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The driving theme behind the Journées Particulières was to enable more visitors to discover the inner workings of our, often secular, continually innovative Houses which form part of our heritage. The 4th edition focused on experiences, interaction and encounters. Each venue offered a unique and original tour, designed by the host House.

In addition to the Louis Vuitton Workshops in Asnières, France, and Fiesso d'Artico in Veneto, Italy, two new locations were opened to the public this year: Les Fontaines Parfumées in Grasse, South of France, and the Louis Vuitton Ducey Workshop, in Normandy, France.

Photographs in order of appearance: Les Fontaines Parfumées (x3), Fiesso d'Artico (x2), Asnières (x2), and Ducey Workshop (x1).

Find out more about the event here: https://www.lvmh.com/lesjourneesparticulieres/

In 1924, Louis Vuitton made a trunk for the French gallerist René Gimpel, enabling him to travel worldwide and present works of art to his clients. Since then, the Maison has been entrusted by clients around the world to transport their art and supplies, creating cases that protect and transport their belongings in the most optimal conditions. In continuing with this heritage, the Rijksmuseum entrusted Louis Vuitton to create a special-order trunk to transport the masterpiece The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer during its voyage from Amsterdam to Japan.

The trunk, handcrafted in Louis Vuitton’s historic workshops in Asnières, France, has been meticulously produced to house the painting. Adorned in the iconic Monogram canvas and the signature brass corners and lock, the trunk features personalised hand-painted stripes along with a yellow-coloured interior evoking the main colours of the masterpiece.

Discover Louis Vuitton’s collection of trunks

Featuring a remarkable collection of the house’s archive trunks, it acknowledges Louis Vuitton’s history with London that began when Georges Vuitton opened his first London store on March 1st 1885. Located on 289 Oxford street it was the first international store outside of France.

Proud of his family’s heritage and keen to promote both his design skills and France’s influence abroad he incorporated the French tricolour flag in his signage. He placed a similar sign in a display window of his London store, along with one of the Vuitton trunk-beds that French officers took on their missions overseas, kickstarting the idea of whimsical window dressing.

In 1889, Georges opened a new store opposite Charing Cross, one of London’s main railway stations. Later in 1900, to reflect the sophistication of the house’s designs, Georges decided to relocate to the heart of London’s luxury goods district, at 149 New Bond Street, close to where the current store currently stands today.

Discover more about The French Art de Vivre

Explore the Collection

Since its founding, Louis Vuitton has been the master-packer for some of the most precious objects in the world. This year, true to its passion for creation and strong support of the arts, the Maison has teamed up with the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam to transport one of the museum's most important pieces: Johannes Vermeer’s "The Milkmaid". On the occasion of the exhibition “Making the Difference: Vermeer and Dutch Art” at the Ueno Royal Museum in Tokyo, the world renowned masterpiece travelled in a bespoke Louis Vuitton trunk from its home in the Netherlands to Japan.

The Milkmaid, sometimes called The Kitchen Maid, is an oil-on-canvas painting of a “milkmaid“ or maidservant pouring milk, entirely absorbed in her work. Except for the stream of milk, everything else is still. Vermeer took this simple everyday activity and made it the subject of an impressive painting – the woman stands like a statue in the brightly lit room. Johannes Vermeer’s paintings are considered among some of the most precious artworks in the world, and are kept in the world’s finest museums. Being entrusted with the masterpiece's safe transport across the world is an honour and testament of Louis Vuitton's heritage of quality craftsmanship.

Discover Louis Vuitton’s collection of unique trunks

Commending Louis Vuitton’s history with London that began when Georges Vuitton opened his first London store on March 1st 1885, it features a remarkable collection of the house’s archive trunks.

The Men’s Club will present historic pieces from the archives alongside current collections that celebrate the British art of lifestyle and entertainment. Created in the legendary Asnières atelier in France, each Louis Vuitton trunk takes shape according to the dreams and desires of clients from around the world.

Classic British sport pastimes are highlighted with notable trunks including lawn and poker sets. DJ and casino trunks celebrate leisure activities whilst champagne, wine and caviar trunks acknowledge the fine art of dining.

Remaining faithful to the spirit of its founder, Louis Vuitton, who invented a genuine “Art of Packing” the Men’s Club also honour a selection of trunks for travel including, sea, land and air.

Discover more about The French Art de Vivre

Explore the Collection