We consider the new Monogram Petite Malle bag for Louis Vuitton A/W14, through a delightful animation by Jenny Jokela
Louis Vuitton began with a trunk in 1854, when a sixteen year-old Mr Vuitton introduced his flat-bottom canvas cases to the streets of Paris, creating what is considered one of the first pieces of modern luggage. Revolutionary in design, the pieces incorporated an even top and used canvas as opposed to hide. 160 years later, the iconic luggage still sits at the heart of every collection, never more so than Nicolas Ghesquière’s debut A/W14 show in March earlier this year when the designer gave each model a mini LV trunk, paying homage the brand’s heritage. Titled The Monogram Petite Malle, the bag was an instant online sensation, and comes in multiple colourways, including silver, gold, red and black, as well as the classic Trianon canvas.
"I was inspired by Mary Poppins and Russian dolls” — Jenny Jokela
There is something quite special about a trunk, particularly one well travelled. The nostalgic case represents a bygone era as well as the promise of discovery, and has been treasured by history’s most vibrant characters. Charles Aznavour, Christian Dior and Salvador Dalí all owned one, the latter of which used it as inspiration to create his own Dalígram. "Once wide open, they are no longer trunks but albums," says Patrick-Louis Vuitton, great, great grandson to the original luggage connoisseur. An original is worth around £20,000, while its seasonal little sister Petite Malle comes in at £2940.
To mark the Petite Malle's release, Jenny Jokela has created a delightful animation for AnOthermag.com. "I was inspired by Mary Poppins and Russian dolls,” she explains. “I wanted to play around with the idea of a bag that is in constant transformation, in the same way that the classic Louis Vuitton travel luggage comes in every imaginable size and form."
Animation: Jenny Jokela
Photography: Karoliina Bärlund
Model: Aya Brace
Music: Billy — Let's Get Down
Text by Mhairi Graham
