Gone are the days when people said, “You snooze, you lose.” Today, the updated adage is more like, “If you snooze, make sure you do it in style.” Louis Vuitton is redefining your beauty sleep with two stunning new versions of its iconic bed trunk. Artistic Director of Women’s Collections Nicolas Ghesquière and Men’s Creative Director Pharrell Williams have collaborated to give the world yet another reason to rest easy, and open their wallets, with these modern interpretations of the 19th-century original. Originally launched in 1868, the bed trunk was designed to provide travelers with the comfort of a good night’s sleep during their journeys. The ingenious design, which was patented in 1885, now sees a new chapter in its story.
Pharrell Williams has given the Malle Lit a fresh twist, featuring a classic Monogram canvas exterior and a smart, foldable aluminum and beechwood bed frame that effortlessly transforms into a cozy sleeping space. For unparalleled comfort, the trunk includes a four-part mattress equipped with memory foam. His design features a distressed exterior with vibrant red and white stripes lining the interior, while the subtle jacquard mattress and pillow are adorned with “LV Lovers” embroidery.
Nicolas Ghesquière’s take on the bed trunk is equally captivating. Drawing inspiration from his previous collections, his version combines engraved metal plates with a floral-patterned mattress, blending the softness of visual elements with the ruggedness of materials.
Trunks have always been a cornerstone of Louis Vuitton’s heritage. In fact, the brand’s journey began when 16-year-old Louis Vuitton started his apprenticeship with trunk maker Monsieur Maréchal in Paris in 1836. As for the bed trunk, one of the first examples was created for Italian explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza. This pioneering piece was made of zinc and copper to resist dust and dampness, and ingeniously concealed a camp bed within.
Coming back to the latest offerings, Elite Traveler reported the Nicolas Ghesquière Bed Trunk ($257,000) will be showcased at the Louis Vuitton store in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, France, from September 20 to October 6, while the Pharrell Williams Bed Trunk ($221,000) will be on display at the Savoir Rêver Louis Vuitton event at the Hôtel Cheval Blanc in Paris from September 21 to October 4.
