I have to share with you a recently-released book that is nothing short of a show-stopper.
Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks, published by Abrams, provides an intense and detailed glimpse into the artistry of the House of Vuitton.
Page by page, incredible photographs and delightful stories reveal the painstaking artistry that goes into the works that bear that famous LV.
We all know that a piece of Vuitton luggage is synonymous with luxury. However, as Patrick-Louis Vuitton explains in the preface, the trunks that this design house is known for were not always made for first-class travelers. When the trunks were first produced by Louis himself in 1854, they were made for heavy-duty, utilitarian uses.
Flipping through the book, you can see and feel the company's dedication to craftsmanship, the meticulous attention to detail, and the unrelenting loyalty they have for their customers.
As a result, hundreds of thousands of trunks have been taking around-the-world journeys by an eclectic range of clients which include explorers, artists, princes, and of course, those discriminating travelers that want to stand out.
It was a pleasure to step inside the Vuitton world and learn about the legacy of these incredible luggage pieces.
Many people lament today, "They just don't make things like they used to…"
But as Vuitton proves, you can sustain the same artistry in the same factories, by the same family for nearly two centuries of travel. And I for one hope it continues on for the next two.
1 The most perfect photograph is chosen for the cover of Abram's Louis Vuitton book by Pierre Leonforte, Eric Pujalet-Plaa and Patrick-Louis Vuitton.
2 This close-up shot shows the personalization that the company has always promised their customers. This trunk was made for Mme Dore Gulbenkian.
3 Here is a picture-perfect photography trunk that was requested by Albert Kahn.
4 From 1926, this charming tea case was made for the Maharajah of Baroda.
5 This mail trunk made for Charles de Beistegui looks like it has been to all four corners of the world.
6 Notice the detail that had to have gone into the creation of this 1906 ladies' trunk.
7 A gorgeous toilet case in the Marthe Chenal model, made specifically for Jeanne Lanvin in 1926.
8 The book case trunk...a timelessly handsome way to store books.
9 A flower trunk holding a mix of gorgeous blooms, complete with a zinc tray and monogrammed paper.
10 A diverse range of trunks have carried the infamous LV logo, each made for different specific purposes.
Here are some selections from Louis Vuitton's current collections. You can see how the company has stayed true to tradition, yet injected a modern flair.
1 A modern interpretation of the classic Louis Vuitton trunk. You can't get any more polished than this. (louisvuitton.com)
2 The casual comfort of denim meets signature style in this men's Cabas bag. (louisvuitton.com)
3 This is an uber luxe case for my new iPad. (louisvuitton.com)
4 This bag has so much richness -- the suede and the leather create so much luxury. (louisvuitton.com)
5 Small pieces like this Sobe clutch have to be all about the detail. I love the subtle curves and the bold monogram. (louisvuitton.com)
6 This is the perfect size for a weekend trip. (louisvuitton.com)
7 Kerstin, our web editor, is crying over this bag. It's so chic. The combination of suede and gold accents is perfect. (louisvuitton.com)
8 Who knew LV made beach towels? I am thinking I might have to have this for the beach this summer. (louisvuitton.com)
9 Louis Vuitton has updated their collections with an array of daring and modern colors. I love the smoky color on this Speedy 30 bag. (louisvuitton.com)
10 Stephen Sprouse and Louis Vuitton. Genius!
11 I would love these for traveling on chilly planes. (louisvuitton.com)
12 What do you think? Louisvuitton.com allows you to customize your colors and monogram to create a bespoke piece of luggage. (louisvuitton.com)
Kevin Sharkey 
From: ROS | 4/8/11 at 5:56 pm
I received this book for my eighteenth birthday in January, it is such a wonderful book! I absolutely love it and enjoy reading about such a lovely house!
From: Rowaida Flayhan | 4/9/11 at 3:07 am
Good morning Kevin, always looking forward to your book Friday post. Very interesting book I am sure. Love love Louis Vuitton bags and accessories. Real work of art.
I want to wish you a wonderful weekend. My kids are here from London for the Easter holiday, I am blessed .