The story behind Louis Vuitton's iconic trunk for the Olympic Torch Relay

In a quiet suburb of Paris, the Rue Louis Vuitton hides the heart of the Maison's empire. Behind an unassuming gate in Asnières-sur-Seine, the meticulous work of creating Louis Vuitton trunks has continued for 165 years. Louis Vuitton chose this spot for its retreat-like tranquillity and proximity to his first store. And this time, something extraordinary happened. The renowned brand crafted a 30 kg weighted trunk to carry the Olympic Torch.

Monsieur Vuitton's white stucco home stands proudly, extended by his son Georges, featuring art nouveau elegance and a stained-glass window by Paul-Louis Janin. This was once Louis Vuitton's backyard.

Crafting the trunk for the Olympic torch for Paris 2024 is a matter of pride, prestige and magic expressed by the artisans.

The artisans have a long tradition of crafting. Young craftspeople, some following family traditions, undergo rigorous training to create such pieces.

Their aspiration to be named Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts, France's highest cultural honour, is a testament to their dedication and commitment.

How did they make this iconic trunk?

Siam, a carpenter, shapes the poplar wood for the trunk. She takes pride in being a woman working on this historic piece, reflecting the gender equality of the upcoming Olympics.

Overcoming design challenges, she adapted to the exacting specifications of torch designer Mathieu Lehanneur, who wanted the torch to be discernible.

The team solved this by inserting solid magnets into the trunk's base, making the torch appear to float. They also created interchangeable lids for transport and display, accommodating the designer's desire for a smooth inside lid.

Each trunk, with its rectangular shape and angular edges, is a design that sets Vuitton apart from competitors. It showcases the brand's innovative spirit and unique approach to craftsmanship.

After Siam's work, the trunk, weighing 30kg, moves to the lock section. The original system devised by Georges Vuitton is still used, with unique codes for each trunk.

Nelson, another carpenter, applies a cotton layer to the wood upstairs for sturdiness and waterproofing before adding the distinctive monogram or Damier canvas. The pattern, designed by Georges in 1888, cannot be sliced down the middle of a square, requiring precise measuring.

Nelson's job is to slice the canvas with precision. In an interview with Telegram, he expressed deep pride in his work on this historic project.

Other artists take care of different parts of the trunk. For example, it takes great care to perfect the interior and hardware, lining the trunk with black calfskin and finishing it with gold-dipped brass hardware for that extra shine. These require dedication and precision.

Their passion and pride in their work are palpable, connecting the audience to the heart of Louis Vuitton's craftsmanship. The artisans feel honoured to work on the Olympic torch trunk. Despite the lengthy process, they know their effort will be worth it when the Olympics begin.

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