If you’re considering a little trip to France; people watching at the Champs-Élysées, or taking in the majesty of the Eiffel Tower, then I’ve got another must-see French treasure to add to your list.
This July, luxury French brand, Louis Vuitton, opened it’s doors to one of the most iconic residencies in France. The historic family home of Louis Vuitton which houses his famous atelier (workshop), Asnières, located in the Parisian suburb of Asnières-sur-Seine.
Maison de famille Louis Vuitton et atelier – Louis Vuitton family house & workshop
Until the mid 60’s, Asnières was the residency of the Vuitton family, however after the family moved out, they kept the atelier going.
To this day, Asnières continues to create the houses’ most exceptional pieces, including hard-sided LV trunks, items in rare and exotic skins as well as all custom, special-orders.
Fulfilling the most extravagant requests, from the famous trunk-bed of explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, to the tea trunk for the Maharajah of Baroda, and Karl Lagerfeld’s iPad Trunk.
Le Salon (living room of the) Maison de famille Louis Vuitton (family house of Louis Vuitton)
Another view of the glorious Salon
It was in this house that all Vuitton family sons learned the art of trunk-making, including Patrick-Louis Vuitton, who today, is in charge of any special orders for clients.
Gaston-Louis Vuitton was passionate about historical trunks from all backgrounds and he had accumulated a significant collection.
Asnieries is a treasure trove that keeps many of these secrets. Secrets that have shaped Louis Vuitton’s exceptional destiny, and includes 23 000 objects, 165 000 documents and 110 000 customer records.
Louis Vuitton’s archives are always meticulously conserved to keep precious objects and documents in the best possible conditions. Clients records, sales registers, posters and original photographs are kept alongside trunks, suitcases, bags and ready-to-wear collections.
Curator Judith Clark has created La Galerie located inside the Asnières workshop. A place open to the public and geared towards discovery and exploration.
Giving visitors a chance to experience the soul of Louis Vuitton through letters, sketches, personal effects, historic items and artworks inspired by the house.
Here they can see and feel the beating heart of the Asnières ateliers, who transform the desires of its travel-loving clients into reality.
Components of the coffret Merveilles, including metallic pieces (corners), lozine pieces and tools used in the creation
Saddle stitching with linen thread covered with beeswax
Pasting of the Monogram canvas
Assembly of the leather strap and final check
To discover more about this special place click here.
All Photographs © LOUIS VUITTON MALLETIER / Julien Oppenheim (house photographs) /François Coquerel (visuals) – used with permission
The Asnières “Galerie” will open to the public on weekends by appointment in the next months.
18, rue Louis Vuitton 92 600 Asnières-sur-Sein
