I have to admit that I’ve often wondered if millionaires ever go camping and wake up in the middle of the night with a rock poking into their back. What I hadn’t considered until now is that rich people can afford to have others carry their luggage, whether for camping or to a luxurious resort. Packing light isn’t a concern for them, so why not carry their own bed in a trunk?
This idea may seem a bit old-fashioned, but it’s actually a new Louis Vuitton luxury item for travelers in 2024: the Bed Trunk, a trunk that doubles as a bed for travel.
Louis Vuitton’s Bed Trunk: The Return of a Luxury Legend
The history of the Louis Vuitton Bed Trunk is closely tied to the fashion house’s own history. It was once one of the brand’s standout products in the high society of the late 19th century.
During that era, safaris and backcountry expeditions became fashionable among the elite, who sought to traverse the expansive African plains while enjoying the comforts that reflected their privileged status. This demand led to the creation of Louis Vuitton’s famous Bed Trunks, which date back to 1868. At that time, the French house introduced a revolutionary concept: a trunk that could convert into a fold-out bed.
Georges Vuitton, the son of founder Louis Vuitton, patented this innovative design in 1885. It quickly gained popularity among millionaire explorers and military officers who appreciated the trunk’s durability and aesthetic appeal.
Louis, Georges, and Gaston-Louis Vuitton (lying on a bed trunk) pose with workers from their factory in 1888.
The luxury folding bed not only provided comfort for elite travelers but also represented the signature innovation and luxury of the brand. Notably, Louis Vuitton designed a version specifically for the military called the Camp Bed Trunk, which remains a sought-after collector’s item at auctions.
In 2024, LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault has decided to revive this iconic piece by launching two new versions in collaboration with women’s artistic director Nicolas Ghesquière and singer Pharrell Williams, who recently transitioned into the role of creative director for men’s collections at Louis Vuitton.
The new Bed Trunks combine the brand’s 20th-century sophistication and elegance with its historical heritage. Some experts have even pointed out that this piece takes luxury and functionality to a whole new level.
The Bed Trunk designed by Pharrell Williams.
The maison has introduced three versions of the historical piece. One focuses on the original sleek, minimalist design featuring the brand’s iconic Monogram print. Additionally, there are two reinterpretations crafted by Ghesquière and Williams. All versions maintain a structure made of aluminum and beechwood, allowing the trunk to be unfolded and transformed into a stable bed. The bed includes a four-part memory foam mattress to ensure maximum comfort.
A Fresh Take on the Bed Trunk
In his reinterpretation, Ghesquière has given the Bed Trunk a futuristic and distinctive aesthetic. His design utilizes engraved metal sheets and reinforced corners, evoking a dystopian space theme, as if the trunk were meant for interstellar travel.
The Bed Trunk designed by Nicolas Ghesquière.
Meanwhile, Williams has taken the Bed Trunk in a unique direction, paying homage to Louis Vuitton’s archives with a design that reflects the style of early Louis Vuitton trunks.
The exterior features frayed stripes inspired by the patterns from 1872, while the interior showcases a combination of white and red stripes, along with a mattress and pillow embroidered with the phrase “LV Lovers.” The frame is light-colored wood, contrasting beautifully with the black aluminum hardware.
These new versions of the Bed Trunk are available upon request and exemplify Louis Vuitton’s ongoing commitment to reinvention. They’re priced from about $170,000 for the Monogram model to around $203,000 for the Williams version and up to $235,000 for the model designed by Ghesquière. In the end, these exclusive products cater to a select clientele seeking the ultimate expression of luxury and comfort.
Image | Louis Vuitton
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