The Louis Vuitton exhibition "Volez, Voguez, Voyagez - Louis Vuitton" opens on April 23rd. Louis Vuitton's journeys, which draw us in physically, gradually shift into an "inner journey."

After the train journey, we emerge into a dimly lit space covered in monogrammed wallpaper. Inside are desk trunks, library trunks, stationery, typewriters, and more. Olivier Saillard, the exhibition's curator, says his greatest inspiration was Louis Vuitton's grandson, Gaston-Louis Vuitton, who loved writing and reading. His unique collection, which valued the aesthetics of calligraphy, led to the expansion of the monogram's uses.



Gaston was an avid collector from a young age, and his vast collection of books, printed materials, hotel stickers, and more reveals his wide-ranging interests. The wide variety of antique trunks on display at the exhibition is just one example. The questionnaire he filled out to collect his trunks reveals his inquisitive nature. All of his collections served as inspiration for Gaston, and helped develop the Louis Vuitton family business.

In 1927, Louis Vuitton created its first fragrance, and Gaston created a completely new bottle. The perfume bottle was a pioneer of collaborations between Louis Vuitton and artists, with various designs inspired by opera, flowers, and performing arts. These beautiful bottles and cases will also be on display at the venue.



Louis Vuitton is, needless to say, a brand with many customers around the world. The attention to detail that founder Louis Vuitton cultivated as a rater-in-barrel (wooden packing box maker and packer) has been passed down through the Maison, and his trust and creativity have shaped the Louis Vuitton of today. A variety of unique special orders in response to customer requests add excitement to the venue. Cases to protect precious instruments for musicians, cosmetic boxes and jewelry cases for famous actresses of the past, shoe trunks and elegant walking sticks for gentlemen. In Louis Vuitton's hands, what did not previously exist is rediscovered as something that already exists. René Jambel, a renowned art dealer, ordered a trunk to store paintings for his business, and the result was a magnificent trunk that would protect the artworks from damage during transport. Thus, Louis Vuitton's connection with art was born, and many painters and artists became its clientele. Today, artists such as Takashi Murakami, Richard Prince, and Damien Hirst are invited to create works to refresh Louis Vuitton's fabrics, patterns, and forms. The previously chic lineup is reborn with a rich palette of colors, infused with the breath of art. The works on display at the venue demonstrate the Maison's openness to constantly embrace new ideas.



And now, the journey moves on to the final section, specially prepared for the Japanese exhibition. Finally, we are welcomed into a Japanese space, allowing us to take a moment to relax. The tea ceremony trunk and the dressing trunk for kabuki actors feel completely different from the Western items we have seen so far. The monogram pattern is said to have been influenced by Japanese crests, and Louis Vuitton has regarded Japan as a "land of inspiration," finding mutual recognition through the ambiguity that harmonizes tradition and modern sensibilities. Collaborations with Japanese artists such as Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama, and Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons have brought a new dimension to the Maison.



The story of the journey comes to a close as visitors witness the craftsmanship of the atelier artisans who came to Japan for the exhibition. The history of Louis Vuitton is evident in the artisans' meticulous work. Once they return home, their Vuitton products, which have developed a patina through years of use, will surely become even more beloved.


--Return to the first part, "Exhibition opens exploring the roots of Louis Vuitton, the brand that invites humanity to travel -- A journey to the sky, the sea, and beyond [Report--1/2]."

【Event Information】
"Volez, Voguez, Voyagez - Louis Vuitton"
Address: Special venue for the "Traveling Louis Vuitton Exhibition", 5-chome, Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Dates: April 23rd - June 19th
Time: 10:00 - 20:00 (Hours will be extended to 22:00 on June 17th and 18th)
Admission fee: Free
Closed: Mondays (however, open from 13:00 on April 25th, May 2nd, and June 13th)