of the Cruise show was Ghesquière’s latest exploration of Louis Vuitton’s heritage.
A Modern Ode to Louis Vuitton History
The Side Trunk bag sees a return to the House’s humble beginnings in trunkmaking and is said to be a twist on the Petite Malle, Nicolas Ghesquière’s debut shape for Louis Vuitton. With this bag, Louis Vuitton’s history is inherent, featuring all of the recognizable codes of a traditional trunk. It’s the details that make this bag eye-catching and interesting. There’s a unique leather tab that functions as a sort of closure, hanging over the top of the zipper and fitted with another small piece of LV history – the S-lock closure. The bag’s corners are reinforced with metal, reminiscent of the brand’s heritage trunks.
The Side Trunk bag is offered in the brand’s iconic Monogram, as well as Monogram Jacquard Denim, which was introduced on the Cruise 2023 runway and sees a stone-washed effect that puts a fresh spin on the brand’s signature. There’s also a beautiful Monogram-debossed calfskin leather, which is an elevated version of Louis Vuitton monogram. The Side Trunk offers multiple ways of both styling and carrying with its two removable straps. Overall dimensions are 8.3″ L x 5.5″ H x 2.4″ D. Prices range from $3,800 for the Monogram version to $4,350 the calfskin version.
